Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa) has called upon the youth in the UAE and around the world to become part of the country's global efforts for a green transition.

The youth’s contribution in the green economy is vital because innovation and creativity are qualities of youth, and the change we seek is a continuous process, which to a large extent is driven by the youth, remarked Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, the vice chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, managing director and chief executive of Dewa.

He was delivering his opening speech at the ‘Youth Dialogue - Going Green: Practical or unrealistic for today’s youth’ held at the fourth edition of the World Green Economy Summit (WGES) on Tuesday (October 24).

“As we all know, the youth’s contribution in the green economy is one of the most important topics on the agenda for the fourth edition of the summit. As such the theme ‘Driving Innovation, Leading Change’, illustrates the pivotal role that young people play in the transformation to the green economy,” stated Al Tayer, who is also the chairman of WGES.

“The youth is the future and hope of our country, and it is imperative that we support them, encourage their views and opinions and strive hard to make them an integral part of the economic, social and environmental development and growth,” he added.

Al Tayer pointed out that youth activism and engagement could bring about important social changes.

"As such, it is important that the young population is given a chance to contribute to the growth of a green economy. Each individual’s contribution can be a qualitative addition to the development and implementation of green plans and strategies, particularly because today’s youth are the leaders of tomorrow and the drivers for change leading us and the generations to come close to a better future," said the Dewa chief.

"We always strive to promote active participation of young people in various initiatives, campaigns and sustainable projects as part of our efforts to achieve the national and strategic objectives of the country, including UAE Vision 2021, UAE Centennial 2071, Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and other national efforts," he noted.

According to him, Dewa has launched a number of youth initiatives that have proven to be significant.

"From hosting the Solar Decathlon Middle East to sponsoring the Carbon Ambassadors Program, organising youth seminars and launching the Youth Council which seeks to empower young people and involve them in the process of development, we’ve always encouraged a green dialogue for and by the youth," he added.-TradeArabia News Service