Abu Dhabi: An award has been launched to develop the Arab culture and capabilities to the highest international standards, an official announced at a press conference held at the Family Development Foundation yesterday (FDF).
Originally announced as a child award at the 31st International Arab Children Congress in November 2011, the award has changed to include young people from the age of 14 to 17.
"The International Award of Shaikha Fatima Bint Mubarak for the Arab Youth, 2012, aims at enhancing the sense of pride, belonging and loyalty to the homeland and the Arab world," said Salim Al Kaabi, head of the FDF Council of Trustees.
Spirit of initiative
"[It also aims at] honouring and recognising the competencies and creativity of Arab youth at the international level, recognising the social, academic and specialised achievements and practices of Arab youth, encouraging the spirit of initiative and the giving sense of the awards' participants, and encouraging and honouring the best institutions supportive to Arab youth," he added.
The award has three categories.
The first is the Arab Youth Globally Influential Award which is dedicated to young people of Arab origin who live across the world.
This award will recognise young people who have outstanding leadership skills and influential abilities in their community in multiple fields including education, environment, health, and technology.
Only one recipient will be chosen in this category and they will take away a cash prize of $20,000 (Dh73,000).
The second category of awards, called the Excellence Arab Youth Award will honour outstanding young Arabs who have achieved tangible results in community service, science and innovation, literature, arts, sports and sustainability in the environment and economics and society.
Six recipients will be selected and awarded $10,000 (Dh36,700).
Applications
The third category, the award for the Leading Organisation in Supporting Arab Youth Issues, will be given to the leading Arab and International organisations that support young people.
Three institutions will be granted a trophy and an appreciation certificate.
Schools and educational institutions can submit their nominations online or by filling an application form out at the FDF branch.
Recipients will get their awards in the opening ceremony of the 32nd International Arab Youth Conference that will take place in Jordan in July 12-18. The award ceremony will be held at Petra on July 13.
