Commentary by Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum

There is something remarkable about the way young people move through the world with a curiosity shaped by what might be achieved—reminding us of our own first encounters with possibility. They may not always announce their impact, yet it unfolds quietly but powerfully: in the way they challenge a habit, reimagine a process, or offer an idea no one had considered. Through their creativity, their ability to connect, and their spirit of collaboration, they are redefining progress—making it more inclusive, more inventive, and more responsive to the challenges we face.

The theme of this year’s International Youth Day, “Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond,” reflects what is already taking place in the UAE and beyond. Across our cities, young people are transforming global challenges into local opportunities, weaving hope into policy and progress into the fabric of daily life. Whether it is a student-led climate solution, a neighbourhood coding programme, or a grassroots art initiative, these examples prove that innovation—when grounded in empathy—has the power to transform entire systems from the ground up.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, who saw potential in me as I see in the youth of the UAE, once said: “Our value in life is defined by what we do.” On this International Youth Day, I see that same spirit reflected in our young people—in their courage to act, their creativity to imagine, and their determination to build a better future. Let us listen to them, invest in them, and walk alongside them, knowing that when youth lead, the world moves forward.