Statement by H.E. Ahmad Bin Shafar, CEO of Empower, on International Youth Day

“This year’s International Youth Day, held under the theme “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations,” underscores that the diverse environments in which young people live do not diminish their shared aspirations to acquire knowledge, participate in decision-making, and access opportunities that enable them to demonstrate their capabilities and shape their futures. Youth empowerment, therefore, is not measured by the number of initiatives directed at young people, but by the opportunities we provide for them to assume responsibility, lead projects, and translate their ideas into measurable results,” said H.E. Ahmad Bin Shafar, CEO of Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation PJSC (Empower).

“At Empower, we view young talent as a productive force for knowledge, rather than merely  beneficiaries of accumulated experience. The district cooling sector offers significant opportunities for young people to develop solutions at the intersection of engineering, data, artificial intelligence (AI), energy efficiency, and climate action. For this reason, we are committed to linking professional development with real-world operational challenges, enabling young talent to contribute to enhancing performance, driving innovations, and shaping more sustainable and efficient models. True investment in youth begins with believing in their ability to achieve and providing them with the tools and authority to translate their ambition into tangible impact. Institutions that cultivate a generation capable of independent thinking, continuous learning, and purposeful leadership strengthen their readiness for the future by actively shaping it today,” he added.