Dr. Sultan bin Saif Al Neyadi, Minister of State for Youth Affairs, underscored the significance of engaging with students studying abroad and launching initiatives to enhance their skills. His aim is to create a model educational environment that fosters youth potential and promotes knowledge exchange through collaboration. He made these remarks during a session titled 'Emirati Students in Australia,' organized by the Federal Youth Authority in partnership with the UAE Embassy in Sydney, Australia.
The session was attended by Dr. Al Neyadi and Dr. Fahad Al Taffaq, the UAE Ambassador to Australia. Over 120 participants, including scholarship students, took part in the session, where they discussed training programs aimed at helping Emirati students adapt to cultural and social life abroad. They also explored organizing social events to exchange experiences and build connections, as well as conducting guidance sessions on choosing appropriate academic paths.
The event also included sports and science competitions, along with discussions on innovation to boost competitive spirit and skill development. An interactive electronic platform was introduced to assist graduate students in mentoring newcomers and helping them integrate into society.
Dr. Al Neyadi remarked, "The directives of our wise leadership underscore the significance of listening to youth's voices and providing them with opportunities to share their ideas. Empowering the youth to engage in decision-making processes is crucial for sustainable development. By investing in human capabilities, we are equipping our national workforce with vital skills in key sectors that enhance our future ambitions and drive the success of our nation".
"This youth session offered the students an interactive platform to present their suggestions and discuss their future ambitions, acting as a catalyst in fostering communication and sharing of ideas. It underscored our dedication to providing comprehensive support to our overseas students and ensuring an outstanding educational journey for them", he added.
Dr. Al Taffaq, meanwhile, pointed out, "The forum was a valuable opportunity to discuss the challenges facing students on scholarships abroad. It also offered a platform to bring together the youth of the UAE living abroad for study or work". Attendees discussed crucial topics like education, the environment and climate change, the future of artificial intelligence, and other subjects contributing to the country's sustainable development.
The young participants discussed several challenges faced by Emirati students in Australian universities, including adapting to cultural and social life abroad, building connections with peers, academic difficulties, time management, and exploring scientific career opportunities. The session also emphasized the global empowerment of Emirati youth, their role in representing the nation on the international stage, and making the most of opportunities provided by the UAE to contribute to national development goals.
