Abu Dhabi to host the largest youth engagement

 

The three-day festival style event is the first of its kind in the region bringing together thousands of youth delegates to collaborate and explore sustainable solutions for both people and planet aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the UAE Vision 2021.

 

Over 70 international and local speakers will present their own stories of success and challenges to inspire and empower the youth delegates to achieve their life goals as young leaders of tomorrow and future ‘responsible global citizens of the world’.

 

The Middle East Youth Expo 2020 will have over 10 immersive experiences including the ‘Youth Now' hub where youth delegates will be able to join in debates and discussions to work together to solve some of the world’s most important challenges.

 

Over 30 workshops and panel discussions will also take place in a unique format allowing the youth delegates access to all the speakers on everything from the impact of plastic pollution in our oceans, sustainable fashion, social entrepreneurship, developing renewable energy solutions, the power of technology & AI to localising the SDGs and the empowerment of youth as change makers.

 

Developed in strategic partnership with the UAE Ministry of Education, UAE Ministry of Climate Change & Environment, UAE Ministry of Economy, UAE Ministry of Community Development, alongside local and international organisations including Department of Education & Knowledge Abu Dhabi (ADEK), UN Water, Dubai Cares, Emirates Nature - WWF, Central Bank of the UAE, PwC and attendance from representatives from the UN Sustainable Development Goals, UNHCR, and EXPO 2020, the event is a ground breaking platform to support youth in the UAE.

 

Jaber Saeed Al Lamki, Executive Director of Media and Strategic Communications at the National Media Council, said: “Positive youth engagement is fundamental in society and the world today. The youth are the bedrock of our nation’s future and for a sustainable future for all people and planet. The Foreign Correspondents Club in the UAE is therefore supporting MEYE 2020 to ensure the dialogue of the youth is spread across the UAE and the world. We are committed to supporting the development and engagement of the youth in the UAE through the media and we must drive and utilise their passion and enthusiasm for our combined future.”

 

Youth delegates as part of the event will be asked to make their own pledge towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals and how through local action in the UAE in 2020 they can actively support global change #MEYEPLEDGE. MEYE 2020 is free for all schools, colleges and universities in the UAE to attend and open to participation from NGOs and volunteer organisations in the UAE on February 5, which will be attended by Nobel Peace Laureate Kailash Satyarthi who will give an opening address on the globalisation of compassion and youth, and conduct an interactive Q&A session with all delegates.

 

Nobel Peace Laureate and Honorary Ambassador for MEYE 2020 Kailash Satyarthi said: “The power of youth is the common wealth for the entire world. The faces of young people are the faces of our present and our future. No segment in the society can match with the power, idealism, enthusiasm, dynamism and courage of the young people. The Middle East Youth Expo is a very timely and excellent initiative to bring together the youth to inspire them collectively to address the toughest challenges we face today - poverty, inequality, health, wellbeing, climate change; and to achieve peace and prosperity for people and the planet.”

 

Experiences at MEYE 2020 will also include a Connect with Nature immersive Escape Room presenting a sustainable journey through the Arabian Desert and the opportunity to learn more about applying to become one of 20 Ambassadors for Nature as part of Connect with Nature, a programme co-founded by Emirates Nature-WFF; The Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding will take delegates on a cultural journey through activities that explore Emirati Culture and its role in the world; a performance stage will showcase youth talent from across the UAE; and the Wellbeing Lounge drop in zone will provide youth delegates with assessment of their profile and strengths to support both body and mind health.

 

MEYE will also celebrate and acknowledge young leaders in the Middle East who have shown to be resilient change-makers who are dedicated to solving global issues and have inspired their peers and communities with the inaugural MEYE 2020 Young Leader of the Year Awards, in collaboration with international youth movement One Young World. -- Tradearabia News Service