The Ministry of State for Federal National Council Affairs, in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Education Council and Creative Lab in the Media Zone Authority in Abu Dhabi (towfour54), organized a panel discussion entitled "positive citizenship," with the objective of improving a culture of political participation among youth.

The session was participated in by more than 30 students from several Abu Dhabi schools. The conversation provided numerous topics that focused on the understanding of rights and responsibilities to the county, how youth can express their love and commitment to the homeland and its leadership, creative methods in revealing the spirit of favorable citizenship and how the youth of the UAE can become ambassadors of positivity and factors to advancement of the country.

His Excellency Tariq Hilal Lootah, Undersecretary of the Ministry of State for Federal National Council Affairs, discussed that enhancing political awareness amongst the community is a nationwide task that requires the collective efforts of all. "The panel discussion is in line with our objective of strengthening a culture of political involvement culture amongst youth. Our management sees them as the leaders of the future who can contribute to continuing the match of success and advancement of the nation across all sectors."

Maryam Al Mheiri, Acting CEO of twofour54, stated: "Our leadership believes in the value of youth engagement and has actually created platforms to raise awareness of their responsibilities to our country. This event comes as part of the culture of having an open discussion with the youth, intending to unlock for students to explore their imaginative capacity and share their ideas and expectations of ways to positively and effectively contribute to society. Assisting youths to define their contribution to the future of the UAE is a vital part of what we aim for at twofour54."

Colonel Dr. Ahmad Ali Alkhzimi, Director of the Officers' Training Institute at the Ministry of Interior, asserted in his speech provided at the panel discussion that positive citizenship is the bet for the future and the effective method to achieve success and development of the UAE. He added: "Positive citizenship is specified by devotion and loyalty in performing the duties of people, along with volunteering, saving the values of our nation, and introducing and participating in positive efforts in addition to academic excellence. Favorable citizenship contributes to developing generations capable of improving the country and building on its accomplishments."

Alkhzimi said that political participation is part of the Arab culture and Islamic values. "Political participation is an important safeguard to preserve ones rights and freedoms, and a tool to inform the Government of the needs, aspirations and desires of the citizens for achieving stability in society. It is also considered as a means of education and spreading awareness within the community, and promoting cooperation between citizens and government institutions.

The Ministry of State for Federal National Council, as part of its efforts to promote a culture of political participation, seeks to implement several innovative initiatives and activities. The ministry is also keen on organizing periodical series of awareness lectures directed to all segments of society, such as young people and women to enhance their political awareness and contribute to the promotion of belonging to the homeland and its wise leadership.