Representatives of the social development programme Watani Al Emarat recently visited the Expo 2020 Dubai site as part of the group's ‘Leaders of 2020’ initiative, to receive updates on Expo’s Volunteers Programme.

A total of 60 young Emirati women, the second group from Watani’s ‘Leaders of 2020’ initiative, were in attendance to find out more about Expo’s plans to assemble a force of tens of thousands of volunteers of all ages and nationalities, many of which will be youth from the UAE, said a statement.

Watani was launched in 2005 to promote the UAE national identity and practices of good citizenship within the UAE’s diverse and multicultural society, it said.

It organises and implements various educational, entertainment, sports and media activities that are directed towards youth, women and children. The activities and campaigns organised by Watani are carried out by a number of volunteers and public interest advocates in the UAE, it added.

Najeeb Al Ali, executive director, Bureau Expo 2020 Dubai, said: “Our team of volunteers will play a vital role at Expo 2020 Dubai, welcoming many millions of people from around the world.”

“They will be the face of Expo 2020 Dubai, so we are delighted to work with Watani Al Emarat as we look for the right people to lead the way,” he said.

Through its overall theme, ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’, Expo 2020 Dubai will be a platform to foster creativity, innovation and collaboration globally. It will be a celebration of ingenuity that gives a glimpse into the future, guided by its three pillars: opportunity, mobility and sustainability.

Taking place from October 20, 2020, to April 10, 2021, the Expo will be visited by many millions of people – 70 per cent of whom are expected to come from outside the UAE, the largest percentage of visitors from outside the host country in the 166-year history of World Expos.

Dherar Belhoul Al Falasi, general director of Watani Al Emarat, said: “The visit of Watani Al Emarat’s ‘Leaders of 2020’ ambassadors to the Expo 2020 site is part of our national responsibility to develop leaders with significant experience to contribute to important events in the UAE, including Expo, which will depend on qualified youth to ensure their success and a progressive future for the UAE.” – TradeArabia News Service