Abu Dhabi: The National Media Council (NMC) announced that nomination to the ‘Youth Media Council’ is now open to candidates, as part of the efforts to engage youth in the development of the media sector while benefiting from their perspectives, energy and recommendations.
The decision to establish the Youth Media Council followed the announcement of results of a study on the ‘Sources of Youth for Obtaining Information and News’, conducted in cooperation with UAE University’s (UAEU) Centre for Public Policy and Leadership, last June.
The Youth Media Council aims to gain insights into the opinions of the youth segment in regards to a broad range of media-related subjects, through fresh and creative ideas that are attuned to the reality and aspirations of the youth, in order to develop various initiatives for the NMC and the media sector at large.
Moreover, the Youth Media Council will focus on encouraging youth to utilise various media platforms in a positive and responsible manner in line with national objectives and initiatives.
Mansour Al Mansouri, director-general of the NMC, said: “The establishment of the Youth Media Council is part of the UAE leadership’s vision which seeks to benefit from the positive drive and energy of youth while engaging them in the future planning process of the country.”
Al Mansouri added, “We believe that the council will notably play a role in achieving our strategic objectives to enhance the local media sector, as we consider it an ideal and dynamic platform to gain key insights into youth’s interests and future aspirations, and a unique opportunity to be part of the development of the media sector.”
He stressed that the youth would have the ability to understand the vast technological advancements that the world is witnessing in light of rapid digital transformation, and they, therefore, would be able to deploy these changes to serve their goals.
He went on to say that the members of the council would also direct their fellow youth towards proper, responsible and professional use of new media to protect the interests of individuals and society.
The Youth Media Council comprises 12 members who are both men and women with a renewable two-year term. In addition, the council will have citizens and expats and also university students as members.
Interested candidates between the ages of 18 and 30 who either work in the media sector or study in media departments across the UAE may apply for nomination from Sunday to October 21 by visiting the NMC’s website: http://ymc.nmc.gov.ae
