The Ministry of State for Federal National Council (FNC) Affairs is set to host a youth circle titled “Political Development in the UAE” on Thursday, April 20, 2017, at Dubai’s Etihad Museum. Hosted in collaboration with the Emirates Youth Council, the event will feature His Excellency Dr Anwar bin Mohammed Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, who will be highlighting the importance of raising political awareness and spreading the culture of political participation among Emirati youth. Her Excellency Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister of State for Federal National Council Affairs, said: “Spreading political awareness and establishing a culture of political participation among Emirati youth is one of the Ministry’s top strategic priorities. It is part of our efforts to create a generation of politically savvy young Emiratis, who are well informed about the political empowerment programme launched by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and which seeks to empower the youth to participate effectively in supporting development efforts in the UAE.” “Working together with the Emirates Youth Council, the Ministry aims to introduce the youth to the parliamentary system and the stages of political development in the UAE,” H.E. Al Kaabi continued. “This goes to enable young Emiratis to assume their responsibilities towards their country, and qualifies them to be key partners in developing the UAE’s parliamentary experience.” Meanwhile, H.E. Shamma bint Suhail Al Mazroui, Minister of State for Youth Affairs, Chairperson of Emirates Youth Council, lauded the Ministry of Federal National Council Affairs’ efforts to support the youth, saying: “Our youth have proven, time and time again, to be capable and worthy of our leadership’s trust. They have demonstrated a wide understanding of the UAE’s development position, offering suggestions and recommendations for the country to succeed and excel on an international level.” The Youth Circles offer the Ministry of State for Federal National Council Affairs an opportunity to meet with youth and find effective channels to communicate with them, develop their political awareness, and listen to their views, concerns, and ideas, eventually involving them in the Ministry’s plans and projects. This Youth Circle is part of a series of Youth Circles hosted by the Ministry of State for Federal National Council Affairs in cooperation with the Emirates Youth Council. A youth circle was organised last October to explore ways to strengthen coordination and cooperation between the government and the Federal National Council.