Source : WAM
The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), in collaboration with the Federal Youth Authority, announced the formation of the Ministry’s Youth Council, which brings together a selected group of talented and promising young employees from within the Ministry.
The Council seeks to strengthen youth participation within MoFA by empowering young professionals to contribute effectively to decision-making, help shape future initiatives, and support the development of the diplomatic and consular work environment in line with regional and international developments.
This step is in line with the National Youth Agenda 2031, which aims to position Emirati youth as a leading example at both the local and global levels across various sectors.
As part of this initiative, the Ministry also organised its first Youth Retreat for employees, introducing the MoFA Youth Council, its strategic goals, and its plans for the coming cycle. The retreat provided a platform for open dialogue and the exchange of ideas on empowering youth, enhancing their role in shaping the future of Emirati diplomacy, and strengthening partnership between youth and leadership to improve institutional performance across the Ministry.
In opening remarks delivered on his behalf by Mohammad Ahmad Almansoori, Chair of the MoFA Youth Council, Omar Obaid Alhesan Alshamsi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stressed that modern diplomatic and consular work requires young professionals equipped with the knowledge, skills, and capabilities needed to keep pace with rapidly changing regional and global dynamics.
He explained that the establishment of the MoFA Youth Council reflects this vision, bringing together a group of young talents to be active partners in decision-making. Through their ideas, ambitions, and perspectives, they will support the Ministry’s efforts to prepare a new generation of diplomats, strengthen the UAE’s position in international relations, and ensure effective representation in regional and global forums.
The retreat featured a series of interactive workshops titled “The Strategic Pillars of the MoFA Youth Council,” aimed at developing high-impact initiatives aligned with the Council’s objectives. These sessions examined key challenges and opportunities, identified main stakeholders, assessed the expected short- and long-term impact of proposed initiatives, and explored best practices and implementation mechanisms. The discussions resulted in a clear strategic roadmap defining the Council’s work framework and future direction, reinforcing its role in empowering youth within the Ministry.
It is noteworthy that the MoFA Youth Council was first established in 2018 as part of the Ministry’s vision to prepare future diplomatic leaders, enhance their readiness, and build their capabilities in diplomacy and international relations.
Since its establishment, the Council has played an important role in empowering young talent, fostering innovation, and contributing to strategic initiatives that support the development of diplomatic and consular frameworks and advance the UAE’s foreign policy priorities. The Council’s work aligns with the objectives of the Federal Youth Authority and supports the goals of We the UAE 2031, particularly in empowering youth, building national capabilities, enhancing future readiness, and preparing a new generation of leaders to advance Emirati diplomacy.
