YOUNG ADIPEC, the annual youth outreach initiative by the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (ADIPEC), has announced it is partnering with the Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC) as part of government efforts to cultivate the next generation of home-grown energy professionals. The first-time cooperation between the two entities will enable Young ADIPEC to relay a strong and powerful message to the wider school community: The future of the UAE's energy sector depends on today's educated and informed youth. Held under the patronage of Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development, Young ADIPEC is aimed at educating high school students between the ages of 14 and 17 about the wealth and diversity of career opportunities in the energy sector, encouraging them to pursue studies in the fields of science and engineering, and spreading awareness about these specialties. Through the support of ADEC, which involves raising awareness about the initiative through the Council's official communication channels, Young ADIPEC plans to recruit and engage more students than ever before, with the expected participation of 450 pupils from 18 schools – 4 private and 14 public – across Abu Dhabi. This marks a remarkable 26 per cent increase over the number of students who participated in the program last year. More than 700 students from across the UAE have passed through the program since its inception in 2013. Salem Al Dhaheri, ADEC's School Operations Executive Director, lauded efforts exerted by Young ADIPEC, adding that students will gain a wealth of knowledge in fields related to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), as well as experience research and teamwork spirit. "Encouraging youth to innovate and create is crucial for industry development, which is exactly why this initiative is timely," said Al Dhaheri. "Our aim is to engage students in as many activities as possible that will motivate them to learn and explore, all in favor of preparing a curious, well-read and equipped workforce that will help further fructify the economy." Ali Khalifa Al Shamsi, CEO of Al Yasat Petroleum Operations Company and ADIPEC 2016 Chairman, said: "As the global energy mix evolves, so does the skillset required for those who work in the industry. Technology, research, innovation, and application are playing a central role in driving industry progress, and prospective candidates must be equipped with the ability to be agile in such a dynamic business environment in order to succeed. I am confident that with the community's firm support – that is the support of parents, educators, and employers – we can help inspire our children today to become the energy leaders of tomorrow." — SG
