The Ministry of State for Federal National Council Affairs (MFNCA) yesterday (Wednesday, May 20) hosted a remote Youth Circle titled using videoconferencing technology, with the activity held to help young people become engaged in the UAE’s political process.

Titled ‘Youth and the Culture of Political Participation,’ the Youth Circle’s discussion concerned the role of young people in political discourse and how they can be empowered to become pillars of the UAE’s development process. The talk included how youth can contribute to serving their country and build on the many achievements and successes that have characterised the UAE’s parliamentary life.

During the Youth Circle, MFNCA Undersecretary, His Excellency Tariq Hilal Lootah, spoke on several topics, including the Youth and Political Empowerment Programme launched by UAE President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan; the importance of the Federal National Council (FNC); women’s representations in the council; the establishment of the electoral college; and the role that young people play in FNC elections.

“The UAE’s youth plays an active role in promoting political participation, with our young people responsible for continuing the success, achievement and political development of the UAE. This is evident through the eagerness of the wise leadership to engage with young people and use their creative energies to build the future of the country and to advance its position across an array of global indices,” said His Excellency.

“MFNCA pays great attention to promoting the culture of political participation among UAE youth, and it has strived to raise political awareness among young Emiratis, educating them about the role and responsibilities of the Federal National Council and about parliamentary life in the UAE, and to encourage them to take part in FNC elections and play a role in driving the process of political development in the UAE,” H.E. added.

“The culture of political participation among young people comes from the inherent values ​​of the Emirati community and all its members,” H.E. stressed.

“Youths represent a fundamental pillar of the parliamentary experience in the UAE. Their engagement with the political process is evidence of the depth of their loyalty and sense of belonging to the nation – this was made clear by their contribution to the success of the last round of the FNC elections which they actively participated in, whether as voters, volunteers or candidates,” H.E. noted.

“Youths comprised more than 60 percent of the members of FNC’s electoral college in 2019 elections, while the percentage of young candidates for FNC membership reached 37 percent of the total candidates in the last stage,” H.E. said.

“We were keen to organise this Youth Circle during this difficult time with respect to the Covid-19 pandemic as we wanted to be in direct contact with young people to understand their thoughts and feelings about this period, as well as to receive their opinions and creative ideas that could contribute to the development of parliamentary life in the UAE,” H.E. added.

“Since the establishment of the FNC in February1972, the council has played an instrumental role in realising UAE citizens’ demands and contributing to enhancing the country’s prosperity and development by approving laws and legislations that have strengthened the leadership’s position of the UAE in all fields,” H.E. commented.

“Parliamentary life in the UAE witnessed a historic achievement when UAE President, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, stipulated that Emirati women should make up half of the FNC. This highlights the progression of parliamentary life, with women reaching distinguished positions in the realm of politics as well as across all industry sectors in the country. This was further proved by the presence of women in the electoral commissions for the FNC elections in 2019 reaching 50.62 percent,” H.E. said.

“The process of parliamentary life in the UAE is based on the long-term vision set by the Political Empowerment Programme launched by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, on the UAE’s 34th National Day in 2005. This important programme corresponds with the values of Emirati society and its national achievements,” H.E explained.

“The programme is a milestone in strengthening the foundations of political participation and the national decision-making process. It is considered a national plan of action and a basis for activating the mission of FNC, enabling it to be an essential body for executive authority and a strong supporter of citizen-related and country issues,” H.E. said.

“Emirati youth has shown that it has an in-depth understanding of the political process and parliamentary life in UAE . They have the privilege, as well as the responsibility, to continue what the United Arab Emirates has achieved over the past decades in all fields and sectors,” H.E. concluded.

H.E. Saeed Al Nazari, Director General of Federal Youth Authority, said: “I would like to thank the young Emiratis who participated in the Circle for their enthusiasm and interaction, which reflects their love and dedication to serving their county and embodies their commitment to hard work and to shaping the future of the UAE. The youth are an indispensable force in tackling challenges and turning them into opportunities for development and prosperity.”

“Young Emiratis have come to set an example for the youth around the world with their engagement and contribution to the Federal National Council elections last year, as well as their general interest in parliamentary life and their devotion to developing it,” H.E. added.

“I look forward to future editions of this Circle and more in-depth, interactive conversations, which help raise young people’s awareness about the importance of political participation, all the while inspiring them to positively contribute to their nation,” H.E. Al-Nazari concluded.