Investing in the youth, investing in the future

It was only a month ago when His Highness Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai announced the appointment of 22 year-old Shamma Al Mazrui as Minister of State for Youth Affairs. While various degrees of pride were echoed across social media, one question resonated throughout the minds of some people: “She has no experience, isn’t she too young for this position?”

It is important to note that the individuals whom I personally heard this concern from were in fact at least over the age of 40. To that question I ask: Who can represent the youth better than someone from that demographic itself? Who will be familiar with their concerns and affairs better than someone who has lived through it and understands them? Al Mazrui has an impressive repertoire of achievements under her belt, which not only prove her capabilities but also that the youth of the UAE are in very good hands. However, why are you undermining her abilities based on her age?

Ageism is an inherent, global issue that has plagued the masses for centuries. For years now, the term “millennial” was slapped onto our generation and was then made to stand as a label for a cluster of apathetic and lost narcissists. Panel after panel were drawn illustrating how the internet and electronic devices has rendered us antisocial and stupid. According to some, we need constant attention and nurturing, and have had everything handed to us on a silver platter. They throw jokes of our taste in music, art and passion. We were and we are under constant surveillance, carefully being watched, ready to be jumped at and scrutinised.

Imagine if we were given the time and space to flourish instead. Imagine if, like Shaikh Mohammad, people had faith in us to make our own decisions and to create without boundaries.

While it is easy to get engrossed in your own well being and self-interest, you should not forget to build for the future. An investment in the youth is an investment in the future, because as clichéd as this might sound, you must not forget that we are literally more or less the future. It is common sense to encourage and empower the younger generation, so when they take hold of the reigns, they are prepared for the role.

So don’t snatch away my wings as I approach the cliff because it’s too high. Instead, give me advice and a gentle nudge. Yes I might fall, but what if I soar?

— The reader is an Emirati writer based in Sharjah