As the Arab region faces substantial challenges on all fronts, the UAE is working hard on shaping policies that can lead to sustainable development and, at the same time, participating in a wider regional dialogue to achieve security and prosperity.
As The National reported this week, the World Government Summit, from February 12 to 17, will tackle some important questions about the current state of the region, its future and development potential. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, will lead the discussion by sharing his leadership experience, presenting his views and leading a questions and answers session on the revival of development in the Arab world.
This shows the UAE commitment to taking an active role in the #ArabFuture, which is the official hashtag that Sheikh Mohammed launched this week to spark a truly pan-Arab dialogue. This year, the Global Dialogue on Happiness will also be held before the summit with more than 300 experts discussing how government can bring people happiness rather than only satisfaction.
The UAE believes that the happiness of its population is important for the country to achieve its goals. It was innovative in introducing a Minister of State for Happiness, making efforts to boost happiness an essential part of governance.
The country has also been keen to spread tolerance, compassion and the spirit of giving in the community, announcing 2017 as the Year of Giving. Last week, thousands of creative ideas and suggestions were generated during the Giving Retreat. These will be used to develop a sustainable strategic framework for humanitarianism. The country already has a remarkable record when it comes to humanitarian work abroad and now the focus will shift internally.
As Mohammed Al Gergawi, Minister for Cabinet Affairs and the Future, said, the future of the UAE will be strengthened by both economic progress and humanitarian efforts. The ministry has already registered 200,000 volunteers. Among the individual initiative was businessman Yaqoub Al Ali's donation of Dh100,000 to help in the release of inmates serving time for financial debts.
Fostering a great sense of empathy is important for societies to maintain peace and prosper. This is one of the key messages that the UAE is aiming to deliver. Happiness is complex but it involves compassion, coexistence and understanding. The Arab world has been struggling to combat the evils of intolerance and can benefit from our experience.
