emirates7 - Dr. Abdulrahman Al Awar, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation and Acting Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, emphasized the UAE’s strong dedication to youth empowerment, calling it a cornerstone for achieving a sustainable and prosperous future.
He pointed out that young people now represent half of the UAE’s workforce, which has expanded by 12% in total size and seen a 17% increase in the number of companies. Notably, the participation of Emiratis in the labour force has surged by 325% over the past three years, thanks to the Nafis programme—an initiative that has strengthened youth contributions to economic growth, innovation, and social cohesion by enhancing their skills and capabilities.
Speaking during the “Inclusive Growth, Job Creation and Youth Empowerment” session at the G20 Labour and Employment Ministers’ Meeting in George, South Africa, Dr. Al Awar underscored the UAE’s efforts to align educational outcomes with the demands of a rapidly evolving job market.
He noted that these efforts include scaling up investments in technical and vocational education and training (TVET), particularly in key sectors vital to the future economy—such as artificial intelligence, digital services, healthcare, education, business, and industry—where the need for skilled talent is especially high.
Dr. Al Awar also spotlighted several UAE national initiatives that reflect this approach, including the National Youth Agenda 2031, the Industrialist Programme, and the Nafis programme.
He further elaborated on the UAE’s commitment to entrepreneurship and digital transformation, highlighting initiatives such as the UAE Council for Entrepreneurship’s dedicated fund and the “5,000 Digital Talents” programme. These projects aim to prepare youth to lead in a new, tech-driven economy focused on sustainability and innovation.
During a separate G20 session on “Gender Equality in the Workforce,” Dr. Al Awar reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to fairness and inclusion. He stressed that UAE legislation prohibits gender-based discrimination in areas like promotions and training and safeguards against workplace gender-based violence.
He revealed that women now make up 66% of the workforce in UAE government entities, with over 30% occupying leadership roles. In the private sector, women’s participation has risen by 21%, with 46% of employed women working in skilled roles.
Dr. Al Awar concluded by noting that the UAE’s achievements are reflected in international rankings. The country holds the top spot in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) on the UNDP’s Gender Inequality Index and earned a score of 82.5 out of 100 in the World Bank’s Women, Business and the Law 2024 report.
Established in 1999, the G20 gathers the world’s leading economies, representing 85% of global GDP, 75% of global trade, and around two-thirds of the world’s population. It serves as a key forum for global economic cooperation, policymaking, and promoting international stability and development.
He pointed out that young people now represent half of the UAE’s workforce, which has expanded by 12% in total size and seen a 17% increase in the number of companies. Notably, the participation of Emiratis in the labour force has surged by 325% over the past three years, thanks to the Nafis programme—an initiative that has strengthened youth contributions to economic growth, innovation, and social cohesion by enhancing their skills and capabilities.
Speaking during the “Inclusive Growth, Job Creation and Youth Empowerment” session at the G20 Labour and Employment Ministers’ Meeting in George, South Africa, Dr. Al Awar underscored the UAE’s efforts to align educational outcomes with the demands of a rapidly evolving job market.
He noted that these efforts include scaling up investments in technical and vocational education and training (TVET), particularly in key sectors vital to the future economy—such as artificial intelligence, digital services, healthcare, education, business, and industry—where the need for skilled talent is especially high.
Dr. Al Awar also spotlighted several UAE national initiatives that reflect this approach, including the National Youth Agenda 2031, the Industrialist Programme, and the Nafis programme.
He further elaborated on the UAE’s commitment to entrepreneurship and digital transformation, highlighting initiatives such as the UAE Council for Entrepreneurship’s dedicated fund and the “5,000 Digital Talents” programme. These projects aim to prepare youth to lead in a new, tech-driven economy focused on sustainability and innovation.
During a separate G20 session on “Gender Equality in the Workforce,” Dr. Al Awar reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to fairness and inclusion. He stressed that UAE legislation prohibits gender-based discrimination in areas like promotions and training and safeguards against workplace gender-based violence.
He revealed that women now make up 66% of the workforce in UAE government entities, with over 30% occupying leadership roles. In the private sector, women’s participation has risen by 21%, with 46% of employed women working in skilled roles.
Dr. Al Awar concluded by noting that the UAE’s achievements are reflected in international rankings. The country holds the top spot in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) on the UNDP’s Gender Inequality Index and earned a score of 82.5 out of 100 in the World Bank’s Women, Business and the Law 2024 report.
Established in 1999, the G20 gathers the world’s leading economies, representing 85% of global GDP, 75% of global trade, and around two-thirds of the world’s population. It serves as a key forum for global economic cooperation, policymaking, and promoting international stability and development.