Page 239 - MBRF English PR Report - September 2024

9/6/24, 1:48 PM Latest News
President of the Dubai Youth Council in 2023 by continuously working on himself. He recounted how his
journey to success began in his first year at university, when he established the university’s Youth

Department, where he served as the Head of the Media Department and began volunteering with youth
councils. After graduation, he worked as an engineer at the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA)

and chaired the DEWA Youth Council.
Eng. Hassan Khaled Sabt also highlighted key similarities between the objectives of the YKF and those of

the Dubai Youth Council, as both aim to empower youth by equipping them with self-confidence, requisite
skills, and experiences to become future leaders. He noted that one of his early achievements with the

council was the establishment of the first retreat dedicated to Dubai’s youth, focusing on six main areas
aimed at empowering them.
Ahmed Hamouda discussed the initial stages of his educational and professional journey, leading up to the

establishment of Thndr Securities Brokerage. He shared insights into key professional milestones, such as
securing the first funding round for Thndr in 2019, the diverse challenges he faced, and how he overcame

them. He also highlighted the company’s recent deals and funding rounds, as well as future expansion plans,
while sharing valuable insights on various economic challenges impacting youth.
Hadeer Shalaby recounted how the company was established to preserve local handicraft traditions and

expand the reach of Egyptian products both regionally and globally. She stated that Freeziana has emerged
as a groundbreaking platform in Egypt, dedicated solely to promoting handicrafts and empowering local

artisans, particularly women, by offering economic and technological support. The website skillfully markets
unique handmade creations, photographs them, facilitates shipping, and helps artisans stay ahead of the

latest trends and demands.
Lamiaa Khairat delivered a session titled ‘UNDP Shababeek Youth Project,’ highlighting the significance of

youth initiatives in the Arab world. She discussed various initiatives undertaken by the UNDP across
approximately 170 nations and regions. The program aims to eliminate poverty, reduce inequality and
exclusion, and enhance crisis management capabilities, enabling countries to sustain their progress. Khairat

also underscored how the UNDP assists nations in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and
highlighted the program’s focus on addressing key deterrents to human development in the Arab region.

The YKF concluded with the ‘Open Dialogue with Young Participants on Future Aspirations’ session, featuring
Dr. Hany Torky, Chief Technical Adviser and Project Manager of the Knowledge Project at the UNDP. Dr.

Torky addressed key barriers that often impede the progress of Arab youth in the international labor market
and emphasized the importance of drawing inspiration from the exemplary young role models showcased

during the YKF. He reiterated the vital role youth engagement in volunteering initiatives plays in enhancing
their prospects.
He encouraged Arab youth to leverage opportunities provided by the UNDP in cooperation with its partners,

especially the FutureSkills4all initiative, which aims to equip Arab youth with essential digital and professional
skills to help them secure lucrative job opportunities.

The YKF attracted officials, youth, and representatives from knowledge, scientific, and developmental

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