Emirati youth join European/Arab Innovation and Leadership Forum

The selected participants explored innovative ways to address the sensitive issue of water management, as part of Itijah 2013, an international series of ventures aimed at developing skills of emerging leaders.

Run by the UK-based leadership development organisation, Common Purpose, Itijah, meaning "direction" in Arabic, aims to expand, enrich and energise relations between European and Arab cities. This year's participants came from Dubai, Benghazi, Frankfurt, London Alexandria, Amman, Budapest, Istanbul, Manchester and Jeddah.

A total of 50 youth, representing organisations such as the Water and Electricity Authority in Dubai, the Islamic Finance and Banks Institute and the Libyan Center for Consultations and Human Development, attended the four-day meeting in Amman from February 4-7. They explored innovative ways to balance ecosystems and increase effective water management while forging ties and sharing ideas.

Maytha Al Habsi, Chief Programme Officer at the Emirates Foundation for youth Development, Itijah Sponsor, said the Foundation was happy to be part of such an event.

"Providing support to the Emirati youth leaders to participate in this programme falls within the Foundation's new policy to empower the young and enable them to work jointly with others to find innovative solutions to today's social challenges," she said.

Water crisis surfaced as a pressing issue in 2012 when international reports identified the mounting challenge of water scarcity and the possibility outbreaks of regional wars may exacerbate the problem over the coming years.
International sponsors supporting Itijah includes Shell-Middle East, PwC, Oracle, Newman's Own Foundation, DLA Piper, and the Emirates Foundation.

Itijah's first venture was held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center in 2012.