as part of the celebrations by TRENDS Research and Advisory of the International Youth Day, which falls on August 12 each year, the TRENDS Youth Council organized an interactive workshop titled “Draw the Path of Your Leadership Journey”. The event aimed to build a shared youth vision, discuss opportunities and resources to empower young research leaders, strengthen their societal role, and contribute effectively to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The workshop was held in the conference hall at TRENDS’ headquarters in Abu Dhabi.

The workshop brought together members of the TRENDS Youth Council, members of its Advisory Council, as well as several experts, academics, and specialists. Discussions focused on the characteristics of successful leadership personalities, ways to enhance youth empowerment in scientific research, and the development of innovative training programs to equip them with modern research tools. Participants also explored approaches to encourage youth openness to diverse cultures and communities, fostering dialogue and exchange with peers worldwide.

Spaces for Constructive Dialogue

Participants emphasized that TRENDS has provided them with an open platform to express their creative talents in research and demonstrate their leadership abilities in various administrative roles. This was made possible through the center’s ideal work environment, innovative training programs, and ample spaces for constructive dialogue and interaction with experts and specialists. Such opportunities have helped refine their leadership skills, nurture creative thinking, and enhance their ability to make accurate and bold decisions.

Members of the TRENDS Youth Council stated that the workshop was part of TRENDS’ ongoing efforts to support and empower youth, and to promote their active participation in research and community engagement. Discussions highlighted ways to develop leadership skills among young people and their vital role in achieving the UN’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. The workshop also reviewed key qualities of successful young leaders-creativity, flexibility, curiosity, courage, critical analysis, and decision-making-while stressing the importance of cultural openness, knowledge exchange, and active participation in regional and international youth forums.

Leveraging Artificial Intelligence

Members of the TRENDS Youth Council said that the workshop also addressed methods to design specialized training programs to enable young researchers to master innovative scientific research tools and methodologies. This included the use of artificial intelligence, modern technologies, and data analysis, as well as proposing scientific solutions to contemporary global issues and societal and environmental challenges.

Participants underscored the importance of raising youth awareness of the SDGs and their pivotal role in achieving them through research initiatives, volunteer work, constructive dialogue, and the exchange of scientific and practical expertise among youth from around the world. Such efforts aim to advance development and tackle shared global challenges.

A Sustainable Forward-Looking Vision

Members of the Advisory Council to the TRENDS Youth Council noted that the interactive workshop reaffirmed TRENDS’ commitment to its mission and sustainable forward-looking vision of building youth capacity, empowering them academically and intellectually, and preparing a generation of researchers capable of leading development efforts in the future.

They stressed that youth empowerment is at the core of TRENDS’ priorities and global research strategy, reflecting the belief that young people are the foundation of the future, the drivers of development, and the builders of tomorrow. TRENDS continues to train young people with the latest research tools, enhance their leadership skills, and provide opportunities to advance their creative abilities and contribute to decision-making. This is achieved through launching youth-focused initiatives that emphasize innovation and sustainable entrepreneurship.

The Advisory Council members concluded by noting that TRENDS’ diverse research and training programs aim to build a generation of youth who are well-informed about regional and global issues, capable of leading scientific and practical discussions with confidence and boldness. They highlighted that the achievements of the TRENDS Youth Council members already stand as inspiring examples in their respective fields.