Kuwait, UAE Ministers stress youth empowerment, regional cooperation

KUWAIT, Jan 29 (KUNA) -- Minister of Information, Culture and State Minister for Youth Affairs Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi said on Thursday that youth support and empowerment in Kuwait represents a comprehensive institutional approach based on partnership and sustainable planning.
Al-Mutairi made the remarks during the panel discussion "Prospects for Kuwaiti-Emirati Cooperation: A Shared Youth-Led Vision," on the sidelines of Kuwaiti-Emirati Week, in the presence of UAE Minister of State for Youth Affairs Dr. Sultan Al-Neyadi and UAE Ambassador to Kuwait Matar Al-Neyadi.
He added that young people are key partners in designing and implementing policies, programs, and initiatives aimed at fostering leadership, innovation, and skills aligned with future labor market needs and societal development priorities.
He expressed pleasure at the occasion, emphasizing the deep historical ties between Kuwait and the UAE under the leadership of His Highness Kuwait's Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and UAE President Sheikh Mohammad bin Zayed Al-Nahyan.
Al-Mutairi noted that Kuwaiti-Emirati relations are based on continuous coordination, and a shared vision for a prosperous future, with youth issues forming a key pillar of bilateral cooperation and policy alignment.
He explained that Kuwait adopted a national model integrating government entities, independent institutions, the private sector, and civil society to develop youth leaders capable of responsibility through leadership programs and future-skills training.
Al-Mutairi emphasized that volunteerism is prioritized as a pathway to leadership, community service, national identity engagement, and fostering social cohesion, while youth health and holistic well-being remain central to empowerment strategies.
He added that the Public Authority for Youth develops initiatives, fosters creativity, and partners with knowledge and talent institutions to transform youth ideas into innovative success models in collaboration with private sector and civil society.
UAE Minister Dr. Sultan Al-Neyadi said the UAE prioritizes youth in national development, emphasizing participation in decision-making and leadership through over 180 youth councils across sectors, enabling young people to contribute to policymaking and strategic planning.
Al-Neyadi added that cooperation with Kuwait reflects shared commitment to youth-led development, providing platforms for innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable initiatives, while encouraging young leaders to create positive societal impact, and to bridge regional opportunities and challenges collaboratively.
Youth leaders from both countries highlighted the pivotal role of young people in innovation, policy formulation, and sustainable development, stressing the importance of expanding partnerships and empowering youth to lead initiatives that ensure long-term prosperity and progress. (end) sad.aai