UAE Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority's Youth Council launches 2nd Future Policy Depot

• Launched during the UN World Data Forum 2018, the Future Policy Depot highlights youth’s role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

Dubai:– In an effort to encourage the UAE youth to actively participate in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and come forward with innovative ideas and initiatives, the Youth Council of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority (FCSA) announced the launch of the second session of the Future Policy Depot.

Her Excellency Shamma Bint Suhail Faris Al Mazrui, Minister of State for Youth Affairs, attended the launch event during the UN World Data Forum 2018, which started Monday, October 22, 2018) under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai.

The launch follows the success of the first Future Policy Depot, which witnessed wide participation from young UAE nationals, whose opinions helped shape new visions for future generations, outlining the youth’s approach to dealing with the most pressing issues facing the world today.

“The commitment on the part of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority Youth Council to launch this initiative during such a prominent forum demonstrates the unique role of young people in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals 2030, as well as their potential to develop practical solutions to the major challenges facing them, and come up with ideas that will lead to a better future for present and future generations,” said H.E. Shamma Al Mazrui.

“This is one of the many innovative initiatives that underline the UAE’s dedication to actively participate in finding practical and original solutions to solve the economic, social and environmental challenges of the future, and create a better life for human beings,” H.E. added.

Her Excellency applauded young Emiratis for their active participation, urging them to take part in the second session of the Future Policy Depot, taking place on sidelines of the UN World Data Forum 2018 hosted in the UAE.

Hanan Ahli, Executive Director of Competitiveness at the FCSA, said: “I thank the UAE youth for their active participation in the first phase of the initiative, which highlighted their commitment to present visions that contribute to the development and enhancement of all societies around the world. This initiative introduces UAE youth to global issues that pose major challenges to the region and the world. It also enables them to participate in creating visions and ideas that can be transformed into policies that provide practical solutions to these challenges and ensure the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.”

Mahra Al-Ali, researcher in Competitive Culture Management and Chairman of the FCSA Youth Council, said: “The Future Policy Depot’s second session is dedicated to inviting UAE youth to work on a range of projects in key areas of the Sustainable Development Goals, such as health, education, gender balance, clean energy, and sustainable economy. Achieving sustainable development is based on the positive and interactive cooperation of governments and officials with young people.”

“Youth are an integral part of the UAE’s growth and development. The UAE leadership pays great attention to the initiatives and projects that promote youth and support them to be an effective participant in the decision-making process by proposing initiatives and policies in support of the 2030 Global Agenda,” Al-Ali added. “The Future Policy Depot initiative will work to communicate young people’s ideas to decision-makers in the UAE, which will lead to an enabling environment and the formation of projects that will contribute to the development of various sectors in the country and support the UAE’s competitiveness in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals 2030.”

Young people affiliated with the initiative will work on designing research papers and studies under the guidance and supervision of FCSA experts, who will provide them with a conducive environment and appropriate tools to carry out research assignments. They will support in testing the initiatives and brainstorming, as well as their application on the ground and their compatibility with the economic and social environment in the country.

The FCSA Youth Council was established on March 2017 and is the executive arm of the Authority on all topics and issues related to youth in UAE and their potential to support the country’s development and achieve its vision.

The second UN World Data Forum will welcome more than 1,500 data experts, policy-makers, and representatives from academia, private companies and civil society organisations (CSOs) from around the world. The event follows the inaugural Forum, which took place in 2017 in Cape Town, South Africa.

-End-

About the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority (FCSA)

The Fe Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority (FCSA), is a UAE Federal Government entity created by Presidential Decree No. 6 of 2015. The Authority’s mission is to strengthen and enhance the UAE’s national data and competitiveness capacities and support the country as it works to achieve the UAE Vision 2021. The FCSA is the official government source for national statistics and is one of the government representatives on matters related to national competitiveness. The FCSA seeks to improve the UAE’s ranking in global competitiveness reports by working with stakeholders to outline and implement reforms and polices across sectors.

For more information, please visit: www.fcsa.gov.ae 

© Press Release 2018