UAE Hosts Youth Dialogue at UNGA to Empower Young Leaders

The United Arab Emirates hosted a Youth Dialogue event on the sidelines of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80) in New York. H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, attended the event, highlighting the UAE’s commitment to youth-centered diplomacy.

Event Organised by Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The Youth Dialogue was organised by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) and convened youth leaders from around the world at the UAE Mission to the United Nations. Forty youth delegates participated, including students and Emirati youth living in the United States.

Discussions on Global Challenges

Participants engaged in discussions on pressing challenges facing communities worldwide. Topics included climate action and environmental justice, peace and conflict prevention, equitable access to education and skills development, and closing digital divides to expand opportunities in an increasingly connected world.

UAE’s Commitment to Youth Engagement

The event highlighted the UAE’s dedication to inclusive, youth-centered engagement. It aimed to amplify underrepresented voices and foster multilateral cooperation. This dialogue builds on the UAE’s inaugural Youth Dialogue, held during the BRICS Summit in Brazil in July 2025.

Youth as Leaders of Today

H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan welcomed participants and emphasised that youth are not just future leaders but leaders of today. He praised their courage, creativity, and commitment to addressing urgent global issues, from climate action to digital equity and peacebuilding.

Participation of Key Officials

The dialogue included a session with Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation; Dr. Sultan Al Neyadi, Minister of State for Youth Affairs; and Omran Sharaf, Assistant Foreign Minister for Advanced Science and Technology. Afra Al Hameli, Director of Strategic Communications at MoFA, moderated the session.

Youth Role in Global Decision-Making

Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy noted that young people are already contributing to climate action, peacebuilding, digital innovation, and social development. However, they remain underrepresented in global decision-making. She highlighted that international cooperation must reflect the realities and needs of youth, especially from regions most affected by global challenges.

Translating Youth Perspectives into Action

The dialogue aimed to capture grassroots perspectives and turn them into actionable insights for global policy discussions. The UAE intends to present these youth voices at upcoming multilateral forums, emphasizing that inclusion is both a moral responsibility and a strategic necessity.

Importance of Inclusion and Co-Creation

Speakers stressed that inclusion must go beyond consultation. Young people should actively co-create global solutions alongside decision-makers. The UAE positions itself as a bridge connecting generations, regions, and sectors, ensuring youth are central to global decision-making.

Youth Dialogue as Part of UAE Diplomacy

The Youth Dialogue series forms part of the UAE’s broader diplomatic strategy. It aims to build mutual understanding, strengthen youth engagement in global governance, and foster leadership skills among young people worldwide. The UAE continues to champion youth leadership as a key pillar of effective and representative multilateral diplomacy.

The UAE will continue to provide platforms for young people to contribute to global discussions, ensuring their voices influence policies on climate, peace, education, and digital innovation. This approach reflects the nation’s belief in intergenerational cooperation and the transformative power of youth-led dialogue.