Abu Dhabi: Dr Anwar Mohammed Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Minister of State for Federal National Council Affairs and Chairman of the National Election Committee, said that one of the key drivers of UAE’s growth in the past years has been its focus on leveraging the energy and competencies of its youth to implement strategic development plans.
Dr Gargash was addressing the alumni and participants of the UAE Government Leaders Programme about the Federal National Council Elections 2015 on Thursday. He praised the efforts of the UAE government in providing the right opportunities for youth to drive the nation’s march of progress by instilling in them the confidence that they are active participants in nation-building.
He highlighted the success achieved by the UAE Government Leaders Programme, since its inception in 2008, under the guidance of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, in training national cadres to be future leaders, and in preparing young talent to take up governmental and community work through workshops, development projects, site visits, practical guidance and counselling by professionals.
“The UAE youth form a key pillar of the government’s development strategy. Their participation in the Federal National Council Elections is therefore crucial, as it provides them the platform to express their hopes and aspirations, and thus contribute to the continued progress of the nation across all sectors,” said Dr Gargash.
“Through the electoral process, we aim to achieve maximum participation to promote the empowerment of our citizens in shaping their and their children’s future,” he added.
He urged young Emiratis to participate in a positive and active way in the Federal National Council Elections 2015, pointing out that the National Election Committee is committed to communicate with young people and listen to their views and suggestions, as well as educate them on the importance of participation in the electoral process, which is a main pillar in the overall development of the UAE.
He explained that the Federal National Council supports all procedures that help in serving the homeland and ensuring its security and stability. The 2015 elections, he said, come at a time when the UAE is witnessing a lot of achievements at all levels, locally, regionally and globally. “The nation has proved its ability to overcome various challenges that it faced during its march to all-round development, and in becoming a role model that it is today in development, progress and prosperity.”
Participation of the youth in the electoral process, he added, also marks their highest sense of gratitude to the UAE leadership that places the citizen as the topmost priority.
