UAE hosts Youth Dialogue at UNGA80, empowering global young leaders to shape climate, peace, digital equity, and education policies while strengthening inclusion in multilateral governance….reports Asian Lite News
The UAE convened a high-profile Youth Dialogue on the sidelines of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80) in New York, underscoring its commitment to youth engagement and inclusive diplomacy. H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, welcomed participants and emphasised the vital role of young people as drivers of change today, not merely tomorrow.
Organised by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Youth Dialogue brought together 40 youth delegates, including students from around the world and Emirati youth residing in the United States. The event provided a platform for young leaders to share perspectives and propose solutions to some of the most pressing challenges facing their communities.
Discussions at the dialogue spanned climate action, environmental justice, peacebuilding, conflict prevention, equitable access to education, digital connectivity, and the expansion of opportunities in an increasingly interconnected world. The dialogue aimed to capture grassroots insights and translate them into actionable recommendations that can inform international policy discussions.
H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed highlighted that youth voices are indispensable in addressing today’s urgent challenges. “Young people are demonstrating remarkable courage, creativity, and clarity of purpose as they confront global issues. Their perspectives are essential to shaping effective solutions in climate, digital equity, education, and peacebuilding,” he said, stressing that inclusion of youth in decision-making is both a moral and strategic necessity.
The event featured a panel discussion 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. The session was moderated by Afra Al Hameli, Director of the Strategic Communications Department at MoFA.
Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy noted that young people are already driving progress in areas such as climate initiatives, digital innovation, peacebuilding, and social development, yet remain underrepresented in global governance. She said, “The UAE believes international cooperation must reflect the lived realities of youth, particularly those from regions most affected by today’s challenges. This dialogue reflects our commitment to diplomacy that listens, learns, and evolves alongside the next generation of leaders.”
The Youth Dialogue built on the success of the inaugural session held during the BRICS Summit in Brazil in July 2025. This latest iteration further solidifies the UAE’s role as a convener of intergenerational and inclusive diplomacy, bridging regional and generational divides while fostering youth-led cooperation on global issues.
Participants emphasised the importance of moving beyond traditional consultation models, advocating for youth as active partners in co-creating solutions to global challenges. The dialogue underscored the UAE’s strategy of integrating youth perspectives into multilateral decision-making, reinforcing its view that inclusion strengthens the legitimacy and effectiveness of global governance systems.
By centering youth voices, the UAE seeks to build a more representative, resilient multilateral framework. The event highlighted the country’s broader diplomatic ambition to deepen international connections, foster mutual understanding, and advance inclusive, youth-centered approaches to policy and diplomacy.
