The inaugural Mohamed bin Zayed Majlis for Future Generations will be held on 7th and 8th March under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

The two-day event will see Emirati university students from all over the country take part in plenary sessions and various other activities that inspire students to become entrepreneurs and innovators. Students will engage in discussions related to technology and responsible citizenship that will help align their aspirations with the strategic interests of the nation.

The event will serve as a platform that highlights the strategic imperatives of the nation in tandem with the critical role the future generations play in shaping the UAE’s post-oil economy.

"In a world where learning curves are constantly changing, the students of today and tomorrow require new skill sets," said Mohamed Khalifa Al Neaimi, Director of Education Affairs at the Crown Prince’s Court.

"The demands of yesterday’s job market are not the same as the requirements of today or five years from now. To compete and survive in the digital era, people and companies need to continue evolving and innovating," he added.

"Our founding father, late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, emphasised the important role of education and ensuring it remains at the forefront of the country’s strategic imperatives. The UAE and its wise leadership continue to heed this guiding principle as we recalibrate our educational strategy in the 21st century. The ‘Mohamed Bin Zayed Majlis for Future Generations’ embodies the UAE leadership’s commitment to youth development, which stems from the belief that when we invest in our youth, we invest in our future," he noted.

"A country’s future depends on its youth. With ambition running in their DNA, ours is poised to make a tremendous impact," said Dr. Ahmad Belhoul, Minister of State for Higher Education.

"Their pride in and sense of responsibility for our great nation that has provided them with immeasurable opportunities make the Emirati students a force to be reckoned with. The combination of their knowledge, dedication and passion will enable them to be tomorrow’s leaders, driving the nation towards continued success and prosperity," he added.

The event will also bring together industry leaders, senior representatives of the country’s leadership and leading personalities from around the world who will share their professional insights that can help students develop the tools and skills critical to navigating a fast-paced global economy.

Confirmed speakers at the event include members of the Council of Ministers, notably Dr. Thani Bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment; Reem Bint Ibrahim Al Hashemi, Minister of State for International Cooperation, and Shamma Bint Suhail Bin Faris Al Mazrui, Minister of State for Youth Affairs.

Students will also have access to The Hub, an interactive exhibition area developed in collaboration with business partners, educators, entrepreneurs and non-profit organisations, that will highlight future skills required, provide advice for career planning, and showcase opportunities for giving back to their nation and community development.