New youth council to shape future leaders in social sector

Abu Dhabi - The members will meet at the DCD to share innovative ideas and ways to make positive changes in society.

The Department of Community Development (DCD) launched a first-of-its-kind initiative with an aim to create future youth leaders. A 10-member Social Sector Youth Council is formed with representatives from nine different social entities and a coordinator from the DCD.
Fahad Matar Al Neyadi, acting undersecretary of the DCD, told Khaleej Times that the council will serve as an opportunity for youngsters to contribute to the social sector.
"We are celebrating International Youth Day, which falls on August 12, with this new initiative. This council is important because half of our population, citizens and expats, is composed of youngsters. It is important to listen to them and involve them in our initiatives."
The members will meet at the DCD to share innovative ideas and ways to make positive changes in society. They will brainstorm over the feasibility of suggestions and submit a final report to the DCD chairman.
Al Neyadi said new initiatives from the DCD will focus on health, fitness, family and social activities.
"Our aim is to raise life expectancy of the UAE citizens. Now, it's 78 years, and we are looking to raise it to above 90 in the next decade, and then to 100 years."
Social Sector Youth Council members are excited, looking forward to being involved in various projects and initiatives.
Majed Al Harmoodi, a member representing Dar Zayed for Family Care, are hoping for more 'out-of-the-box ideas' to be discussed during the council meetings.
"I will reach out to community members, colleagues and friends, and bring their feedback onto the discussion table of the council. I also have to put KPIs (key performance indicators) to see if the suggestions are viable," Al Harmoodi said.
Saud Al Harmi, a member representing the Abu Dhabi Social Support Authority, said the new initiative encourages youngsters to give back to society.
"This is an opportunity for the youth to get involved in various community activities. Our leadership has always urged the youth to make a change in society, and this council will help us achieve that. This is in line with UAE Vision 2021," he added.
The council membership also includes Hesham Al Wahedi from the Zayed Higher Organisation for People of Determination.
A panel discussion was also held, where participants like Ahamd Al Hammadi, the UAE's Special Olympics medal winner, shared his challenges and achievements. Other officials and members shared their opinion at the meeting facility 'The Hive' at Adnec.
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE
• Abu Dhabi