Abu Dhabi, Nov 18, 2018 – The General Command of the UAE Armed Forces – represented by the National Service and Reserve Authority (NSRA) – has organised a Youth Circle for members of the National Service in collaboration with the Ministry of State for Federal National Council (FNC) Affairs and the Emirates Youth Council.
The Circle – the largest of its kind since the initiative was launched – sought to introduce participants to the Empowerment Programme, launched by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, in 2005, as well as the FNC election process and the critical role that the Council plays in UAE public life. Furthermore, the session underlined the importance of political participation, urging attendees to take part in the upcoming elections.
Her Excellency Shamma bint Suhail Faris Al Mazrui, Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Chairperson of the UAE Youth Council, attended the workshop, along with H.E. Tariq Hilal Lootah, Undersecretary of the Ministry of State for FNC Affairs, representing H.E. AbdulRahman bin Mohamed Al Owais, Minister of Health and Prevention, and Minister of State for FNC Affairs, in addition to several high-ranking officers of the UAE Armed Forces.
National Service and Reserve members participating in the Circle were offered a platform to express their opinions and views, and propose solutions to upgrade electoral procedures in the UAE, foster greater cooperation between the Federal National Council and the UAE Government, engage the youth in parliamentary life, and encourage them to take part in the upcoming polls.
“The Empowerment Programme, launched by H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, reflects our leadership’s commitment to empowering its people, and preparing them to be active members of society,” said H.E. Shamma Al Mazrui. “Young Emiratis have proven their ability to uphold their national responsibility and drive the country’s sustainable development, armed with knowledge and the moral values of their community.”
H.E. Al Mazrui explained that the Youth Circles initiative has established itself as a premier, interactive platform that supports young people and fosters dialogue with officials and decision makers on issues that interest the youth, such as the environment, education, economics, politics, security, and energy.
The Minister of State for Youth Affairs thanked all entities and officials who support the youth by cooperating with the Emirates Youth Council to harness their energies and talents to implement the vision of the UAE leadership. “Our community is proud of every individual who joins the Armed Forces or the National Service,” H.E. Al Mazrui asserted. “Having young Emiratis from various professional backgrounds join the National Service fosters greater exchange of ideas and views, all the while developing the members’ physical and mental abilities.”
For his part, H.E. Tariq Lootah said: “The Empowerment Programme pioneered by UAE President H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan sets the foundations for a new era of the UAE’s development. It offers a comprehensive action plan to strengthen our national unity, enhance our social cohesion, and maintain our long-term sustainable development.”
The Ministry of State for FNC Affairs is committed to advocating for a culture of political participation and considers it a strategic objective, H.E. Lootah explained, adding that the Ministry actively seeks to communicate and interact with the public to boost political awareness and meet the community’s needs and interests. “The Ministry has launched a host of innovative initiatives in an effort to engage the public in political life, and establish a political culture that reflects our Emirati way of life and respects our economic, social and cultural traits,” he said, noting that the previous FNC Elections in 2006, 2011 and 2015 have established a successful electoral process that is tailored to meet the needs and aspirations of Emirati society, in addition to placing young, promising Emiratis in the Council.
In conclusion, participating National Service and Reserve members offered their input and suggestions to support and upgrade programmes that seek to promote political participation in the UAE, as well as their proposals for raising awareness around the Federal National Council and its role. H.E. Tariq Lootah asserted that the Ministry will take these proposals and solutions into consideration as it develops its awareness programmes and training workshops.