Statement by His Excellency Mubarak Al Nakhi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture and Youth, during his participation in the second session of the Asia Young Leaders Forum in China. The development of its youth is a national priority for the UAE. Since the establishment of the Union, our leadership has endeavored to empower youth providing them with the right environment to thrive and contribute to nation building. H.E. Al Nakhi said: "The leadership in the UAE has always believed in the need to provide young people with the appropriate skills and expertise to be active members of society. Youth is the key pillar for building the present and advancing the future. It is, therefore, critical to develop their skills for them to contribute to the society's growth. The UAE government has introduced a series of initiatives and projects focusing on Emirati youth to develop their knowledge and boost creativity. The nation's strategic vision focuses on youth to become integral part of nation building. "In 2019 when His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan visited the People's Republic of China, he expressed the importance of empowering youth and investing in their abilities and future. This was followed by a series of youth circles and various events where the aspirations and ambitions of youth towards a better future were explored and discussed. We have been witnessing growing interest in the youth exchange programs between the two countries and enhanced cooperation between universities and educational organizations. Development of youth is a national priority for the UAE. We believe it is imperative to equip the youth with the right skillset and experience to steer the country to success. Youth have always been a key pillar of our growth agenda. "By implementing government-backed policies and empowering young people, we ensure that they are an integral part of the nation building process, a strategy that resonates with China as well. The Ministry of Culture and Youth was spearheading efforts to place the youth at the heart of the country's development strategy, to enhance their participation at the regional, national, and local levels adding further that the UAE youth will take centerstage at the upcoming COP28 in Dubai. "I am looked forward to greater engagement between the youth of both countries and that the future of the UAE-China relationship is secure in the capable hands of the next generation."