Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence and Chairman of the National Fund, has emphasized the National Fund's commitment to realizing the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, in fostering national identity and a sense of belonging among Emirati youth.

This initiative seeks to instill deep-rooted values that lie at the core of the Emirati identity.

The National Fund is set to leverage all its resources and programs to achieve its main objectives under the initiative titled "Strong and Sustainable National Identity.” This initiative is designed to reach various segments of Emirati society, aiming to transform national identity into a daily practice that reflects loyalty to leadership, pride in the nation, and adherence to Islam and the Arabic language, viewed as the language of the Quran.

It also seeks to promote values such as courage, generosity, and social responsibility.

This announcement follows Sheikh Nahyan's review of the National Fund's plans and preparations for the upcoming events: the "Youth Retreat for National Identity Leaders" and "National Identity Convoys,” part of the “Strong and Sustainable National Identity” initiative.

These activities are scheduled to take place in Msaffat, Ajman, from April 11 to 14 next year, with participation from over 100 university students actively engaging in various activities that promote national values.

Sheikh Nahyan expressed optimism that the retreat would mark a significant start toward empowering youth in developing sustainable community initiatives that serve their nation and society.

The retreat is designed to be a platform for cultivating young leaders, as an investment in the future of the country.

Youth are considered the backbone of the nation’s progress and the future of its national identity.

The retreat will focus on preparing a generation of young leaders capable of initiating sustainable community projects and enhancing national identity and belonging.

Participants will engage in designing and implementing 25 sustainable initiatives in Msaffat that will have a lasting impact following the events.

Additionally, the program aims to instill a spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship among youth to serve the community.

The National Identity Convoys will embody the true meaning of positive citizenship through collaborative efforts to serve the community, featuring various programs and initiatives that enhance community cohesion.

These efforts will support local production and highlight creatives and innovators, contributing to balanced and sustainable development.

The primary goal of these convoys is to empower the local community and reinforce national identity values among the area's residents, providing high-quality health and social services to beneficiaries.

They will support local production, discover talents, enhance volunteerism, and instill a sense of national belonging through broad participation from both public and private sectors.

Programs will include excellent medical and social services, and will support productive households alongside providing heritage and artistic performances that highlight essential national values.

Workshops for children titled "Identity Leaders" will also be organized to nurture an aware and creative generation, connecting artists, writers, thinkers, and the local community.

Sheikh Nahyan stated, "Emirati national identity is our source of strength and unity, the fundamental pillar for our future.

Through these events, we work to prepare a generation of young leaders who possess community leadership skills, innovation spirit, and the ability to create a lasting positive impact in society."

Participation in this initiative by the youth will not only be an experience but a genuine investment in the future of the UAE.

The importance of raising awareness among youth about national identity and linking it with values of creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship has been emphasized.

These initiatives combine traditional values with contemporary relevance, utilizing cultural heritage to bolster leadership within younger generations.

The initiative has garnered support from over 30 governmental and private entities, educational and cultural institutions, including the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence, the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Education, the Balanced Development Council, the Emirates Red Crescent, the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development, and several leading media and cultural organizations.

All citizens are encouraged to partake in this ambitious national initiative, aimed at forging a strong and sustainable identity that preserves the nation's heritage while aligning with hopes for a bright future.

The Youth Retreat for National Identity Leaders will take place from April 11-14, bringing together 100 Emirati youth from various universities and colleges for an intensive training program comprised of workshops on leadership, effective communication, and community entrepreneurship, along with cultural and heritage activities to enhance national belonging.

The National Identity Convoys, scheduled for April 11 and 12, will target the local community in Msaffat, offering medical and social services, support for productive households, and artistic performances, alongside workshops for children focused on national values from an early age.