Middle East Youth Expo 2020 Opens In Abu Dhabi Tomorrow

The largest youth engagement event in the Middle East, The Middle East Youth Expo 2020, opens at Mubadala Arena located in Zayed Sports City, Abu Dhabi from the 3rd-5th February 2020 in strategic partnership with the UAE Ministry of Education. The three-day festival style event will host thousands of youth delegates from schools, colleges and university from across the UAE, who will hear from over 70 inspirational international and local speakers and participate in over 30 workshops and panel discussion to collaborate and explore sustainable solutions for both people and planet aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the UAE Vision 2021.

The Middle East Youth Expo 2020 is supported by local and international organisations including the Central Bank of the UAE, Department of Education & Knowledge Abu Dhabi (ADEK), ADNOC, PwC, alongside representatives from the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

H.E. Mubarak Rashed Al Mansoori, Governor of Central Bank of the UAE, on participating at the inaugural event said: “The UAE leadership pays great attention to youth and keens on developing their skills and empowering them to contribute to the nation’s overall development. Emirati youth are the real wealth of our country who hold the key to future and the responsibility in achieving UAE’s goals across all fields. We at Central Bank of the UAE believe in the importance of developing young Emiratis and activating their role in the financial and banking sectors, hence our Youth Council which is a platform for cooperation and exchange of experiences, translates the leadership’s vision in supporting and involving Emirati youth in leading nation’s development journey and building a knowledge-based economy.”

His Excellency Dr Salem Al Kaabi, General Manager of Tadweer, said: “Our participation in this event is aligned with Tadweer’s priority to promote youth engagement in achieving sustainable development in the UAE. At Tadweer, we are keen to provide all possible support for various programs and initiatives focusing on young people and their empowerment given their instrumental role in bringing about positive changes in society.” Al Kaabi also noted that Tadweer’s plans to support sustainable development in Abu Dhabi focused on enhancing the awareness of future generations about the hazards of waste on environment. Through its continued participation in various youth-oriented initiatives, Tadweer seeks to promote positive environmental behavior among young generations and enable them to become active partners in safeguarding the country’s natural resources.

Randa Bahsoun, PwC Partner and 'New world. New skills.' Middle East lead who will present a keynote speech on the 4th February said: “PwC’s global programme ‘New world. New skills.’ has been designed to help millions of people around the world improve their understanding, skills and knowledge for the digital world.  PwC believes digital skills are vital; but they’re only part of the story. It’s about identifying the knowledge, skills and experience that will be most valuable in the future for new and transformed roles. PwC Middle East will work with public and private sector clients, also communities, in the region to anticipate the skills they will need in the future, and work together on comprehensive solutions. During the event, PwC will engage with the youth delegates on the impact of technology on jobs in the future and what it means to be future responsible global citizens.”

Youth delegates as part of the event will be asked to make their own pledge towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals and how through local action in the UAE in 2020 they can actively support global change #MEYEPLEDGE. MEYE 2020 is free for all schools, colleges and universities in the UAE to attend and open to participation from NGOs and volunteer organisations in the UAE on the 5th February, which will be attended by Nobel Peace Laureate Kailash Satyarthi who will give an opening address on the globalization of compassion and youth, and conduct an interactive Q&A session with all delegates.

The Middle East Youth Expo 2020 will have over 10 immersive experiences including the ‘Youth Now' hub where youth delegates will be able to join in debates and discussions to work together to solve some of the world’s most important challenges; Connect with Nature immersive Escape Room presenting a sustainable journey through the Arabian Desert; The Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding will take delegates on a cultural journey through activities that explore Emirati Culture and its role in the world; a performance stage will showcase youth talent from across the UAE; and the Wellbeing Lounge drop in zone for youth delegates.

MEYE will also celebrate and acknowledge young leaders in the Middle East who have shown to be resilient change-makers who are dedicated to solving global issues and have inspired their peers and communities with the inaugural MEYE 2020 Young Leader of the Year Awards, in collaboration with international youth movement One Young World.

To view the full programme of international speakers and to register for schools, colleges, university students, NGOs and volunteer organizations visit www.themiddleeastyouthexpo.com