Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, the second edition of the Mohamed Bin Zayed Majlis for Future Generations opened today at the Abu Dhabi National Education Centre (ADNEC).
The two-day event kicked off with an address from Shamma bint Suhail Faris Al Mazrui, Minister of State for Youth Affairs, on future-focused activities.
Present were H.H. Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior; Dr. Anwar Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs; Hussain bin Ibrahim Al Hammadi, Minister of Education; Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development; Hessa Essa Buhumaid, Minister of Community Development; Omar bin Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence; Dr. Ali Rashid Al Nuaimi Chairman of Education and Knowledge Department; Mohammed Abdullah Al Junaibi, Director of Protocol at the Ministry of Presidential Affairs, Abdullah bin Tawq, Secretary General of the Cabinet, Sheikhs and senior officials.
More than 300 interactive sessions are being held at ADNEC across October 8 and 9 to engage Emirati youth with the UAE’s culture, social, and technological leaders.
The Majlis, where ‘leaders of today meet the leaders of tomorrow,’ also sees the involvement of 50 partners including Expo 2020, the Special Olympics, Mubadala, and Masdar, among others.
Introducing the Majlis, Shamma Al Mazrui, who referred to herself as “the student” in her address, highlighted the value of hard work as she offered examples of self-growth and development from her experiences as a young Emirati.
She described how when deciding which study option she should pursue, her parents encouraged her to choose the sciences rather than the arts as they recognized the future benefit of such knowledge. Only later in life did she realise the true advantages of this decision.
After gaining a bachelor’s degree in Economics from New York University Abu Dhabi, Shamma Al Mazrui earned her Master’s degree in Public Policy at the University of Oxford. There, she understood the responsibility she held as an Emirati studying abroad.
“Oxford was tough as I was one of the youngest students, but it was a pleasure to gain knowledge that I knew would one day support the UAE,” commented Shamma bint Suhail Faris Al Mazrui, Minister of State for Youth Affairs.
“I realised during my studies that I had a responsibility as an Emirati to represent my country, and that’s why I worked so hard to prove myself,” she added.
The experience shaped Shamma Al Mazrui with a deep appreciation for learning that’s carried into her career: “I’m very lucky to be a student within the UAE Cabinet, and I see myself in that way because I’m surrounded by leaders and ministers that I learn from each day.”
Reflecting on the UAE’s growth as a nation,Shamma Al Mazrui also reminded the audience that everything built and established in the country is a result of the efforts of the UAE’s hardworking citizens and residents.
Urging the UAE’s future generation of leaders to pursue their own professional goals – spurred on by this year’s Majlis – she emphasised the importance of working toward a future not for others, but for the growth and development of oneself: “Study not to fulfill the desires of those around you, but to fulfill the goals and aspirations you set for yourself. Follow your own ideals and values on the path to success.”
Ending her keynote speech, she acknowledged the efforts and accomplishments of the UAE’s past and present leaders.
“Our ministers are our teachers and role models. We owe our thanks to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, for teaching us every day.”
During an interactive session with the youth, Dr. Ali Rashid Al Nuaimi said the Majlis is a source of pride for the future generations.
“This is not a symbolic or luxury Majlis. It is a proactive platform for shaping the future. We see the future through the eyes of the youth and therefore, they need to innovate,” he added.
