Maktoum bin Mohammed Inaugurates Annual Summit for Young Global Leaders
Dubai, October 19, 2023 – His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Vice President of the UAE, officially opened the Annual Summit for Young Global Leaders, a partnership between the UAE government and the World Economic Forum. In his inaugural address, Sheikh Maktoum emphasized the UAE's commitment to empowering youth, investing in their talents, and providing support to enable them to effectively contribute to shaping the future.
Sheikh Maktoum stated, "We have learned in the school of Mohammed bin Rashid that the youth are the foundation of the future. They represent the true wealth of any nation that aspires to positive change and participation in the human development journey." He further stressed that young leaders are the driving force behind accomplishments and success stories in various fields and play a fundamental role in any development initiative with noble aspirations.
The Annual Summit for Young Global Leaders, held in Dubai and organized through a strategic partnership between the UAE government and the World Economic Forum, brings together over 500 young global leaders, along with numerous experts and specialists from various domains. This international gathering aims to discuss and activate the role of young leaders in supporting global efforts to transition to a sustainable future.
Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, President and CEO of the UAE Independent Accelerators for Climate Change and a member of the Global Young Leaders Council, highlighted the UAE's empowering model for youth. She explained that this model has cultivated a generation that is not only aware but also capable of leading efforts to address global challenges. She added, "This pioneering empowerment model has strengthened the role of the youth in tackling various challenges on our path towards building a sustainable and better future. The UAE has, thanks to the visionary leadership and the involvement of a wide range of young leaders, established itself as a global leader in climate action efforts."
Sheikha Shamma also mentioned the launch of a global sustainability alliance that partners with governmental and private entities as well as civil society to promote sustainability practices in various sectors. The UAE has also launched independent accelerators for climate change, aiming to stimulate and enhance youth participation in achieving carbon reduction targets and achieving climate neutrality and sustainable development goals.
Omar Sultan Al Olama, the Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications, echoed the sentiment that human investment is at the heart of the UAE's model for empowering young leaders and building a sustainable future. He highlighted that the UAE's primary focus is on investing in people, making it one of the key features of the UAE's development journey. He emphasized that after investing in talent and young leaders capable of generating ideas, designing concepts, and creating strategies, the UAE expands its investment into tools, capabilities, and technologies to ensure a more sustainable future.
Al Olama stated, "The Annual Summit for Young Global Leaders shares many characteristics with the UAE. It brings together ambitious youth, influential figures, and creative minds on a tolerant and inclusive ground, representing over 200 nationalities working together harmoniously to serve a single purpose: ensuring a better, sustainable, and prosperous future for the next generations."
Al Olama further emphasized the need for boldness and proactiveness, encouraging young leaders not to hesitate, but instead, intensify their efforts and maintain a positive outlook as they strive to actively participate in shaping the future that everyone aspires to see.