"With the participation of an esteemed group of officials, specialists, and decision-makers

The activities of the 12th edition of the Political Awareness Forum for University Students, organized by the Ministry of State for Federal National Council Affairs in cooperation with the United Arab Emirates University, shed light on the achievements of the Federal National Council elections since their inception. It emphasized the significant efforts of the National Election Committee and all its affiliated committees and teams in achieving success for the current 2023 session. The forum also highlighted the optimal utilization of all tools and means that contribute to continuing the progress of the electoral process and achieving excellence and leadership in the parliamentary experience of the United Arab Emirates, which has succeeded in enhancing its position as one of the most important experiences in the region. The UAE has provided an inspiring model for the relationship between the legislative and executive branches to serve the nation and the interests of citizens.

His Excellency Zaki Anwar Nusseibeh, the Cultural Advisor to the President of the UAE, and the Chancellor of the United Arab Emirates University, affirmed: "The convening of the Political Awareness Forum for University Students in its twelfth edition at the United Arab Emirates University is a strong affirmation that the development of political awareness among university students and deepening their participation in the nation's progress is an important gateway to stability, prosperity, and sustainable development. It is a fundamental goal of the empowerment phase, which is proceeding vigorously under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the UAE. The UAE's commitment to empowering and building the capabilities of youth as a vital part of the decision-making process is essential, especially since young people possess the energy, creativity, and drive to confront challenges, as well as the ability to propose innovative and sustainable ideas for the development of society and its improvement, spreading the foundations of stability and well-being among all its members."

He added in his speech: "It is not an exaggeration to say that education has been and continues to be the true driver of nations' advancement, development, and elevation. This vision is evident in the great legacy left to us by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan (may he rest in peace), and our wise government has followed his path. The optimal approach to building a globally leading society begins with educating the informed citizen who seeks to develop their capabilities and raise their scientific level to participate in the process of development and progress in all social, political, and economic fields."

Sheikha Dr. Shamma bint Mohammed bin Khalid Al Nahyan, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalid Al Nahyan Cultural and Educational Institutions, spoke about the importance of elections and their role in conveying the elites and leaders capable of achieving change and development. She emphasized that parliamentary elections are an exceptional opportunity and a pivotal station in supporting the country's cultural development.

She also discussed the role of wise leadership in supporting the implementation of good governance in the electoral process in the United Arab Emirates. Her speech also touched on the uniqueness of the electoral process in the UAE in integrating the appointment and election systems in shaping the Federal National Council.

She concluded her speech by highlighting the role of universities and educational institutions, especially the United Arab Emirates University, in educating the youth of the nation and realizing their important role in achieving progress and development through the electoral process for building a bright future for the United Arab Emirates.

His Excellency Tariq Hilal Lootah, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of State for Federal National Council Affairs and the Chairman of the National Election Committee Secretariat, and a member of the National Election Committee, said: "This year's edition of the forum coincides with the fifth edition of the Federal National Council elections, a new milestone in the journey of the electoral experience in the United Arab Emirates, which began its first stages with the announcement of the late Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan's political empowerment program in 2005."

He noted that this edition, through the visionary leadership of the UAE and the efforts of all working teams, and the active participation of the nation's youth, will add another success to the achievements of the previous four electoral cycles. He encouraged young people to actively participate in the electoral process and elect representatives who would voice their opinions and aspirations in the Federal National Council to serve the country with dedication and enthusiasm.

Mubarak Al-Nakhi, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture and Youth, said in his speech: "Since the establishment of the United Arab Emirates, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and his fellow rulers of the Emirates have been keen on formulating strategic visions that empower youth in various areas of life as they are the most valuable asset of our nation. Indeed, the government has been successful in realizing these aspirations in practice, making the UAE a role model, both regionally and globally, in empowering youth and activating their roles in various vital sectors."

He added: "Our youth today are bearers of knowledge, science, creativity, and innovation. They have the ability to effectively communicate with their peers around the world, making them a prominent competitive model for Arab youth. This is something we are proud of, which is why continuing to build and develop the capabilities of young people in various fields contributes to enhancing the leadership's confidence in the youth and providing the country's future with promising individuals capable of serving their country with sincerity and dedication."

Dr. Suaad Al Oraimi, Chair of the Government and Society Department, said in her speech: "Political awareness requires self-awareness first, and students can develop their political awareness by understanding the organizational structure, understanding unofficial interaction networks, knowing individuals' orientations, and having the ability to engage in invisible persuasion. Therefore, young people should realize their importance in the political construction process, know the space allocated to them, and have the freedom of direct interaction with their peers. Youth participation creates a positive atmosphere for political and electoral interaction and is a favorable opportunity for university students to understand political agendas, electoral programs, and sources of strength. This requires promoting electoral culture and raising parliamentary awareness among the youth of the UAE."

In the discussion session led by Dr. Mozah Al Tenaijy from the United Arab Emirates University, Dr. Mohammed Hamad Al Kuwaiti, the President of the Cybersecurity Council for the Government of the United Arab Emirates, spoke about cybersecurity and its role in achieving the highest standards of confidentiality and protection for the electoral process and all related procedures for the Federal National Council elections. Meanwhile, His Excellency Dr. Sultan Mohammed Al Nuaimi, the Director General of the Emirates Center for Strategic Studies and Research, discussed higher education institutions and their active role in promoting political awareness among students, preparing them to be future leaders capable of carrying the message of the UAE and achieving its vision for global leadership and excellence.

Furthermore, Dr. Issa Saif Bin Hanzal, the Director of the Legal Affairs Department for the Government of Sharjah and the Chairman of the Sharjah Electoral Committee for the Federal National Council elections, talked about the role of the UAE's electoral committees in achieving optimal organization for the elections by reviewing the tasks and roles these committees perform. Additionally, Ms. Ahlam Al-Lamki, the Director of the Research and Development Department at the General Women's Union, highlighted the experience of the Fatima bint Mubarak Program for Political Empowerment of Women, its achievements, and its contribution to enhancing the potential and capabilities of Emirati women. This is reflected practically through their active participation in the current elections as candidates and voters.

The forum concluded with a youth session led by students from the United Arab Emirates University, which focused on the active role of youth in elevating parliamentary work through their active participation in the 2023 Federal National Council elections.