Youth Councils

A youth group, representing both institutional and geographical scopes, is accredited according to the standards set by the Federal Youth Authority, with legislation and decisions guiding its establishment. Through various initiatives and projects, youth councils work to implement the national youth agenda, driven by young individuals who bring boundless energy and skills.

Objectives

Youth councils work to achieve the following objectives:

• Forming national youth groups and investing their energy and capabilities for sustainable national development.
• Developing national and global youth leaders who foster dialogue and openness, grounded in the principles of moderation and tolerance.

• Strengthening the spirit of loyalty and belonging to the homeland and leadership, while consolidating its foundations for continuity.
• Empowering youth with the tools to forecast the future and address harmful behaviors and external challenges.

Duration of the Initiative:

Every Tow years.

Positive Impact ):

The formation of youth councils has a significant positive impact, fostering youth involvement in comprehensive development. This initiative cultivates a youth environment that promotes positive change, encouraging active participation in society and enhancing both local and global quality of life. Several key indicators have been established to measure success:

 

First: Increasing Youth Participation in Decision-Making

• The percentage increase in youth participation in councils, conferences, and related events.

• The level of youth influence in decision-making on local or global policies.

 

Second: Enhancing Leadership and Communication Skills

• Improvement in leadership skills among youth involved in councils.

• Increased ability to work collectively and coordinate efforts between various stakeholders.

 

Third: Increasing Interaction Between Youth and Decision-Makers

• The number of meetings and dialogues held between youth council members and government or private institutions.

• The number of reports or practical proposals implemented based on youth recommendations.

 

Fourth: Developing Youth Initiatives and Projects

• The number of youth-led initiatives and projects across various sectors (e.g., economy, education, culture, environment).

• The success and societal impact of implemented projects.

 

Fifth: Employing Technology to Support Initiatives

• Development of electronic platforms or apps dedicated to youth councils.

• Enhanced digital communication between youth and relevant parties.

 

Outcomes:

• Enhancing Sustainable Development: Encouraging youth involvement in creating sustainable development strategies that align with their needs and aspirations.

• Achieving Political and Social Empowerment: Enabling youth to propose solutions to local and global issues, strengthening their role in politics and society.

• Raising Community Awareness on Youth Issues: Raising awareness about the significance of youth issues and their impact on development.

• Enhancing Community Participation and Volunteerism: Promoting a culture of active participation and volunteer work among youth.

• Training and Developing Youth Skills: Offering programs and workshops in leadership, communication, entrepreneurship, and more to boost youth skills.

• Enriching Cultural Diversity and Interaction: Promoting understanding among Emirati youth from diverse cultural and geographical backgrounds.

• Global Representation: Enabling Emirati youth studying abroad to represent the nation in global forums, fostering the exchange of knowledge and experiences.

Preparation Phase:

Youth groups in the UAE represent both institutional and geographical scopes, accredited according to the Federal Youth Authority’s standards, which oversee the legislation and decisions for their establishment. These groups aim to strengthen partnerships among young people, promote the exchange of ideas, and coordinate efforts to support the government’s progress in sustainable national development. Their focus is on anticipating future global challenges and contributing to societal happiness, with young people leading the way through soft power that is leveraged across various sectors, empowering them to shape and actively participate in the development of future national strategies.

Youth councils supervised by the Federal Youth Authority include the Emirates Youth Council, local and sub-youth councils, global youth councils, sectoral youth councils, ministerial youth councils, and institutional youth councils. The organizational structure of each council consists of the Federal Youth Authority, the Youth Councils Department, the council’s chairperson, vice chairperson, financial officer, general coordinator, media officer, and members.

Youth councils have a two-year term, after which they are reconstituted. Membership nominations follow specific criteria:

• UAE citizenship.

• Age group of 18-35 years.

• A general interest and knowledge of local and global youth issues.

• Strong personal skills.

• A history of impactful contributions and initiatives.

• At least a high school diploma.

• Proficiency in Arabic and English (both written and spoken).

The selection process for members of ministerial and institutional councils follows the procedures and criteria of the respective entity. The Youth Councils Department is notified when an entity is interested in establishing a council, and then the relevant department nominates members. The Federal Youth Authority determines the best selection mechanism, and proposed members are submitted for approval. Once finalized, the names are officially registered, and the council is publicly announced through appropriate channels

Implementation Phase:

• Pre-Formation Procedures: Planning, marketing and communication, evaluation.
• Member Selection and Council Formation: Selection, introduction, follow-up.
• Council Activation: Evaluation, documentation.

Post-Initiative Phase:

• Proposing, planning, and tracking initiatives, along with monitoring progress and tasks.

• Evaluating initiatives and preparing progress reports, including a semi-annual review.