UAE, 4 July, 2018- The Youth Council of the Ministry of Health and Prevention at Al Qassimi Women’s & Children’s Hospital in Sharjah held its first induction meeting attended by the Ministry’s staff from Sharjah, Dubai and Ajman’s medical districts. The meeting served as a venue for the young members to discuss the Council’s goals, tasks, and future plans to strengthen the role of the youth in the Ministry’s efforts to build an effective and sustainable health system for a happy society. It was part of a series of upcoming Ministry-led meetings to be held in various regions.

The meeting was presided over by Dr. Sultan Sharif, Chairman of the Ministry's Youth Council, who thanked the country’s wise leaders for their confidence in the Council. Afterwards, he introduced the Board Members and presented their credentials and qualifications. The members were chosen based on their awareness of national events, patriotism, performance and achievement, initiative and creativity, and positivity and flexibility.

He said the Council is tasked to activate the role of the youth; build the young generation’s image; encourage them to participate in the decision-making process; and provide a safe venue where they can freely express their views, aspirations, and needs. The members will also serve as the young people’s link to the UAE leadership. In addition, the Council will lead endeavors that will help nurture the youth’s innovative ideas, thus enabling them to launch extraordinary initiatives to turn challenges into real opportunities.

During the meeting, the Ministerial Councils for Youth presented its goals to provide an environment for creativity and support the young people’s participation in realizing the objectives of the National Youth Agenda and UAE Vision 2021. Other aspirations of the Ministerial Councils for Youth include enhancing the importance of empowering and developing the talents of the youth; ensuring effective communication channels with regard to youth policies and programs; and providing consultations for youth initiatives.

The members of the Ministry’s Youth Council also tackled the key tasks assigned to them such as supporting the Ministry’s senior leaders by discussing challenges and coming up with the best recommendations and solutions; linking young people's ideas with the Emirates Council's vision for the young; tapping their abilities and developing their skills and talents; embracing and supporting their innovations; and ensuring greater interaction between the youth and senior management. Such interaction is a recognition of the importance of their views on the most salient issues facing their generation today as they are encouraged to participate in volunteer work.

The meeting also focused on the National Youth Agenda launched by H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, whose vision is to build a generation of productive young and pioneering entrepreneurs who embody Emirati values.  The Agenda aims to build a generation of productive and pioneering learners who adheres to national identity and culture. In addition, it seeks to urge young people to actively participate in the development of local and global action programs; formulate policy and solutions; support relevant future plans; maintain a healthy, positive and secure lifestyle; and defend their homeland.

The meeting was marked with special and constructive discussions and brainstorming sessions. The attendees also took the opportunity to launch a youth volunteer platform and make suggestions concerning skills development and indicators to measure youth performance. The participants emphasized as well the importance of holding such meetings to enhance transparency, improve government work, and harness the energy of the young.