Dubai: Global trade enabler DP World has given a grant of $100,000 (Dh367,000) to the Emirates Youth Council to help Emirati youth shape a bright and sustainable future for the UAE and contribute to achieving UAE Vision 2021.

The announcement of the grant was made at the first Strategic Youth Circle organised by the Dubai Youth Council, the executive arm of the Emirates Youth Council and hosted by DP World earlier this week.

The grant aims to empower local talent and build a next generation of UAE’s leaders.

Minister of State for Youth Shamma Suhail Faris Al Mazroui, said: “The UAE government seeks to enable our young people and provide them with all possible opportunities to participate in the development of the country and in achieving the goals of UAE vision 2021.”

She commended DP World’s backing of the Youth Council adding that it is a notable example of how leading businesses are major supporters of young people playing a vital role in shaping a bright and sustainable future.

The Strategic Youth Circle, which was held under the theme of ‘Emirati Youth Strategy: Enabled Youth, Sustainable Future’, provided participants a platform to express their views on three major topics — expectations of the national Youth Strategy, how it will serve their future needs and the role of public and private organisations in activating long-term youth participation.

The structure of new strategic plans, challenges facing today’s youth and factors that will enable them to take an active role in shaping the future of the country were also discussed, including the most effective solutions to major issues faced by Emirati youth and the initiatives they would want the government to launch.

Sultan Ahmad Bin Sulayem, DP World Group chairman and CEO, said one the main objectives of youth councils is to create a communications platform between young people, government and business, to get to know their aspirations and involve them in the decision-making processes.

“The nature of work in our sector is changing like never before and this grant is a reflection of the trust we have in young people to shape the future of world trade. We believe in creating the future, now and we’re working towards building a pool of trained and qualified talent to drive innovation and service excellence in our industry,” he said.

“We have a 37,000-strong international workforce and are very diverse with locations across six continents. We have maintained our focus on training and the development of nationals to equip them with the tools for success. DP World is great place for them to grow and achieve their full potential,” he added.

Jamal Majid Bin Thaniah, DP World vice-chairman, said DP World’s involvement goes beyond financial support and will include passing on its industry experience and knowledge to the leaders of tomorrow.

“Undergraduate and postgraduate students will have the opportunity to learn what happens at the centre of world trade with training programmes and internships at DP World Head Office and across our regions,” he said.