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Youth Delegate Programme to the United Nations

About

Growing from our belief and understanding of the importance and value gained through youth participation, the United Arab Emirates proudly supports and continues to participate in the United Nations Youth Delegates Programme since 2016.

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HH Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan

HH Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan

Cabinet Member, Minister of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation

We are pleased to work with the Emirates Youth Council to prepare the Emirates Young Delegates Program, which translates the leadership's vision of enhancing youth participation and activating their role in the international arena. We are confident in the youth's ability to represent the youth of their country best.

This program will be a real investment in the experiences the young delegates will acquire from participating by raising awareness among the UAE youth about youth issues and imparting the expertise and skills they have gained, which will significantly contribute to the achievement of the leadership’s vision.

Her Excellency Shamma bint Suhail bin Faris Al Mazrui

Her Excellency Shamma bint Suhail bin Faris Al Mazrui

Minister of State for Youth Affairs

The launch of the Emirates Young Delegates Program reinforces the leadership approach and vision to empower young people and enhance their role in building the future.

We are proud of this program and the role of the UAE youth, which will contribute to strengthening the state's position globally and its role in the most important international forums, and in the international community's recognition of the achievements made by UAE youth.

The program is a strategic investment in the capabilities of Emirati youth and a key tool to raise their awareness of international issues and the nature of work in the United Nations, confirming their confidence and their ability to take responsibility for representing UAE youth and achieving our leadership vision.

Ambassador Lana Nusseibeh

Ambassador Lana Nusseibeh

Permanent Representative of the United Arab Emirates to the United Nations

The current orientation of the United Nations is to integrate the perspective and views of young people into formal processes associated with peace and development, not only at the United Nations level but also in all relevant international forums. We believe that this program is an important and fundamental step towards enhancing the involvement of young people and increasing their contributions to national development issues and international cooperation in the future.

The program aims not only to involve young delegates in meetings and consultations of the General Assembly, but also to enhance the skills and capabilities of delegates to ensure that they benefit fully from the participatory process. This is at the heart of the UAE's youth policies.

Objectives

The UAE’s Youth Delegates Programme enables young individuals to participate effectively in international platforms and gain first-hand experience in finding solutions to challenges youth face worldwide. It also gives youth access to unique opportunities, giving them valuable experiences and insight into the world of international affairs. During their time as UN Delegates to the United Nations, youth are also able to participate in the General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council, as well as their functional commissions and various intergovernmental meetings; encouraging youth to propose solutions to their delegations on youth-related challenges.

  • Provide young Emiratis with an opportunity to engage with the United Nations which is the world’s largest intergovernmental organization
  • Gain valuable professional experience in global affairs and international relations
  • Learn and share best practices in the youth-field with nations around the world
  • Build the capabilities of youth through the proposal of initiatives, programs and events that help shape global discourse on youth-related challenges
  • Represent the United Arab Emirates in a diplomatic and formal capacity, enhancing the nation’s visibility and representing the aspirations of young Emiratis to the world

Criteria

UAE nationals

20 to 26 years old

Fluency in Arabic and English with other languages as an added bonus

Familiarity with global and international affairs and youth-centric challenges in the UAE and worldwide

Excellent research, communications and public speaking skills

Critical thinking and analysis

Ability to dedicate 3 weeks to two months to intensive high-level meetings and events (either online or in person in New York – to be announced)

Apply Now

Every year, the Federal Youth Authority selects two young UAE Nationals to join the United Nations Youth Delegates Programme, representing the UAE in the world’s biggest intergovernmental platform.

Youth interested in participating are expected to submit the online application available on this website. Shortlisted candidates will be called for an initial interview, and those that qualify for the next round will be given a case study to submit. Finalists will then be called for a final interview.

Successfully selected candidates are then briefed on the UAE’s participation by previous members of the program, the Federal Youth Authority, and the UAE’s Mission to the United Nations. Successful candidates also get a chance to consult with Emirates Youth Council, learning more about the UAE’s Youth Strategy. Furthermore, candidates will also be able to hear more from Local Youth Councils representing youth from every emirate in the UAE, as well as Ministerial Youth Councils to discuss sector specific challenges.

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Registration is now open

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WHAT TO EXPECT

Throughout the program, delegates will be expected to work on a variety of tasks and projects. These include:

  • Proposing new youth focused initiatives
  • Drafting speeches and resolutions in both Arabic and English
  • Conducting research
  • Attending high-level meetings
  • Sharing the UAE’s best practices with the global community
  • Hosting virtual or in-person events with and for Youth Delegates from around the globe

Duration

The United Nation’s Youth Delegates Programme officially starts with the United Nation’s General Assembly, typically hosted around the end of September. Youth Delegates join the UAE’s official delegations from the end of September to the beginning of December for the United Nation’s ‘high season’. Youth Delegates continue to represent the UAE as delegates in UN related events, forums and meetings for a full year or until the next round of delegates are selected.

UAE-UN YOUTH DELEGATES YOUTH COUNCIL

After completion of the United Nations Youth Delegates Programme, all UAE Youth Delegates who took part of the programme then join the UAE’s Youth Delegates Youth Council. These alumni remain in the council and are consulted on various matters. They also play an important role in supporting the Federal Youth Authority in selecting potential candidates, guiding and coaching selected Youth Delegates, participating in conferences and forums and much more. They remain an integral part of the youth sector in the UAE, contributing significantly in shaping policies and developing proposals to advance the youth sector in the UAE.

UAE YOUTH DELEGATES TO THE UNITED NATIONS

Amna AlSuwaidi
Mohamed Rafee
Sarah AlSuwaidi
Omar AlMutawa
Maryam AlZaabi
Omar Al Braiki
Maryam Belhoul
Ahmed Al Zarooni
Nouf Ismail
Mohamed AlWahedi

Testimonials

It brings me great honor to have participated in the United Nations Youth Delegates program, a life changing experience filled with great opportunities. Being exposed to the different committees within the UN widened my horizon on global aspects in several areas including social coexistence, environment, economics, and security. While attending different high level committees, discussions, and side events I had the opportunity to contribute to the United Nations global agenda of maintaining international peace, security and furthering international cooperation.I also had the opportunity to learn from the different delegates on the best practices and initiatives being implemented to support the UN’s global mandate. Above all, I could not emphasize the honor of representing the UAE, it’s leadership and youth in the most recognized intergovernmental organization in the world; an opportunity that I would encourage every ambitious and determined youth to take on.
Omar Al Braiki
UAE Youth Delegate to the United Nations (2018)
The Youth Delegate Program was a life changing experience for me. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and really enhanced my negotiation, communication and speaking skills. We were negotiating and actively participating in the youth resolution which really helped us gain an invaluable experience. Communication and relationship building were also very important aspects of the program.We were able to build networks and connect with possible partners in order to potentially collaborate and work on joint initiatives. Most of our networking happened during country receptions that we attended. During these receptions we were exposed to people from different countries and backgrounds in a more casual setting. We’ve definitely worked closely with our colleagues from the UN, but most importantly we’ve built strong friendships that we cherish to this day! Representing Emirati youth on an international platform has been an eye-opening and humbling experience.  
Sara Al Suwaidi
UAE Youth Delegate to the United Nations (2017)