In a world witnessing rapid transformations in economic and technological concepts, developing national talent is no longer a choice but a strategic necessity to ensure the sustainability of development and to enhance the competitiveness of the national economy. 

From this perspective, the "Leaders of Finance" initiative launched by the Ministry of Finance embodies the UAE's vision of investing in people before infrastructure, opening new knowledge and professional horizons for Emirati youth within the government financial ecosystem.

The initiative represents a pioneering national model that combines theoretical knowledge with practical experience. It offers participating Emirati youth an important opportunity to closely observe the Ministry of Finance's mechanisms and its vital role in managing the State's public financial resources, from budgeting and revenues to public debt management and digital transformation of financial systems. 

The programme has been designed to be more than just training; it is a comprehensive experience aimed at developing financial leaders capable of strategic thinking and informed, data-driven decision-making.

The "Leaders of Finance" initiative comprises two interconnected phases that together form an integrated qualification and development framework.

The first phase, which consists of training sessions, provides an interactive internal environment where youth experience practical engagement at the heart of government operations. 

Through workshops and hands-on training led by senior leaders and experts in the Ministry, participants explore key topics such as budget preparation and analysis, asset and revenue management, public expenditure mechanisms, as well as an overview of tax legislation and its role in financing development.

 The programme also highlights financial communication as a principal tool for promoting financial transparency and public awareness.

The second phase, consisting of field visits to financial institutions, extends beyond the Ministry and offers youth the opportunity to interact with local government entities and international financial institutions, such as finance departments across the UAE, the World Bank Group and the International Finance Corporation. 

The aim is to learn from advanced practices in public financial management and gain a deeper understanding of international financial relations and their role in supporting global economic stability and growth.

What distinguishes the "Leaders of Finance" initiative is that it does not focus solely on technical or administrative training; rather, it emphasises instilling the values of sound financial governance, fiscal discipline, and innovation in the management of public resources. 

Financial knowledge today is no longer confined to numbers and budgets, it has become a tool for strategic planning, sustainability, and policymaking. Here lies the real role of youth, who represent the most influential force in advancing government financial management to a new phase of efficiency and digital integration.

The initiative also underscores the importance of building a generation with strong national financial awareness, one that understands the central role of the Ministry of Finance in driving sustainable economic growth and recognises the close link between fiscal policy and national development objectives. 

Every dirham managed efficiently is an investment in the future of the nation, and every prudent financial decision is a step toward an economy that is more resilient and better equipped to navigate change.

Experience has shown that investing in youth is the most effective and sustainable investment. Through the "Leaders of Finance" initiative, the Ministry of Finance translates this principle into practice by placing young people in real operational environments and giving them the opportunity to understand financial planning mechanisms, budget management, and performance analysis in a practical context. 

It also helps build bridges between generations, where leadership figures and experts share their knowledge and expertise with emerging talent.

At the Ministry of Finance, we believe that empowering youth is not only a national duty, but a foundational pillar for building the economy of the future. Preparing the next generation of financial leaders is a strategic investment that ensures the continued efficiency of public financial management and strengthens the UAE's presence in the global financial arena. 

The "Leaders of Finance" initiative is an integrated vision for empowering young minds to become active partners in shaping financial policies that support development, stimulate innovation, and reinforce the UAE's position as one of the world's most efficient and transparent economies.

HE Younis Haji AlKhoori

Undersecretary of the Ministry of Finance