Abu Dhabi, November 8, 2021 – The Ministry of State for Federal National Council Affairs (MFNCA) organised the 10th ‘Political Awareness for University Students Forum’ in collaboration with United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) to explore political development prospects over the next 50 years.
The session was held under the patronage of His Excellency Dr Zaki Anwar Nusseibeh, Cultural Adviser to His Highness the President of the UAE and Chancellor of UAEU. Expert speakers took part in the lecture, focusing on a series of topics and shedding light on the present and future of parliamentary life in the UAE, as well as the role of the youth in the future of political development, and political awareness for university students.
“Ministerial amendments made over the years have emphasised our belief that our youth are our source of hope, and that they are the leaders who will shape the future over the next 50 years leading up to the UAE centennial,” said H.E. Dr Nusseibeh. “Ministerial positions are the starting line for the youth’s ideas to secure the UAE’s accomplishments and build on its success to remain in the lead globally. We count on our strong-willed youth to come forward with proposals and initiatives to support our pioneering journey.”
“The right path for political action begins in classrooms, by a generation armed with knowledge, expertise, innovation, and talents – all rooted in scientific research and operating within a framework of openness, coexistence, and tolerance. Such roles are no ordinary career paths but a commitment and a sacrifice in the service of your country and its people,” H.E. Dr Nusseibeh added.
Meanwhile, MFNCA Undersecretary H.E. Tariq Hilal Lootah noted: “The Forum’s 10th edition marks the beginning of a new phase of promoting political awareness among university students. For over a decade, the event had evidently caught young people’s attention and raised their awareness of national issues, in addition to developing their expertise and knowledge, in line with the path of empowerment pursued by the UAE to upskill the youth and train them to become the driving force in achieving our aspirations in a country that has challenged the limitations of what is possible.”
“Today’s forum coincides with an important and inspiring milestone for us all – the UAE’s 50th anniversary,” H.E. continued. “The Emirates is on track to make countless accomplishments over the next 50 years, fulfilling its vision to take the lead across all areas. It is a journey that leverages the youth’s skills and potential and channels them towards fulfilling the UAE leadership’s aspirations.”
H.E. Tariq Lootah presented a white paper titled ‘Youth and the Future of Political Development’, where he asserted that the notable participation of the youth In the process of parliamentary work is part of the UAE’s proactive and forward-thinking vision to empower the youth and provide them with the means, qualifications, and knowledge necessary to confidently assume leadership positions.
“The UAE Government firmly believes the youth are the leaders of tomorrow and are in the best position to forecast our future needs, and fulfil the nation’s vision for leadership and excellence,” H.E. said. “Our empowerment journey has allowed us to better engage the youth in parliamentary work. Young people will be the driving force behind decisions that shape a bright future for the UAE.”
Taking part in the Forum were students from universities and academic institutions across the country, such as United Arab Emirates University, Zayed University, Higher Colleges of Technology, Ajman University, University of Sharjah, Rabdan Academy, Abu Dhabi Police College, and Dubai Police Academy, among others.
The current session of the Forum saw the MFNCA and UAEU collaborate to launch a research competition for UAEU students in the field of political development that aims to generate and implement innovative ideas to drive a new phase of excellence in parliamentary work over the next 50 years. The winners of the competition will be announced and honoured during the next edition of the event in 2022.
The Forum was moderated by Prof. Ahmed Alnajjar, Assistant Dean for Research and Graduate Studies Office at UAEU College of Humanities and Social Sciences, and H.E. Afra Rashid Al Basti, Deputy Secretary-General of Parliamentary Communication at the FNC, who presented a report titled ‘Parliamentary Life: Present and Future’.
The report looked back on the UAE’s accomplishments over the past 50 years, before presenting the future the country aspires to in terms of parliamentary work in the next 50. It explored UAE parliamentary life, from the period preceding the establishment of the union to the present day; it sought to highlight the country’s parliamentary milestones, from the transition from early manifestations of parliamentary life into an authoritative entity, to the formation of the UAE and the establishment of the FNC in 1972.
The paper also highlighted citizens’ participation in political decision-making in the UAE, recalled landmark legislative and regulatory developments, and underlined the turning point that was the formation of the Federal National Council. It also discussed the future direction of the FNC and its oversight and legislative roles in the next 50 years, as per the principles set forth in the UAE 2071 Centennial.
Also attending the Forum was FNC Member H.E. Afra Bakhit Al Alili, who presented a paper titled ‘Examples of Young Pioneers in Parliamentary Work in the UAE’, highlighting success stories of Emirati youth in parliamentary work, and offering advice to the young attendees based on her own experience in the FNC.
Meanwhile, the paper presented by Associate Prof. Maryem Lootah of UAEU’s Department of Government and Society also addressed the issue of political awareness among UAEU students. It featured a survey that canvassed a sample of students from the UAEU Faculty of Humanities and Social Science, the results of which were analysed to determine whether their political awareness is affected by the contradictions and varying opinions presented in the media.
On a similar note, Alia Saeed Al Mazrouei, a student in the UAEU Department of Political Science, spoke of the youth’s perceptions of the Principles of the 50, shedding particular light on three of them and the views young people have towards them. Al Mazrouei also spoke of the FNC’s role, competencies, and functions – particularly, it mandate with regards to ‘Parliamentary Diplomacy’ in support of the UAE’s international relations.