AUS students and alumni contribute to the UAE development through Youth Councils

American University of Sharjah’s (AUS) students and alumni continue to be important participants in building the nation and the development of the UAE. As newly selected members of the Youth Councils in their respective emirates, student Aisha Abdalla AlAli and alumnus Abdulla Majid Saif AlHathboor AlRemeithi will help tackle important issues such as education, community development, environmental sustainability and cultural heritage preservation. The Youth Councils in the UAE are a federal initiative in recognition of the role of the UAE National youth in the country’s future success. The councils were formed to empower youth and respond to their needs, contributing to the implementation of the UAE’s National Youth Strategy.

Having been selected following a competitive process that involved several interviews and assessments of more than 200 candidates, AlAli, an electrical engineering graduate student who serves on the Sharjah Youth Council, spoke about her role, saying: “Youth Council members aim to inspire and serve as role models to the youth across the emirate while also harnessing their energy and potential to drive sustainable national development. The Sharjah Youth Council members are focused on promoting awareness and actively encouraging participation in a wide range of surveys, studies, programs and initiatives that specifically target the youth.”  

She added: “The Sharjah Youth Council tackles youth development, education, social issues affecting young people, the promotion of environmental sustainability, community engagement and cultural heritage preservation. It’s crucial to provide the youth with platforms where their voices are heard, and their energy and potential are channeled to promoting sustainable national development. These councils present examples of youth who can establish dialogue, are open to others and exhibit moderation and tolerance.”

AlRemeithi, an electrical engineering alumnus and member of the Dubai Youth Council, emphasized the role of the youth in building the nation.

“The youth are the future of and are the most valuable resource for any nation. By empowering them, dreams and goals can be realized. Through these Youth Councils, the youth are guided to be active participants in the development of the nation and have their voices heard. The council focuses on empowering the youth by raising awareness and encouraging participation in programs and initiatives. The council represents the youth of the emirate and works closely with ministerial and corporate youth councils to achieve its goals towards realizing our leaderships' aspirations,” he said.

AlAli and AlRemeithi credited their AUS education for the foundation it provided them to grow professionally and personally.

“My AUS education is constantly helping me contribute effectively to the Sharjah Youth Council. AUS provided me with a strong foundation and skills such as critical thinking and effective communication, which have proven invaluable in my participation in the Youth Council,” said AlAli.

AlRemeithi noted that he is proud and privileged to have been an AUS student.

“All the valuable skills I learned during my time at AUS helped shape the person I am today. AUS provided a strong educational background and the opportunity to be part of a diverse community of students, which established a strong basis that makes us a more valuable resource to our nation. Through critical thinking and strong communication skills, we are able to analyze and solve problems, relay information effectively and aspire towards becoming the best. To all the students at AUS, never stop learning and working hard, you are the future of your nations,” he said.

For more information about AUS, visit www.aus.edu.