Sixty young Emiratis, who are taking part in the national programme for youth leaders (THOKHR), attended the fourth session of the 16th Federal National Council (FNC) chapter’s second round.

Organised by the Ministry of State for Federal National Council Affairs, the visit forms part of the ministry’s efforts to raise political awareness and strengthen the culture of political participation in Emirati society – the youth, in particular. The objective is to introduce the young participants to the role of the FNC, on the one hand, and, on the other, to the ministry’s role in co-ordinating between the legislative and executive authorities of the UAE government.

Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister of State for Federal National Council Affairs, stated that raising political awareness and strengthening the culture of political participation in the UAE are the main objectives of the Ministry, adding, "Hosting this group of young Emiratis at the Council complements our ongoing efforts to raise political awareness and create a generation that is fully aware of political developments and of the political empowerment programme launched by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE."

"The visit also serves to further educate them about parliamentary life in the UAE, as well as about the ministry’s coordinative role," Al Kaabi said.

"Moreover, it cements their sense of loyalty and belonging to the UAE and encourages them to play a larger role in the sustainable development of the country," he added.

THOKHR – the national programme for youth leaders – was created to mould young Emiratis’ personalities from psychological and intellectual perspectives in an effort to prepare them to assume future leadership positions. Targeting males and females aged 15 to 18, the programme seeks to instil a sense of social responsibility among the youth, and to create young leaders equipped with strategic thinking, deep knowledge and insight, and a wide skillset. THOKHR thus enables its participants to face the challenges that may arise in the future.