The Abu Dhabi Awards has launched the ‘Abu Dhabi Awards Young Ambassadors’ programme in collaboration with the Emirati Children's Parliament and the Children Advisory Council under the Supreme Council of Motherhood and Childhood.
Running its first edition, the programme aligns with Abu Dhabi Awards’ core value of inclusion by engaging all members of our community to recognise goodness regardless of age, nationality or occupation.
The programme was launched at a special event at the Abu Dhabi Youth Hub held last week, which featured an awareness session and training workshops to familiarize the young ambassadors with the programme’s goals and values, encouraging them to act as junior advocates of the Abu Dhabi Awards across the UAE.
The Abu Dhabi Awards is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates. The theme of the 11th edition, ‘Who represents goodness to you?’, aims to inspire the public to nominate those whose good deeds benefit the community of the UAE, and who embody the values of the Abu Dhabi Awards, including commitment, selflessness, and inspiration.
Recognised as the Emirate’s highest civilian honour, the Abu Dhabi Awards is a Government initiative that pays tribute to unsung heroes who have selflessly dedicated their time to helping others and positively impacted the nation.
Commenting on the launch of the programme, Sheikh Zayed bin Nahyan bin Zayed Alnehayan, member of the Emirati Children's Parliament and Abu Dhabi Awards Young Ambassador, stated: “The Abu Dhabi Awards instill the love of goodness in our hearts, and motivate us to spread goodness in our community as taught by our late founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. I am proud to be one of the ambassadors in the Abu Dhabi Awards Young Ambassadors Programme, which was launched this year in its first edition and aims to involve children in activities to encourage members of our community, including children, to nominate our unsung heroes. The programme enables us to play an active role in the Abu Dhabi Awards, which honours our nation’s inspiring heroes who have made long-lasting contributions to our community in the UAE.”
Mathayel Al Saridi, President of the Emirati Children's Parliament and Abu Dhabi Awards Young Ambassador, added: “I am proud to be a young ambassador for the Abu Dhabi Awards, which is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, may God protect him. Aiming to build a generation equipped with positive values, this programme will have a significant impact on the participation of children within our community.”
Speaking on the importance of the Abu Dhabi Awards, Dhaher Al Muhairi, Vice-President of the Emirati Children's Parliament and Abu Dhabi Awards Young Ambassador, stated: “The Abu Dhabi Award promotes and honors the people who embody goodness. This year, the Award is 17 years old, and throughout its lifetime it has garnered many nominations for inspiring individuals who provided great services to the UAE community and deserved to be honoured by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, the President of the UAE. I am proud to be a young ambassador of the Abu Dhabi Awards, and I pledge to encourage my friends to submit their nominations.”
Muzna Al-Mansoori, member of the Emirati Children's Parliament and Abu Dhabi Awards Young Ambassador, added: "The UAE government is currently focused on empowering children, and our selection as ambassadors for the Abu Dhabi Awards Young Ambassadors Programme embodies our government’s vision. I look forward to representing the Abu Dhabi Awards, which instills the values of goodness and giving in our community. With nominations open to all members of the community regardless of age, nationality, or occupation, I will encourage my family, friends, and colleagues of different nationalities to take part in the nominations.”
Following the training, the Young Ambassadors will represent the Abu Dhabi Awards in their communities and will be tasked with raising awareness about the Awards and its mission, as well as encouraging members of their communities to nominate their unsung heroes whose good deeds benefit the community of the UAE.
Amal Al Ameri, member of the Abu Dhabi Awards Organising Committee, said: “The launch of the Abu Dhabi Awards Young Ambassadors programme marks a significant milestone in our mission to activate goodness by engaging all members of our community, including children. Through this programme, we hope to instill values of goodness and community service among future generations, to create a brighter future for our nation.
“A distinguishing factor of the Abu Dhabi Awards is that they are inclusive and open. Anyone considered to have made a positive contribution to the UAE community can be nominated for an Award – regardless of their age, nationality, or occupation. We are committed to championing inclusivity by equipping our Young Ambassadors with the resources to represent the Abu Dhabi Awards across the UAE.”
Since its inception in 2005, the Abu Dhabi Awards has garnered more than a quarter million nominations, representing 135 nationalities. Previous award recipients have made valuable contributions in a myriad of fields, including healthcare, education, environment, as well as culture and heritage.
Nominations are open until 10 October and can be submitted by visiting the Abu Dhabi Awards website www.abudhabiawards.ae or calling 8003331.
Please watch the video featuring members of the Emirati Children’s Parliament and the Children’s Advisory Council here.
