The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), in collaboration with the Federal Youth Authority, has announced the formation of its Youth Council, comprising a select group of talented young professionals from within the Ministry.
The Council aims to strengthen the role of youth at MoFA by enabling them to contribute to decision-making, shape future programmes, and enhance the diplomatic and consular work environment while responding to evolving regional and global developments.
This initiative forms part of the National Youth Agenda 2031, which seeks to position Emirati youth as exemplary leaders nationally and internationally.
As part of this initiative, MoFA organised its first Youth Retreat for staff members to introduce the Youth Council, outline its strategic priorities, and share plans for the upcoming cycle. The retreat provided a dynamic platform for exchanging ideas on supporting and empowering young talent, enhancing their role in shaping the future of Emirati diplomacy, and fostering partnership between youth and senior leadership to boost institutional performance.
In remarks delivered on his behalf by Mr Mohammad Ahmad Almansoori, Chair of the MoFA Youth Council, H.E. Omar Obaid Alhesan Alshamsi, Undersecretary of the Ministry, emphasised the importance of young professionals equipped with the knowledge, skills, and agility to navigate rapidly changing regional and global landscapes.
Establishing the Youth Council reflects this vision, placing visionary young staff at the centre of decision-making and encouraging them to share insights and aspirations to support the Ministry’s efforts in nurturing a new generation of diplomats, enhancing the UAE’s global profile, and ensuring strong representation internationally.
During the retreat, participants engaged in interactive workshops under the theme “The Strategic Pillars of the MoFA Youth Council.” These sessions focused on developing initiatives aligned with the Council’s objectives, analysing challenges and opportunities, identifying key stakeholders, and evaluating the anticipated impact of proposed actions. Attendees also discussed best practices and implementation strategies, culminating in a strategic roadmap to guide the Council’s work and reinforce its mission to support and empower young staff within the Ministry.
The MoFA Youth Council was first established in 2018 as part of the Ministry’s long-term vision to prepare future diplomatic leaders, enhance readiness for emerging challenges, and develop expertise in diplomacy and international relations. Since its inception, the Council has been pivotal in empowering young talent, encouraging innovation, and shaping strategic initiatives that strengthen diplomatic practice and advance the UAE’s foreign policy objectives.
Its work aligns with the Federal Youth Authority’s goals of embedding youth engagement within government bodies and supports the objectives of We the UAE 2031, particularly in empowering youth, building national capacities, enhancing future readiness, and cultivating the next generation of leaders in Emirati diplomacy.
