The Global Women's Forum Dubai 2024 hosted an inspiring panel discussion titled "Youth: A Positive Outlook for the Future," which explored innovative strategies to empower young generations as drivers of progress and global change.

The session featured distinguished speakers, including Dr. Sultan Al Neyadi, UAE Minister of State for Youth Affairs, and Rawan bint Najeeb Tawfeeqi, Minister of Youth Affairs from the Kingdom of Bahrain. The session was moderated by Lubna Mansour from Sky News Arabia.

Dr. Sultan Al Neyadi stressed the importance of education in preparing youth for future challenges, highlighting the need to focus on raising awareness among younger generations starting from primary school.

He emphasised the importance of equipping children with skills such as critical thinking, effective research, and the responsible use of advanced technologies like artificial intelligence.

He also underscored the significance of emotional awareness and interpersonal skills in ensuring personal and professional success.

Dr. Al Neyadi highlighted the Federal Youth Authority's (FYA) National Youth Agenda 2031 as a key initiative aimed at positioning Emirati youth as global role models and contributors to economic and social development.

The agenda's five strategic goals include enhancing youth contributions to national economic growth, strengthening community engagement while adhering to Emirati values, driving positive global change, mastering future technologies and skills, and achieving high standards of health and quality of life.

Rawan bint Najeeb Tawfeeqi shared Bahrain's approach to youth empowerment, explaining how the country's strategy for scouting and discovering talent has resulted in a comprehensive national database of youth talents across various sectors.

She noted that each individual in the database has a defined pathway to unlock their potential. Tawfeeqi emphasised that empowering youth is a shared responsibility and expressed Bahrain's commitment to turning challenges into opportunities for young people to thrive.

The panel underscored the importance of nurturing the skills, values, and well-being of youth to ensure they play a pivotal role in shaping the future. By fostering collaboration across nations and leveraging technology, education, and innovation, the session demonstrated how young leaders can transform challenges into opportunities for growth.