DUBAI — The COVID-19 pandemic has created a need for young talent to develop and enhance their skill sets as they prepare for a new job market in a post-COVID-19 world, according to experts who spoke on the topic during a recent webinar hosted by Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The webinar, titled "Unlock the Potential of Young Talent During and Post COVID-19 Pandemic," was organized by the Dubai Chamber Sustainability Network’s Community Engagement task force and attended by 36 participants representing 24 companies and organizations in Dubai. Sharing their insights and views during the webinar were: Dr. Zeenath Reza Khan, Faculty Lead of Technology and Integrity in Academia and Beyond Research and Teaching Forum and Assistant Professor of Cyber Ethics, University of Wollongong; Lina Hourani, Divisional Director, CSR Al Ahli Group; Dima Najim, Managing Director-UAE, Education For Employment, EFE; Nujoud Serhan, Program Management and Performance Excellence Director, Crown Prince Foundation, CPF, — Jordan, and Peter Hogg, Talent Acquisition Director, MEA, Schneider Electric. Khan stressed the importance of highlighting the true potential of young people who have shown tremendous resilience and will to rise to the occasion. All stakeholders in society can step up to provide support to vulnerable communities and collectively build a new future post-pandemic, he added. Hourani explained that CSR Al Ahli Holding Group is currently focusing its efforts on empowering the involvement of youth in the solutions, encouraging positive thinking among youth and CSR departments, and offering online entrepreneurial support. She also proposed the establishment of a joint task force to maximize the impact of various youth-focused support programs. Najim noted that it is now more important than ever before for society to keep youth front and center as it navigates the new normal and said organizations should be investing in youth-targeted educational initiatives to build their capacity and empower them to take responsibility for their future. Serhan shared the experience of the CPF, as one of the leading NGOs in Jordan that quickly adapted to the COVID-19 situation both through its initiatives and through communications and outreach. CPF initiatives were able to swiftly transform their operations online to continue with their mandate and not interrupt their plans serving tens of thousands of beneficiaries through diverse activities, she explained. Hogg spoke about Schneider Electric’s newly-launched Virtual Internship Program, which helps interns to develop their skills and receive valuable insights, adding that the flexible program could be accessed from anywhere in the world. Commenting on the webinar, Dr. Belaid Rettab Senior Director, Economic Research and Sustainable Business Development Sector, Dubai Chamber, said, "Given the integral role and contribution of young talent to the UAE’s future socio-economic development, it is crucial that more organizations make youth engagement and support initiatives a top priority. Efforts to engage youth and help them develop their potential should become the key focus of companies’ CSR programs and initiatives." — WAM