Dr Sultan bin Sif Al Neyadi, the UAE Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Vice President of the Arab Youth Centre, participated in the BRICS Youth Ministers’ Meeting held on Saturday in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India. This significant gathering included ministers and officials from member countries, focusing on enhancing cooperation, exchanging best practices, and developing joint initiatives to support youth.
Youth at the Core of Development
During the meeting, Dr Al Neyadi emphasised that the UAE regards youth as a central pillar of its development strategy. He stated, “The UAE has always viewed youth as a key element in its development journey. Through national policies and institutional initiatives, we ensure their involvement in decision-making, equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge to lead the future.” He highlighted the importance of creating a comprehensive framework that bolsters youth participation across various sectors and provides an environment conducive to innovation. “We firmly believe that investing in youth is the most sustainable form of investment,” he added.
The BRICS Opportunity
Dr Al Neyadi pointed out that the collaboration among BRICS nations presents a valuable opportunity to strengthen international partnerships, share knowledge, and develop joint initiatives that respond to the aspirations of youth. He expressed the UAE’s commitment to working with member states to translate these visions into practical projects that support young people and enhance their roles in addressing challenges and shaping a prosperous, sustainable future for all communities.
The Arab Youth Centre’s Role
Moreover, Dr Al Neyadi noted that the UAE’s efforts to empower youth extend to the Arab region through the Arab Youth Centre. This initiative aims to develop the capabilities of young people and expand opportunities available to them, while also creating networks that connect talents across various Arab countries. Regional programmes and initiatives are being implemented in fields such as entrepreneurship, sustainability, climate action, technology, innovation, diplomacy, scientific research, and community development, all aimed at enhancing their contributions to societal growth and adapting to future transformations.
Strengthening Bilateral Cooperation
On the sidelines of the visit, Dr Sultan bin Sif Al Neyadi held a bilateral meeting with India’s Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, the Minister in the Presidency of South Africa for Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities, Sindiwe Lydia Chikunga, and the Deputy Head of the Federal Agency for Youth Affairs in Russia, Igor Litvinenko. The discussions revolved around enhancing joint cooperation in youth empowerment, sharing experiences in developing youth programmes and initiatives, and exploring new opportunities for collaboration that contribute to developing youths’ capacities and increasing their participation in priority sectors and future fields.
These endeavours reflect the collective ambition to harness the potential of the youth, paving the way for a future where they can thrive and contribute meaningfully to their communities and beyond.