Delegate: Mr. Al-Shamsi
30. Mr. Al-Shamsi (United Arab Emirates), speaking as a youth delegate, said that persons aged 15 to 24 made up 53 per cent of his country’s population. As part of its comprehensive development strategy, the United Arab Emirates had established several mechanisms that addressed youth-related issues, including the Ministry of Culture and Youth and the General Authority of Youth and Sports Welfare. Moreover, by guaranteeing free education at all levels, his Government gave youth an active role in developing their society. Awareness-raising campaigns on such health issues as smoking, drug use and HIV/AIDS targeted the young as well.
31. Continued economic growth had contributed to improving the standard of living and guaranteeing secure sources of income to large numbers of youth of both genders. Government efforts to involve the youth in the political process and decision-making included giving the right to vote to all citizens 21 years of age or above and setting the minimum age to stand for office at 25 years, leading to increased voter participation rates among the young.
32. The rapidly changing job market had led to the rise in unemployment in several countries, including the United Arab Emirates. Relevant Government agencies were working to confront the challenges arising from globalization and job insecurity, encouraging youth to build leadership skills and collaborate productively in society, in addition to implementing economic policies aimed at finding work opportunities for youth in the public and private sectors. In closing, he expressed appreciation for the State’s willingness to benefit from the energy and capabilities of young people in building the nation.
UN Doc.: A/C.3/66/SR.5
Cite as:
UN Doc.: A/C.3/66/SR.5, 4 October 2011, p. 5, Youth Delegate Search: https://youthdelegatesearch.org/united-arab-emirates-2011/, doi: 10.17176/20221018-193902-0.