Sharjah forum to address challenges of Mena youth

sharjah — A two-day conference in Sharjah will discuss the humanitarian and development challenges in the Mena region, under the theme, Youth — Crisis Challenges and Development Opportunities.

Third edition of the Investing in the Future International Conference (IIFMENA 2018), organised by The Big Heart Foundation (TBHF), will be inaugurated by His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, at Al Jawaher Reception and Convention Centre on Wednesday. The conference is being held under the patronage of Dr Sheikh Sultan and his wife Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of The Big Heart Foundation (TBHF), UNHCR Eminent Advocate for Refugee Children and Chairperson of NAMA Women Advancement Establishment (TBHF).

This year’s edition will highlight youth-related issues in the Mena region, especially those that emerge from war, conflict and natural disasters, and will bring together senior officials, and experts from the UAE and beyond to discuss remedies centring on the role of youth and how they can be more actively involved in the process.

The conference will witness a high-level opening on Wednesday with a keynote address from the Sharjah Ruler. Over the two days of the event, the IIFMENA platform will be shared by youth figures like Nobel Laureate Nadia Murad; Ahmed Abu Gheit, Secretary-General of the Arab League; and senior UAE officials like Omar Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence; and Dr Al Anoud Al Sharekh, researcher on youth and gender demographics.

The IIFMENA’s two-day agenda will shed light on the ways governments, civil society, international organisations, academia and private sector can collaborate to involve the region’s youth more effectively in consultative, policy and decision-making processes, enabling a more inclusive and participatory approach to tackling challenges and offering practical, scalable solutions.

The first day’s discussion agenda will cover crucial themes in crisis management and youth development. These include the topics, Youth in Conflict and Peacebuilding, Youth Entrepreneurship as a Catalyst for Growth and Employment, Social Norms and Practices Hindering Young Women Reaching their Potential, and Life Skills and Citizenship Education in the Middle East and North Africa…a New Learning Agenda for a New Generation.

The second day of the conference will bring to the fore the aspect of youth participation in developmental challenges through specific discussions on Youth Social Media and Creating Positive Change, Youth and Climate Change, Inspirational Session — Rally Team, and conclude with a Youth-led discussion — Youth Participation in Mena Development.