By ; Saber Mohamed
The Youth Council at Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) enhances the capabilities of DEWA’s staff. The Council's strategy is based on five main themes: National Identity and Values, Continuing Education, Professional Development, Future Accelerators and Innovation; and Sustainability. The Council also contributes to enhancing communication between employees and the Dubai Youth Council to strengthen their skills and knowledge to participate in the growth and sustainable development process. The council members consist of 9 male and 9 female staff to serve 1,713 younger DEWA staff.
HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA, reiterated that the UAE’s wise leadership attaches particular importance to empowering young people and preparing them to take part in all aspects of public work. They believe that today’s youth are the leaders of the future and the cornerstone of sustainable development. He noted that DEWA has a comprehensive strategy to empower its young staff and provides them with all the support they need in a motivating environment that helps them reach their potential and effectively participate in enhancing the competitiveness of the UAE in all areas.
Al Tayer said that DEWA’s Youth Council, which was established in early 2017, supports its strategy to invest in young people. It provides an effective platform to empower and engage the youth in anticipating and shaping the future as well as learning from their ideas and suggestions to serve the nation and its citizens. Al Tayer commended DEWA’s Youth Council led by Aysha Mohammad Alremeithi, Senior Engineer and the Council’s President, noting that the council has launched several initiatives that contributed to empowering young staff, enhancing their capabilities, and sharpening their skills.
Constructive communication
Dr. Yousef Al Akraf, Executive Vice President of Business Support and Human Resources at DEWA, said that DEWA’s top management is committed to constructive communication with its youthful employees and listening to their views and ideas, as well as providing them with all the necessary capabilities to empower them for leading positions. He noted that DEWA’s Youth Council includes talented young Emiratis from all divisions. It has successfully implemented several pioneering initiatives that have enhanced the role of younger staff and their contribution to DEWA excellence.
Turning challenges into opportunities
“DEWA’s top management follows our wise leadership’s approach in empowering the youth and helping them achieve their ambitions and dreams. At DEWA’s Youth Council, we strive to enhance positive participation and constructive communication among young employees and the top management through various channels. We also identify the challenges that face the youth and turn them into opportunities to meet their aspirations and enhance their contribution to the sustainable development of the UAE,” said Aysha Mohammad Alremeithi, Senior Engineer and President of DEWA’s Youth Council.
1st government organisation to establish a youth council
Fatima Al Jokar, Legal Advisor and Advisor for DEWA’s Youth Council, commended the UAE’s wise leadership efforts to provide a supportive environment for the youth. This has reflected on DEWA’s experience of becoming the first government organisation to establish a youth council, which is now in its second cycle.
Sustainable and resilient approach
DEWA’s Youth Council follows a sustainable and resilient approach that has helped it implement several initiatives and successful events including youth circles; youth debates; Youth Sustainability Forum; Youth Innovation Forum; and ‘Our Youth.. Our Pride’ initiative to introduce DEWA’s volunteering staff, among other pioneering initiatives to develop young people’s skills. The council continues to implement its initiatives amid the current situation through virtual workshops and activities using remote communication technologies.
