His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, has delivered a speech at the conclusion of the Mohamed bin Zayed Majlis for Future Generations, a gathering for the youth being held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.
He conveyed the greetings of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, to the participating students from Emirati universities and educational institutions.
“Yours is a journey of a generation for the whole nation. This generation has to work hard and equip itself with science so as to take the lead. You are a significant generation. We are honoured to have you. You are the source of good fortune for your country,” Sheikh Mohamed told the participants. Describing the youth as partners in the nation, he said, “We share in its happiness, progress, security, concerns and mission of deterrence. Those who carry the banner now will hand it over to the next generation. This is inevitable. It is the circle of life.”
He cited three elements that are essential for any country in its quest to achieve success in competition. These are science as a weapon, investment in science, and knowledgeable leadership that has a definite and clear vision and roadmap. Progress in this country cannot be made without the youth, he told the youth. “It is you, not the three million barrels of oil per day, who are the source of hope of this country, its future and real weapon.”
Speaking about the achievements made by the UAE under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, he said, “We have 23 million tourists, a strong economy, telecommunications networks that are excellent at both the regional and global level, and enjoy security and safety for which we thank Allah.”
Seventy per cent of the Arab youth want to come and live in the UAE, according to specialised surveys, he said. “The reason is that fourty-seven or fifty years ago Allah blessed us with a wise leadership that laid the sound foundation and infrastructure for the launch of nation-building and development. Now, we breath fresh air and live a happy life.”
