During his keynote speech at the Arab Meeting for Young Leaders at the World Government Summit (WGS) 2023, Sheikh Rashid Al Nuaimi stressed that the investment of youth organisations and governments in sports is viable to enhancing economic diversification, supporting social and human development, and boosting the status of the Arab region on the world arena.

He added that the role of youth in the sports sector promotes the Arab identity and shows how young talents actively contribute to shaping the future of the region.

During a session titled “The power of youth in changing the Arab narrative,” Shamma Al Mazrui, Minister of Community Development, Vice President of the Arab Youth Centre and the UAE’s “COP28” Youth Climate Champion, said the visions and aspirations of youth are essential to developing effective government policies and strategies that empower promising talents.

She added that the Arab Youth Centre, under the leadership of H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, aims at enabling the youth to build their identity and preserve their Arabic language.

Al Mazrui said, “Despite challenges, Arab youth strongly faced disasters and conflicts. They succeeded in creating a model in voluntary work, presenting the best example of Arab values and unity.”

She said hosting the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Doha, 25th Arabian Gulf Cup in Basra, Iraq and Riyadh Season Cup in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has revived hope for Arab youth, presenting young people with new opportunities of achievement in world-class events.

Al Mazrui spoke at the session, addressing 200 senior officials, decision makers, keynote speakers, experts, and specialists at the WGS held in Dubai.

The session highlighted the role of youth in several key achievements of Arab countries, particularly the UAE’s Hope Probe and Expo 2020 Dubai, and Saudi Arabia’s NEOM Project.

Under the Patronage of H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the Arab Youth Centre, the WGS hosted the second edition of “Arab Meeting for Young Leaders” in the presence of Arab ministers of youth, and young successful personalities.

The meeting highlighted Arab youth success stories and addressed the best practices and strategies in empowering the youth and enhancing their pivotal role in shaping the future of societies.

The Arab Meeting for Young Leaders issued an executive summary of the results of the study "The Development of Arab Identity", which highlighted the key features of the Arab identity among youth.