Youth Platform and Interactive Debate Bring Together UAE Youth Councils at the 3rd International Dialogue of Civilizations and Tolerance Conference in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi – 3 June 2026
The first day of the 3rd International Dialogue of Civilizations and Tolerance Conference 2026, held in Abu Dhabi from 3–5 June under the theme “The Impact of New Media and AI on Family and Community” featured an interactive youth platform and youth debate that brought together a distinguished group of youth councils from across the United Arab Emirates.
The initiative was led by the Zayed Authority for People of Determination Youth Council, with the aim of strengthening the role of young people in addressing contemporary societal issues and highlighting their perspectives on the rapid transformations shaping the digital world.
This initiative stemmed from the belief that youth are the driving force behind development and a fundamental pillar of societal progress. Engaging them in discussions about the future of media and technology is no longer an option but a necessity to ensure the development of more informed and resilient communities capable of navigating the accelerating pace of digital transformation.
The event featured an interactive youth debate titled: “Youth Debate: “The Positive Impact of New Media and Artificial Intelligence Outweighs Their Negative Impact – For or Against?” Two teams, one supporting and one opposing the motion, competed in a dynamic and engaging dialogue that presented diverse perspectives on the influence of new media and artificial intelligence on families and society, attracting significant audience engagement.
The debate employed an electronic interactive voting and evaluation system that enabled attendees to participate in the judging process. Evaluation criteria included the strength of evidence and arguments, adherence to the debate topic and allotted time, clarity of presentation and ideas, objectivity, quality of rebuttals and responses, and the effectiveness of closing statements.
The opposing team emerged as the winner after achieving the highest overall score based on the approved evaluation criteria.
The event also featured a joint youth platform under the banner of the Zayed Authority for People of Determination Youth Council, bringing together several prominent UAE youth councils, including the Abu Dhabi Police Youth Council, the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) Youth Council, the National Media Authority Youth Council, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi Youth Council, the Emirates Youth Council for Agriculture, and the Emirates Youth Council for Entrepreneurship.
Participating councils showcased their initiatives and projects while exchanging experiences, insights, and best practices with conference attendees and visitors.
The Zayed Authority for People of Determination Youth Council emphasized that the initiative reflects its strong belief in providing young people with genuine platforms for dialogue and influence, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to discussions on issues that shape the future of families and communities.
The Council stated:
“When we bring young people together around the table of dialogue, we are not merely discussing the future—we are creating it. This platform reflects our conviction that Emirati youth possess both the awareness and the capability to lead discussions on the issues that have the greatest impact on society and to transform ideas into solutions that contribute to building a more inclusive and sustainable future.”
The platform and debate served as a practical model of collaboration between youth councils and national institutions, highlighting young people as active partners in raising social awareness and promoting the responsible use of new media and artificial intelligence. This aligns with the UAE’s ongoing efforts to empower youth and involve them in developing innovative solutions to future challenges.Through this initiative, the conference demonstrates that young people are not merely participants in dialogue, but genuine partners in shaping solutions and building the future. Investing in their ideas, talents, and potential is ultimately an investment in the stability, prosperity, and adaptability of societies in an era of rapid digital transformation.
