Ministers to discuss post-pandemic world at Mohamed bin Zayed Majlis

A dozen government ministers will speak to young Emiratis about thriving in the post-pandemic world during an online session next week.

The Mohamed bin Zayed Majlis for Future Generations is set to return on March 14.

It will be the third time the event has been held and this year it will be streamed online for the benefit of 3,000 Emirati students watching from home.

The theme is “Thriving in the Next Normal” and the event will bring together innovators, experts and the brightest minds from the UAE government and global businesses.

The session, organised by the Education Affairs Office at Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Court, aims to connect the nation’s youth with its leadership, ensuring all available resources are used to train young citizens so they can create a better future for themselves.

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, will close the online event with a special message to young Emiratis.

Twelve ministers will be among the 36 speakers. These include Hussain Al Hammadi, Minister of Education, who will be joined by Ali Matar of LinkedIn to discuss how the country’s youths can prepare for the future in a world where some of the top jobs did not even exist five years ago.

Mental health will also be among the main topics discussed at the event, with the Covid-19 pandemic the likely cause of sharp increases in stress and anxiety among young people.

Dr Laurie Santos, a psychology professor at Yale University, will explain how to boost one’s mental well-being.

Viewers will also learn about the benefits of having a curious mind and a flexible approach to life from Becky Anderson, managing editor and presenter at CNN Abu Dhabi, and Dr Adam Grant, a psychology professor at Wharton Business School.

The subject of sustainability will be addressed by Hessa Buhumaid, Minister of Community Development, and Minister of State for Food and Water Security Mariam Al Mheiri.

Masdar chief executive Mohamed Al Ramahi will describe how the nation can become greener, smarter and stronger.

The event will also feature a discussion of the UAE’s place in the global supply chain.

The country is playing an important role in helping to manage the worldwide response to the pandemic by distributing vaccine doses to those who need them.

Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, and Adnoc Group chief executive, will talk the youths through the set-up.

Meanwhile, Ohoud Al Roumi, Minister of State for Governmental Development and Future, and Khaldoon Al Mubarak, managing director and group chief executive of Mubadala Investment Company, will talk about the industries that could change the economic profile of the UAE.

Abdulla bin Touq, Minister of Economy, will speak at a session titled “Doubling the economy in the next 10 years” and Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of State for Advanced Technology and chairwoman of the UAE Space Agency, will explain how the country is pushing boundaries in technology and space exploration.

Creativity will be another subject on the agenda. Minister of Culture and Youth Noura Al Kaabi and Amit Sood, director of Google Arts & Culture, will speak to The National’s Editorin-Chief Mina Al-Oraibi about where the future opportunities lie in this area.

It is the third time the event has been held and aims to connect young Emiratis with the country’s leadership