ABU DHABI, 23rd October, 2024 (WAM) -- Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Chairman of the Municipality and Planning Department – Ajman and Deputy Chairman of the Arab Youth Centre (AYC), along with Dr. Sultan bin Saif Al Neyadi, Minister of State for Youth Affairs and AYC's Deputy Chairman, attended today the honouring ceremony of the third edition of the Young Arab Diplomatic Leaders Programme, held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs.

The event, organised by the AYC, took place at the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy (AGDA) in Abu Dhabi and honoured 40 young participants from nine Arab countries.

The ceremony was attended by representatives from the AGDA, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, several ambassadors and representatives of Arab diplomatic missions in the UAE, as well as representatives from diplomatic institutes and international organisations working in the humanitarian and development fields.

Over the past weeks, the programme offered a series of specialised sessions and virtual workshops, focusing on essential skills in humanitarian diplomacy and international humanitarian work.

Sheikh Rashid said that the world is seeing rapid changes that require innovative and sustainable solutions, particularly in humanitarian diplomacy, which underscores the importance of the role of young diplomats, who are equipped with the energy to innovate solutions, promote stability, and foster values of solidarity and human fraternity.

He added, "Empowering youth in the field of humanitarian diplomacy is an investment in the future, enhancing the international community’s ability to achieve sustainable development goals (SDGs)."

Dr. Sultan bin Saif Al Neyadi reaffirmed the Arab Youth Centre’s commitment, under the guidance of H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes' Affairs and Chairman of the AYC, to continue empowering and building the capacities of youth in various areas of development, particularly in humanitarian diplomacy.

He said that one of the best strategies observed in this sector is building specialised youth communities that are actively engaged in developmental work, creating a conducive environment. "Undoubtedly, those working in diplomacy are at the heart of developmental work, and youth have the responsibility to improve the present to ensure a better future.”