Experts highlight in-demand future skills for youth in UAE

Imran Mojib, Special Correspondent

The “Next Normal” brings new opportunities, novel ways to learn and grow, and a different set of priorities for the UAE youth, asserted experts at the Mohamed Bin Zayed Majlis for Future Generations (MBZMFG 2021).

The virtual event took place on Sunday, under the theme Thriving in the Next Normal, where participants delved deep into topics ranging from the skills that will be most in-demand in the future to tactics that young people could implement to face these pressures, adapt to their new surroundings, and strive to innovate and excel.

Sessions under the first chapter - A Changing World - shed light on the rapid and unprecedented developments that took place around the world in 2020, which had a significant impact on business, individuals, families, communities, and entire countries. The UAE was committed, throughout this period, to making calculated forecasts that anticipate future scenarios and outline the opportunities that lie ahead, all the while empowering youth and encouraging them to continue innovating.

A session titled “New Ways of Learning,” chaired by Mohamed Khalifa Al Nuaimi, Director of the Education Affairs Office at the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Court, explored the rapidly evolving skillsets that will be required in the 21st century, which will compel Emirati youth to embrace lifelong learning and master entrepreneurial skills in order to adapt to change, communicate more effectively, boost critical thinking, and excel at teamwork.

During the session, Hussain Al Hammadi, Minister of Education, asserted that nothing is impossible for the UAE’s wise leadership, which is constantly striving towards greater accomplishments.

“The leadership relies on talented youth to carry the torch and add landmark accomplishments across all sectors, building on the country’s already illustrious track record, which most recently culminated in the Hope Probe reaching Mars in a project led by our youth,” he said.

The minister urged students to choose specialisations they are passionate about, which would allow them to be innovative in the sector they choose.

“University is not the final chapter of education; on the contrary, it marks the beginning of lifelong learning,” he stressed.

Sana Mohammad Suhail, Head of the Transition Office at the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority, addressed the “Frontier Industries” session, stressing that “Innovation and technology play a prominent role in the early childhood sector.”

She advised young people to never set limits to their ambitions and aspirations and to work hard, persevere, and follow their passion to accomplish success: “My advice to you is to pursue a profession with a purpose - a career that makes you feel good. You must go after those dreams that would bring the much needed change our world needs. Celebrating the UAE’s Golden Jubilee reminds us of how important it is to invest in people and prepare them for the future in every sector.”

Wendy Kopp, CEO and Co-founder of Teach for All, said, “I have been working for almost a year now to support our network of heroic teachers, educators, and advocates for children as they ensure their students stay safe and continue learning during this era. I think if anything has become clear over these last months, it’s that we need to be preparing this generation of children and young people to lead in an uncertain future.”

“The economy is changing so much - as we have known for some time - but we are also facing increasingly complex and unknowable challenges ahead and really reaching any of our aspirations for a more just and inclusive, peaceful, sustainable society will rest on our developing students as leaders who can shape a better future,” she added.

At the third edition of the Mohamed Bin Zayed Majlis for Future Generations (MBZMFG), UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and ADNOC Group Managing Director and CEO Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber hosted a lively discussion with young UAE nationals from a wide range of professional backgrounds.