In a groundbreaking initiative, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced the formation of the Youth Council of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in collaboration with the Federal Youth Foundation. This newly established council comprises a distinguished selection of promising young talents from the ministry, aiming to enhance the role of youth within the ministry and empower them to have a significant impact on decision-making processes and future initiatives. As the council aligns with the National Youth Agenda 2031, it seeks to position Emirati youth as exemplary figures locally and globally across various sectors.
Engaging Young Talent
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs organized its first youth retreat for its members, focusing on introducing the Youth Council of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This event outlined the council’s strategic goals and upcoming initiatives while creating an effective platform for dialogue and the exchange of ideas on how to support and empower young individuals. Enhancing the role of youth in shaping the future of Emirati diplomacy and establishing a partnership between the youth and leadership to improve institutional performance at the ministry level were central themes of the gathering.
Strategic Vision
In his opening remarks, conveyed by Mohammed Al Mansouri, Chair of the Youth Council of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Omar Obaid Al Hossan Al Shamisi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, emphasized that modern diplomatic and consular work requires young talents equipped with the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to adapt to rapid changes at regional and international levels. This underscores why the formation of the Youth Council of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs includes a select group of youth who will be at the heart of decision-making, acting as active partners through their insights, aspirations, and ideas.
Workshops and Strategic Planning
The retreat also featured interactive workshops titled “Strategic Pillars of the Youth Council of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,” designed to crystallize a set of unique initiatives aligned with the council’s objectives. Participants analyzed key challenges and opportunities associated with the council’s work, identified primary stakeholders, and contemplated the expected impact of proposed initiatives in both the short and long term. Best practices and implementation methods were discussed, leading to the formulation of a clear strategic roadmap that outlines the council’s future direction and enhances its role in supporting and empowering youth within the ministry.
Importantly, the Youth Council of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was first established in 2018 as part of the ministry’s vision to nurture a new generation of diplomatic leaders. The council has played a crucial role since its inception in empowering young talents, stimulating innovation, and contributing to the development of strategic initiatives that elevate the framework of diplomatic and consular work while supporting foreign policy directions.