The Ministry of State for Federal National Council Affairs held a youth circle in cooperation with the Emirates Youth Council aimed at familiarizing young people with the parliamentary process and the pace of development and modernization of politics in the UAE.

The event, titled “Integration between the government and the Federal National Council” and held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre was chaired by Her Excellency Noura Al Kaabi, Minister of State for Federal National Council Affairs, in the presence of Her Excellency Shamma Al Mazroui, Minister of State for Youth Affairs. Together, they reviewed the progress of the political process and the efforts made by the ministry to promote co-ordination between the government and the Federal National Council and the improvement of political awareness among society, and young people in particular.

Her Excellency Shamma bint Suhail bin Faris Al Mazrui said: “Political awareness among young people is a necessity to proceed with the march of construction and development of UAE society. From its founding, the leadership of the UAE has believed in its youth and in the importance of this group and its role in building the state and shaping a better future, and has harnessed everything needed for the development and involvement of youth in the political, economic and social spheres.”

Her Excellency added: “The active participation of Emirati youth in the electoral experience has shown them to be trustworthy, as they have demonstrated significant political awareness towards issues that contribute to the elevation and development of the homeland, and their deep understanding of the leadership’s aspirations in terms of achieving development and prosperity for the UAE, and promoting the global leading position of the country … Emirati youth are the builders of tomorrow … and future makers capable of carrying on the march of progress.”

Her Excellency Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi said: “UAE youth are role models of loyalty and patriotism, and will preserve the achievements to date. They are unique examples showing, their dedication in serving their communities and actively participating in creating a better future through their support of development of their homeland.

Her excellency added that the young people today take full responsibility for achieving the vision of the leadership and implementing the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, in order to build a future government founded on the UAE’s greatest asset: the skills and capabilities of youth, and their ability to achieve further progress and prosperity and reach the highest ranks in the world.

HE Noura Al Kaabi explained that the meeting aims to find effective channels of communication with youth to enhance political awareness, and listen to their opinions and ideas within the context of the ministry’s work.

She continued: “The Speech of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the State in 2005, included the launch of political empowerment program to enhance the role of the Federal National Council and enable it to support and guide the executive authorities in the state; be more focused on domestic and citizens’ issues; and to instill the values of participation and the advisory approach through a gradual path, commensurate with the UAE’s society and culture.”

Her Excellency added: “The Ministry of State for the Federal National Council Affairs was established in 2006 to enhance the coordination between the Federal National Council and the government in the context of the wise leadership that seeks to activate and empower the role of the Federal National Council, and promote a culture of political participation in society.

“Since its inception, the ministry has carried out its mandated tasks and responsibilities, and has strengthened trust between the legislative and executive authorities, and improved the relationship in the best interests of the homeland and the citizens.

“Within its functions in promoting a culture of political participation among the UAE society, the Ministry of State for Federal National Council Affairs in the past years has spared no efforts to build community awareness about the political empowerment program, as well as the nature of parliamentary life, with emphasis on political participation that suits the unique nature of the UAE community, and is aligned with its history, civilization, culture, and economic, geographic and social characteristics.”

Her Excellency explained: “These efforts resulted in increasing awareness, and increasing awareness of the political system and of the role of the Federal National Council among different segments of society, especially among young people – the most important category of UAE’s society, and, indeed, any society.”

Her Excellency added: “The Ministry of State for Federal National Council Affairs is keen to launch innovative initiatives and organize activities and regular events aimed at spreading the culture of political participation that suit the nature of the UAE society, through the optimum use of communication channels that are capable of promoting political awareness in the community.”

The circle heard from young people about their proposed solutions for the development of the ministry, especially in the field of promoting political awareness, and coordinating between the Federal National Council and the government, in addition to creating new mechanisms to promote a culture of political participation in society while highlighting the role of youth in promoting parliamentary work in the UAE.