The Arab Youth Centre has officially announced the selection of 100 young ambassadors from 75 countries to participate in a two-month training programme leading up to the United Nations Water Conference 2026, set to be held in Abu Dhabi. This initiative underscores the UAE’s commitment to empowering youth and amplifying their voices in global discussions on water issues.
30 September 2026 01:24 AM
Last updated: 30 September 01:26 2026
سلطان النيادي
The ambassadors were selected from a competitive pool of 2,000 applicants and will undergo training from October through November, focusing on six thematic discussion areas for the conference. The announcement was made during a digital press conference and a welcoming meeting where Dr. Sultan Al Neyadi, Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Vice President of the Arab Youth Centre, and Abdullah Belala, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Energy and Sustainability, delivered keynote addresses.
فاطمة الحلامي
Engineer Fatima Al Halami, executive director of the centre, elaborated on the selection process for the ambassadors and the details of their training programme. The event also featured interventions from representatives of supporting organisations and contributions from selected ambassadors.
Opportunities for Youth
Dr. Sultan Al Neyadi emphasised the critical role of youth participation in conveying their perspectives from diverse communities to global water discussions, stating, “This programme embodies the UAE’s commitment to empowering youth and enhancing their presence in international work by equipping them with the knowledge and tools necessary to contribute effectively to global dialogues.” He highlighted the importance of involving youth in seeking solutions to pressing challenges that will affect future generations.
Similarly, Abdullah Belala remarked, “Through this programme, the UAE is launching a platform that allows young leaders to actively participate in international water diplomacy, contributing to the outcomes of the UN Water Conference and beyond. Youth voices have often been relegated to the sidelines of discussions, but that must change. We want you to express your opinions, pose difficult questions, provide fresh ideas, and take part in decision-making. You will not only inherit the decisions we make today but also shape what comes next.”
The selected ambassadors hail from six regions, including Africa, the Arab world, and the Asia-Pacific region, representing countries such as Morocco, Jordan, Sierra Leone, Palestine, Indonesia, the Solomon Islands, Trinidad and Tobago, Bolivia, and the Netherlands. Their expertise spans areas such as water sciences, environmental law, engineering, and water governance, along with practical experiences in public institutions, international organisations, and community initiatives. The group also includes founders of specialised projects and initiatives in the water sector.