As part of his belief that the role of youth is an essential foundation for the functioning of the future government, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and UAE Minister of Finance, recently met with members of the Youth Council of the Ministry of Finance (MoF) at its premises in Dubai.

The meeting was attended by Obaid Humaid Al Tayer, Minister of State for Financial Affairs, Ibrahim Hasan Al Jarwan, the Chairman of the ministry’s Youth Council, and the members of the Council including Reem Ahmad Al Hammadi, Amal Hareb Al Zaabi, Sarah Mahdi Al Magedy, Walid Abdullah Al Zarouni along with seniors officials from the ministry.

Sheikh Hamdan highlighted the importance of the youth’s role in achieving sustainable development for societies as they are an essential foundation for building the future. "The youth council’s establishment confirms the ministry’s commitment to strengthen the youth’s role and enable them to participate in driving the economic and social development in UAE."

He said, "Successful countries are ones able to stimulate the minds of the youth towards creativity and innovation, and provide them with an environment with the latest tools to become active and successful leaders who are able to achieve excellence in their fields."

The youth council at MoF was establishment as part of the ministry’s commitment to achieve UAE’s vision and be the second youth council at the Federal government level. The council supports the vitality of the youth at the ministry and empowers them to achieve the future vision of identifying challenges and developing solutions and programmes through discussing young social and professional ideas.

The council aims to provide the best solutions to tackle financial challenges and launch initiatives which support the Ministry’s approach and goals. It also motivates Emirati youth to be creative, enhance their potential, strengthen social relations between employees, and provide opportunities to discuss ideas and suggestions which contribute in strengthening the ministry’s strategy. The council identifies important opportunities and challenges which is in the interest of the youth and establishes necessary programmes to enhance their participation and presence in the ministry.

The council holds a number of brainstorming sessions which are used as a methodology for collective thinking to reach innovative solutions for different community issues. The sessions also increase the intellectual ability of employees. The council will organise periodic discussion session for young people at the ministry to increase the youth’s role in external volunteer work as well as organise projects and initiatives internally.