Under the theme of “Youth and Sustainability”
In observance of the International Youth Day, which is celebrated every year on
the 12 th of August, the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department
(IACAD) organized on Monday morning an event for IACAD young employees,
under the theme of (Youth and Sustainability), aimed at youth empowerment. The
event was launched in the presence of Ahmed Darwish Al Muhairi, the Executive
Director of the Charitable Works Sector and (Acting) Director General, and a
number of directors of departments, leaders and advisors.
Sustainability Initiatives
Al Muhairi delivered IACAD’s speech, where he praised the support offered to
young employees from the wise leadership of UAE; in order to achieve
empowerment and sustainability. He pointed out that IACAD strives to implement
the Strategy to empower youth in all fields, and improve their skills by offering
them training opportunities, appointing them in administrative posts, and placing
them as managers and engaging them in IACAD projects. He also added that the
most strenuous efforts include the formation of work teams, organizational
committees and Youth Vision Council; aimed to drive development and provide
promising future. Al Muhairi emphasized that the UAE youth are the foundation
of the future; since they are capable of bringing about positive change in the
society, which accordingly requires supporting them efficiently and investing in
their capabilities and creativity, as they are the real wealth and are responsible for
the future of the coming generations.
The Acting Director General concluded his speech by inviting youth to adhere to
the religious and social values and national identity, and advised them to translate
their ideas to initiatives for public interest.
Two of IACAD employees presented their work experiences in IACAD, and the
process of their qualification and empowerment; which gave them a motive to
continue in the course of work and sustainability.
Challenges and Solutions
At the end of the ceremony, Social Media Influencer Shehab AlHashemi,
presented a number of challenges and solutions related to the concept of
sustainability and the role of youth. The first challenge is that the proposed issue is
unrealistic, and accordingly should be linked to the daily reality, while paying
attention to religious awareness. The second challenge is the communication
language of sustainability, which requires simplifying the idea for the public, and
linking it to real youth initiatives, like Sustainability Ambassadors and Arab Youth
Council for Climate Change. The third challenge is the lack of links between
sustainability and jobs, which can be addressed by the youth’s acquiring of the
green skills necessary for adapting the products, services and processes to climate
change.
