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DATA FOR A BETTER FUTURE
Dubai, Oct. 9 — The National Committee for Sustainable Development Goals (NSGs), in partnership with the Bostirti Institute and the Global Council on Sustainable Development Goal 13, has launched the first-of-its-kind Studio 2030 podcast that provides content on sustainability in Arabic, aimed at members of the community.
The podcast aims to provide rich content on sustainability, to keep pace with the more severe impacts of climate change, environmental, social and economic challenges in the Middle East and North Africa, and seeks to raise community awareness of the climate and sustainability challenges associated with the global sustainable development goals, by introducing them in a simplified manner, which contributes to enhancing community participation in building the future.
Studio 2030 podcast will be presented by Ibrahim Al-Zoubi, President of the Global Council for Sustainable Development Goals No. 13 (Climate Change Action), and the podcast will be broadcast across various platforms such as YouTube, Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Podio, Spotify, and Anghami Podcast.
H.E. Abdullah Nasser Lootah, Assistant Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Competitiveness and Knowledge Exchange, said The Chairman of the National Committee for Sustainable Development Goals said that active community participation in supporting governments’ efforts to achieve the global sustainable development goals is a key factor to accelerate the achievement of sustainability goals, and to consolidate their culture and practices as an approach to community life, pointing out that the podcast "Studio 2030" will work to enhance and build community awareness, and provide members of Arabic-speaking communities with a new perspective focused on achieving sustainability, and continuous work to address the major global challenges that we will witness in the future.
He said that the initiative of the National Committee for Sustainable Development Goals to launch this platform distinguished in its content and the way it presents global sustainability challenges, comes as part of the government’s efforts to support the country’s initiatives, enhance its leading global role in shaping the future, and participate in leading the global pace seeking to achieve the global sustainable development goals.
Ibrahim Al Zoubi, President of the Global Council for Sustainable Development Goals on SDG 13 (Climate Change Action), said: "Studio 2030 podcast will present the latest developments and solutions related to the SDGs and their impact. to the world and the Middle East and Africa region in particular, and will reveal the most prominent solutions and aspects of cooperation between all segments of society to achieve these goals." "I am honored to host the most prominent minds and guests who will enrich the discussion and share their practical experiences."
Through its platform, Studio 2030 podcast brings together experts, innovators and thinkers to talk about the Sustainable Development Goals, and in each episode, its followers will discover new ideas, challenges and innovative solutions to build a more sustainable and inclusive future, in addition to the latest trends in sustainable development and its links to daily life.
The podcast series will address key global and regional trends, showcase their potential impact on the MENA region and emerging markets, and provide actionable guidance, while Studio 2030 will introduce the community to how to implement the SDGs locally, ongoing initiatives, innovative solutions and emerging technologies that allow countries to overcome challenges. The
UAE’s National Committee for Sustainable Development Goals was formed in January 2017 and chaired by H.E. Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashemi, Minister of State for International Cooperation, The Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Center is the secretariat of the committee, which includes the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and 13 federal government entities. The Committee aligns the SDGs with national priorities, supports the implementation of the SDGs, and collaborates with local and international partners to expand the circle of active participants in the implementation of the United Nations Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals 2030.
ABU DHABI, 27th September, 2023
Their collaboration also aims to improve the country’s stature in quality of life and competitiveness indexes related to women in international reports.
Noura Al Suwaidi, Secretary-General of the GWU, and Hanan Ahli, Director of the FCSC, signed the MoU.
Al Suwaidi stressed that the optimal utilisation of data and technology could help provide accurate information for decision-makers in a timely manner, allowing them to adopt a forward-looking vision.
She also highlighted the importance of strengthening partnerships with relevant national entities, which will allow the GWU to implement the directives of H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the “Mother of the Nation", Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union (GWU), President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation (FDF), and translate them into effective initiatives and strategies that outline a sustainable future for women and strengthen the role of Emirati women in all aspects of life.
Ahli highlighted the importance of leveraging information and statistics to improve decision-making and draft policies that affect women’s empowerment.
The MoU will enable the drafting of innovative strategies and initiatives that strengthen the role of Emirati women, highlight the UAE’s related efforts, and improve the country’s performance in international competitiveness indexes, she added.
The National Committee for Sustainable Development Goals, in partnership with Emirates Transport, launched the "Road to Sustainability" campaign, which is organized as part of the UAE government’s efforts and projects in the Year of Sustainability, and within the framework of initiatives to enhance community awareness of the global sustainable development goals, and the importance of achieving them to ensure a better future for societies. A large number of government agencies and companies are participating in the campaign at the national level, and will continue until the end of 2024, and aims to spread awareness at the national level of the global goals for sustainable development.
H.E. Abdullah Lootah, Deputy Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Competitiveness and Knowledge Exchange, Deputy Chairman of the National Committee on Sustainable Development Goals, stressed that the campaign embodies the UAE government’s approach to motivating community members to adopt a sustainable lifestyle that contributes to building a better world for future generations.
Alex Rentier, CEO of Emirates Transport, expressed the company’s blessing for this purposeful national campaign.
The campaign was launched at the Head Office Building of the Emirates Transport in Dubai, in the presence of H.E. Abdullah Lootah and Shatha Al Hashimi, an advisor in the Government Experience Exchange Office. The event included a presentation that discussed the history of transportation in the UAE since its inception and gave a brief overview of its services. Following that, the "oad to Sustainability" started from its first station at the company’s headquarters, commencing its extended agenda until the end of the next year. The campaign utilizes an electric bus provided by the company to facilitate the team’s travels to various stations, destinations, and entities across different regions of the country.
Khaled Shukr, the Director of Quality, Environment, Safety, and Occupational Health Department at Emirates Transport, explained that the electric bus has a capacity for 41 passengers in addition to the driver. It operates on a 315-kilowatt-hour battery that can be fast-charged in one hour and forty minutes (with a 180-kilowatt charger), allowing it to travel approximately 300 kilometers on a single charge.
H.E. Abdulla Lootah is the Deputy Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Competitiveness and Knowledge Exchange, delivered a lecture at the New York University (NYU) in the United States.
During the lecture, His Excellency called for the strengthening of academic and research partnerships to achieve the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
The lecture was attended by NYU graduate students from the School of Professional Studies, the Global Affairs and Global Security Program, and Conflict and Cybercrime Program, and the Division in Programs in Business and Global Sport.
His Excellency discussed the importance of the role of academic institutions and universities in promoting international cooperation and partnership, knowledge exchange, capacity building, and excellence in the research and development efforts. He reiterated that doing so will also contribute to SDG 17 – which calls for plans to revitalize global partnerships for sustainable development.
Attended by Angie Kamath, Dean of the NYU School of Professional Studies, along with NYU’s administrative, academic, and research members, the lecture highlighted the UAE’s multi-faceted competitiveness, positioning it as a worldwide focal point for visionaries, researchers, and accomplished professionals who have chosen the UAE as their home and workplace.
Positive Growth Rates Surpass Expectations: UAE Economy Demonstrates Resilience with a 7.9% Growth in Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Abdullah bin Touq:
· The UAE government adopts an innovative economic model that serves its future vision through the adoption of flexible economic policies that align with global changes.
· The numbers confirm the robust economic performance of the country, achieving positive growth rates that exceeded the estimates of analysts and specialized international institutions.
· Estimates of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) at current prices for the year 2022 exceeded 1.86 trillion dirhams, and at constant prices, 1.62 trillion dirhams.
Dubai, June 25 (WAM) – Minister of Economy Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri affirmed that the preliminary estimates for the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the UAE for the year 2022, issued by the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Center, confirm the resilience of the country’s economic performance. It achieved positive growth rates that exceeded the estimates of analysts and specialized international institutions. The GDP of the country in 2022, at constant prices, reached 1.62 trillion dirhams, achieving a positive growth of 7.9%. At current prices, it reached 1.86 trillion dirhams, with an increase exceeding 337 billion dirhams compared to 2021, achieving a growth of 22.1%. This reflects the wisdom of the economic policies pursued by the government of the UAE and confirms the strength and stability of the UAE economy amid the global economic conditions and geopolitical repercussions.
His Excellency said: " The government of the United Arab Emirates, thanks to the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the State, may God preserve him, and the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President of the State, the Prime Minister, the Ruler of Dubai, may God protect him, works on building an innovative economic model that serves its future vision. This is achieved by adopting flexible economic policies that rely on speed and accuracy in responding to global changes. The government also embraces stimulating economic strategies, proactive economic plans based on economic diversification, and improvements in economic procedures and legislation. This preserves the country’s status as an attractive investment environment continuously, enhances foreign trade, and openness to the world as a component of international economic relations. The success and integration of these policies meet the requirements of sustainable development, achieve economic prosperity, and ensure a decent life for all citizens and residents of the country. Moreover, they contribute to establishing the leadership and competitiveness of the UAE at both regional and international levels."
H.E Hanan Ahli, Director of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre, commented, "The results and figures achieved confirm that the country’s economy continues to grow, both at the overall level and in terms of key economic sectors and activities. This contributes to reinforcing the policy of economic diversification by increasing the relative importance of non-oil activities in the national economy. It aligns with the state’s economic policies to reduce reliance on the oil economy, establish a knowledge-based and innovative economy, and enhance non-oil national industries."
Her Excellency added, "The per capita share of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the UAE has grown by an unprecedented rate of 24.7% over the past six years, despite the annual increase in the population. In 2022, the per capita share of the GDP achieved a growth rate of 21.1% compared to 2021, confirming the resilience and success of the UAE economy. It also affirms the success of the economic policies pursued by the government in achieving prosperity and a high quality of life in the society of the UAE."
Enhancing the growth of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2022.
The activation of innovative economic initiatives related to non-oil sectors and activities positively contributed to enhancing the growth of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2022. The GDP at constant prices amounted to 1 trillion, 623 billion, and 517 million dirhams. The non-oil GDP at constant prices reached 1 trillion, 174 billion, and 615 million dirhams, achieving positive growth across vital sectors.
According to preliminary estimates of the Gross Domestic Product released by the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Center, the value added to transport and storage activities had the largest share of growth in the GDP at constant prices, unprecedentedly reaching 20.2% compared to 2021. This was driven by an increase in international flight passengers and the country’s growth in air transport movements, with national airlines achieving the highest growth rate in recent years in this tourism-related sector.
The accommodation and food services sector, reflecting hotel and restaurant activities, also experienced significant growth of 13.2%. Additionally, health and social services activities demonstrated remarkable growth, reaching 13% compared to 2021.
The non-oil sectors played a crucial role in supporting the national economy and enhancing the growth of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The manufacturing industries achieved added value in the GDP amounting to 179 billion dirhams, registering a growth rate of 8.7% compared to 2021. The most significant contribution of non-oil sectors to the GDP was represented by the value added in the wholesale and retail trade activity, reaching approximately 206 billion dirhams. This accounted for a contribution rate of 12.7% to the UAE’s overall GDP.
Real estate activities also experienced growth in 2022, amounting to 12% with a value of around 90 billion dirhams in GDP at constant prices. The positive growth in non-oil activities also had a favorable impact on the financial and insurance sector, which achieved a growth rate of 8.4%, contributing 134 billion dirhams to the overall constant GDP in 2022.
Dubai, Feb. 16 (WAM) — In a move to promote digital transformation in the UAE and to employ big data to support decision-making, the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Center (FCCC) announced on the sidelines of the World Government Summit, which concluded yesterday in Dubai, the signing of cooperation agreements and strategic partnerships with the aim of benefiting from the large inventory of big data produced by major international and national companies producing data, thus contributing to supporting decision-making and building development policies and strategic initiatives.
The cooperation and partnership agreements signed by the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Center included the signing of an agreement with Visa, a global leader in digital payments, as well as an agreement with Majid Al Futtaim, one of the oldest national brands with a regional reach, which owns a major chain of shopping malls, stores and entertainment establishments in the Middle East and North Africa.
– Visa and partnership in vital sectors.
Under the cooperation agreement with Visa, the UAE government, represented by the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Center, will be able to develop development initiatives. Based on the data provided by Visa to the health, education, tourism, consumption and other vital sectors data, which contributes to drawing an accurate perception of reality that is reflected on the community through innovative government initiatives, which contribute to improving the quality of life and promoting sustainable well-being.
– Majid Al Futtaim, mutual collaboration for knowledge partnerships. According to the agreement signed between the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre and Majid Al Futtaim, the two parties will work together to cooperate in the fields of statistical data and information, exchange experiences and information to enhance the country’s competitiveness in global reports and indicators, in addition to cooperation in the implementation of statistical surveys, training and holding seminars and workshops related to data science and statistics.
Joe Abi Akl, Chief Corporate Development Officer and Chief Communications Officer, Majid Al Futtaim Holding, stressed the importance of strategic partnerships and understandings between the public and private sectors, which represent an added value in optimizing the use of data to support innovative initiatives and knowledge-based government policies.
It is worth noting that all data The resulting agreements of understanding concluded between the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Center and its strategic partners are guaranteed confidentiality and protected by the Federal Law on the Protection of Personal Data, which represents an integrated framework to ensure the confidentiality of information, and protect the privacy of community members by providing sound governance for data management and protection, as the law defines the general frameworks for dealing with data, how to collect, process and store it, means to ensure its protection, and the rights and duties of all concerned parties.
Dubai, Dec. 8 (WAM) – The Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre presented the model of the United Arab Emirates government and its exceptional experience over the past 50 years, during this time, the UAE succeeded in enhancing its sustainable development, propelling regional and international trade, which had a positive impact on the national economy. This presentation took place within the framework of the Uzbekistan Economic Forum, organized by the government of Uzbekistan in the capital, Tashkent.
A delegation from the UAE government, led by Her Excellency Hanan Ahli, Acting Director of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Center, showcased the UAE’s experience in education, gender balance, and the significance of these elements in achieving well-being and quality of life. This presentation occurred in a key session titled "Developing Human Capital to Promote Comprehensive Development" during the forum. The event was attended by over 300 international officials and experts from institutions like the World Bank, the United Nations Development Programme, the Asian Development Bank, Standard & Poor’s, as well as high-level ministers and officials from the Uzbek government, prominent figures in the finance and business sectors, and media outlets from around the world.
The delegation’s participation comes within the framework of the strategic partnership between the governments of the UAE and Uzbekistan, which was signed in 2019 and has witnessed rapid development in the relations between the two friendly countries. This partnership includes the enhancement of knowledge exchange, successful experiences, and government modernization initiatives, benefiting from the experiences of the UAE government.
Her Excellency Hanan Ahli emphasized that the UAE government primarily focuses on embedding a culture of innovation in the governmental work environment. This culture has been a key driver in launching hundreds of innovative initiatives and successful projects. She added that the UAE government is committed to promoting the exchange of successful governmental experiences with other governments worldwide. The exceptional experiences of the UAE serve as a fundamental pillar that enables governments to develop their own models of governmental work, contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.
She expressed her pride in sharing the UAE government model and highlighting its experiences, reflecting the directives and visions of the UAE’s leadership, aimed at enhancing cooperation and knowledge exchange with friendly countries like Uzbekistan. Both nations have a strategic partnership in government modernization and development.
The forum provided a unique opportunity for participants to discuss economic and developmental plans, means of enhancing competitiveness in the context of more open and integrated international and regional economies, initiatives to improve the investment climate, policies for improving living standards, promoting sustainable and comprehensive economic growth, and various aspects of global competitiveness and ease of doing business.
The participation of the UAE government highlighted the importance of promoting digital transformation and its impact on the development of government work, education, services, and more. It also covered the UAE’s journey in implementing competitive strategies and elevating its global competitiveness rankings over the years, resulting in significant achievements.
The Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Center presented the model of the United Arab Emirates government and its exceptional experience over the past 50 years. During this time, the UAE succeeded in enhancing sustainable development, propelling regional and international trade, which had a positive impact on the national economy. This presentation took place within the framework of the "Economic Achievements and Future Prospects of Uzbekistan" forum, organized by the Uzbek government in the capital, Tashkent.
A delegation from the UAE government, led by Her Excellency Hanan Mansour Ahli, Acting Director of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Center, showcased the UAE’s experience in education, gender balance, and the significance of these elements in achieving well-being and quality of life. This presentation occurred in a key session titled "Developing Human Capital to Promote Comprehensive Development" during the forum. The event was attended by over 300 international officials and experts from institutions like the World Bank, the United Nations Development Programme, the Asian Development Bank, Standard & Poor’s, as well as high-level ministers and officials from the Uzbek government, prominent figures in the finance and business sectors, and media outlets from around the world.
This participation is part of the strategic partnership between the governments of the UAE and Uzbekistan, which was signed in 2019 and has witnessed rapid development in the relations between the two friendly countries. This partnership includes the enhancement of knowledge exchange, successful experiences, and government modernization initiatives, benefiting from the UAE government’s experience.
Her Excellency Hanan Ahli emphasized that the UAE government primarily focuses on embedding a culture of innovation in the governmental work environment. This culture has been a key driver in launching hundreds of innovative initiatives and successful projects. She added that the UAE government is committed to promoting the exchange of successful governmental experiences with other governments worldwide. The exceptional experiences of the UAE serve as a fundamental pillar that enables governments to develop their own models of governmental work, contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.
Ahli expressed her pride in sharing the exceptional UAE government model and shedding light on its experiences, reflecting the directives and visions of the UAE’s leadership, aimed at enhancing cooperation and knowledge exchange with friendly countries like Uzbekistan. Both nations have a strategic partnership in government modernization and development.
The forum provided a unique opportunity for participants to discuss economic and developmental plans, means of enhancing competitiveness in the context of more open and integrated international and regional economies, initiatives to improve the investment climate, policies for improving living standards, promoting sustainable and comprehensive economic growth, and various aspects of global competitiveness and ease of doing business.
The participation of the UAE government highlighted the importance of promoting digital transformation and its impact on the development of government work, education, services, and more. It also covered the UAE’s journey in implementing competitive strategies and elevating its global competitiveness rankings over the years, resulting in significant achievements.
It’s worth noting that the strategic partnership agreement in government modernization between the UAE government and the Republic of Uzbekistan, signed two years ago, aims to strengthen the exchange of knowledge and successful experiences in governmental work across various areas, including governmental accelerators, excellence, quality, services, smart applications, performance, government innovation, leadership programs, capacity building, programming, the future of education and the economy, global competitiveness, and business ease, among others, with the goal of positively impacting the development of Uzbekistan’s governmental system.
Dubai, 23 May 2019
In commemoration of Zayed Humanitarian Day, which falls on the 19th day of Ramadan every year, the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority observed this day and noble initiative by serving 4000 healthy food parcels to labors at their work places in Dubai.
All FCSA’s staff participated in preparing food parcels comprising of a fresh meal, free from any processed or preserved ingredients to express their gratitude to laborers for their ongoing efforts in support of the UAE’s progress and development.
Abdullah Lootah, Director-General of FCSA, availed the occasion to express admiration of accentuate FCSA’s commitment to contributing on the Zayed Humanitarian Work Day in honor of late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s (may God have mercy upon him)philosophy on humanitarian action. “Our founding father late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may Allah rest his soul in peace, devised a crystal-clear approach for humanitarian work and we are definitely following his steps and honoring such a noble ongoing initiative to show appreciation and respect to our fellow human beings.”
H.E. Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashimy:
- Happiness is the guiding gauge for sustainable development.
H.E. Ohood bint Khalfan Al Roumi:
- The ‘SDGs In Action’ forum reaffirms that happiness as key to the success of sustainable development.
Dubai, February 5, 2018
The National Committee on Sustainable Development Goals has included happiness and positivity on the agenda for the upcoming “SDGs In Action 2018” forum, set to take place on February 10, on the sidelines of the World Government Summit in Dubai.
The new addition sheds light on the role of happiness and positivity in achieving the objectives of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in the region and the world. Representatives from the National Happiness and Positivity Programme are set to take part in some of the Forum’s sessions, in order to showcase the UAE’s experience, vision and strategies for spreading happiness among members of the community, and highlight the pragmatic steps taken to implement these goals.
Her Excellency Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation, Chairwoman of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority (FCSA) and Chairwoman of the National Committee on Sustainable Development Goals, said: “Happiness and positivity are key to sustainable development in the UAE. Our country’s consistent high ranking on international happiness indices is a testament to the validity and success of our government’s policies, initiatives and services, all of which seek, first and foremost, to guarantee the wellbeing and happiness of the community. These efforts have catalysed growth in several key sectors in the UAE, boosting the country’s international competitiveness.”
“The inclusion of happiness in the Forum’s agenda adheres to the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai, to embrace happiness as a way of life. It is an opportunity to highlight the visions and strategies adopted by the government to ensure that happiness is treated as a means to achieve sustainable development,” H.E. Al Hashimy added.
For her part, H.E. Ohood bint Khalfan Al Roumi, Minister of State for Happiness and Wellbeing, Director General of the Prime Minister’s Office at the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs and the Future, said: “The accelerated pace of development and prosperity in the UAE is a reflection of the legacy that our Founding Father, H.H. the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, had established for us to keep moving forward, realise the vision and aspirations of our wise leadership, and implement plans and strategies to promote the happiness and wellbeing of our people. This vision closely resonates with the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which seeks to make the world a better place. The UAE was one of the first nations to support this Agenda and synchronise it with our national priorities.”
“The ‘SDGs In Action 2018’ forum is an important milestone in the quest to establish the happiness of individuals as a key ingredient in the success of sustainable development efforts,” H.E. Al Roumi continued. “We are committed to building strategic partnerships and bridges of cooperation and communication with all entities involved in implementing the 2030 Agenda in the UAE, which would allow us to develop, apply and harmonise government plans, programmes and policies to support sustainable development and spread happiness.”
The forum is set to bring together 300 officials and decision makers from the government, the private sector and academic institutions from the UAE and abroad, to discuss a set of plans, strategies and initiatives aimed at achieving sustainable development in the UAE and the world. Participants will also explore the challenges inhibiting growth, and the UAE’s pioneering experience and impressive developmental track record, which has caught the world’s attention.
Dubai, 16 May 2019
The brainstorming session was attended by 80 government officials along with directors and executives from national and international private companies from various sectors, including IT, banking, retail, transport, aviation, services, and other industries. The General Secretariat of National Committee on Sustainable Development Goals organized a specialized workshop with a view to promoting dialogue between the public and the private sectors on how to develop ideas, tools, and working mechanisms to achieve the 17 SDGs with a thematic focus on Goal 5 on Gender Equality.
H.E. Reem Bint Ibrahim Al Hashemi, Minister of State for International Cooperation and Chairman of the National Committee on Sustainable Development Goals, organizing addressed the workshop. "H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has already issued his directives to do the needful to move up the UAE’s position on the Gender Equality Index," she said
"To put these directives in place, we have implemented several innovative initiatives in collaboration with our partners, who are already contributing to the UAE’s journey to achieve gender balance. As a matter of fact, today’s event is meant to initiate a dialogue with the private sector and activate its role as a partner in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, focusing on the gender balance in particular," H.E. Al Hashemi said.
Participants tackled several issues related to gender balance in the working environment of the public and private sectors. They also exchanged views and suggestions on the most critical topics, reports, and expectations of the government entities concerning laws and procedures. They also addressed the role of companies and private sector institutions in terms of implementing the policies and procedures that support creating a gender-balanced environment that guarantees achieving high level of work efficiency and productivity without any discrimination or by neglecting any aspects of prosperity and quality of life.
The workshop commenced by showcasing the UAE’s most significant initiatives and steps taken to empower women in achieving balance in participation in the development processes, while not losing sight of their role in social development.
The workshop was attended by representatives of the UAE Gender Balance Council, members of the Private Sector Advisory Committee (PSAC) reporting to the National Committee on Sustainable Development Goals, executives from national and international private sector companies, in addition to several FCSA’s experts and consultants.
Participants were split into six main brainstorming groups and tasked to debate various topics, including equal pay, women in leadership positions, quality and harmonization of facilities in the work environment together with other related issues. Each group presented the outputs of their brainstorming session with their suggestions and recommendations in the presence of representatives of the UAE Gender Balance Council, the National Committee on Sustainable Development Goals, and PSAC members.
H.E. Abdullah Lootah, FCSA Director-General, Deputy Chairman of the National Committee on Sustainable Development Goals and PSAC Chairman, said: "We are so pleased to organize these joint brainstorming sessions with such outstanding participation that we observed today. I want to thank the members of the UAE Gender Balance Council and all the private sector companies for their intellectual contributions during the workshop, which stems from the depth of their experiences in the UAE. The results of the brainstorming sessions will have an impact on improving many regulations and laws dedicated to achieving greater heights in achieving gender balance."
H.E. Shamsa Saleh, Secretary-General of the UAE Gender Balance Council, said: "Today’s workshop contributes to promoting dialogue with representatives of the private sector to work together to achieve a balance between men and women economically and socially. This includes cooperation in drafting laws, regulations, and practices, and to be the model country in the region in terms of gender balance."
Gender balance is a critical pillar in achieving progress and development across all areas and contributes to laying the foundations for the well-being and prosperity of future generations; laws and regulations play a crucial role in achieving this. For example, women’s participation in the Federal National Council (FNC) stands at 22.5%. However, with the development of laws and the enactment of new legislation, this percentage will potentially reach 50%. Achieving this percentage will give a push to the UAE’s ranking in the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) jumping from 84th place to the top five countries globally.
Ahmed Al- Falasi, Executive Director of Group Operations at Emaar and member of PSAC emphasized Emaar’s commitment to Goal 5 of SDGs. He pointed out: "We, at Emaar, are committed to empowering women and improving their representation in the workplace at all levels. One example of this is the "She" strategy launched by Emaar Hospitality Group to increase the number of women in management and executive positions in the company. We are also committed to promoting gender equality as an essential foundation for tremendous new economic opportunities, which will enrich the happiness of our country and society."
Many private sector companies accepted the invitation of the National Committee on Sustainable Development Goals to participate in this workshop including AT Kearney, Standard Chartered, TECOM Group, DP World, ADNOC, Unilever, Jumeirah Group, Transguard Group, Green Touches, Dubai Holdings, Emirates Global Aluminum, First Abu Dhabi Bank, Al Serkal Cultural Foundation, Emaar Properties, Societe Generale, HSBC, Fitch & Co, Emirates Group / Dnata, Procter & Gamble, Dubai Airport Free Zone, Masdar, Imperial Health Care Institute, Karim, Tristar, Dubai International Airport, Strategos, S & P, Middlesex University, Dentons, Nama Women Advancement, Dubai Multi Commodities Center (DMCC) Free Zone and CTG.
Cooperation with FCSA and Statistics Centers in Abu Dhabi and Dubai
Dubai, 5 May 2019
Having completed the requirements of the UAE Accredited Field Researcher License (AFRL) training program, 92 students from the Sociology Department enrolled in the Humanities and Social Sciences Faculty of the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) got their licenses in a special ceremony held at FCSA premises. The training course was conducted in cooperation between FCSA, Statistics Center- Abu Dhabi (SCAD) and the Dubai Statistics Center (DSC) last April 2019.
The students were honored in a special recognition ceremony attended by H.E. Dr. Ateeq Al Mansouri, Associate Vice President for Student Affairs at the UAEU, H.E. Mohamed Hassan, Executive Director of the Statistics Sector at FCSA, along with a number of faculty members, trainers, program coordinators, and students.
H.E. Abdullah Lootah, Director General of the FCSA, highlighted the significance of data by saying: “Data is the key pillar for the process of decision-making, and the heart of strategies and future innovations, including artificial intelligence, robotics, and space exploration. Data is our national wealth, and we have to work hard to put data to optimal use to build our future and the future of the generations to come.”
He added: “We will find no onebetter than our sons and daughters to be entrusted with this strategic national wealth. Indeed, with the support we receive from the UAEU and the statistics centers in the UAE, and with cooperation with our society members, the UAE students will be fully able to play their role in supporting the national development process and achieving the vision and directives of our wise leadership and be one of the best countries in the world.”
H.E. Rashid Lahej Nasser Saeed Al Mansouri, Chairman of SCAD, said: “This initiative is a quantum leap to further enrich the national statistical and competitiveness work in the UAE. Statistics field requires creative human resources enjoying qualities of skillfulness, accuracy, intelligence, loyalty, and objectivity. Today, the UAEU students are joining the field teams who are committed to keep their promises they made, to meet the responsibilities they bore and to fulfill the obligations they have been entrusted upon by our wise leadership.”
H.E. Arif Obaid Al Muhairi, Executive Director of DSC, pointed out that the discipline of statistics is continually evolving with innovativestatistical products thatare rapidly accelerating in pace and diversity in application.
Al Muhairi emphasized on the importance of training programs in statistics by saying: “As a result of the variety of issues and phenomenas that are subjected to research, measurement, and evaluation, it is a must to have well-trained Emiratis who are able to keep pace with such rapid developments. Through offering training programs to our competent human resources and qualifying them to get certified in AFRL, these competent filed researchers will have the chance to join field teams who are monumental in conducting the most important stage of statistical surveys by collecting accurate and safe data.”
H.E. Dr. Ateeq Al Mansouri highlighted the significance of such initiatives in preparing students to be distinguished in their respective disciplines, productive in their communities and capable of improving their professional skills.
Dr. Al Mansouri highly appreciated the efforts exerted by the FCSA, SCAD, and DSC for providing support to the UAEU’s students. He also stressed the importance of this kind of training which links the outputs of education with the requirements of the society by equipping these students with the knowledge and skills they need.
Head of the Department of Sociology at the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences of UAEU, Dr. Aqil Kazim, highly hailed the ongoing cooperation with the Department of Sociology which allowed the students to acquire applied skills in collecting data and conducting interviews while conducting social researches and be qualified to get their AFRL certificates.
He went on to say: “Training is one of the most important factors taken into consideration while preparing preparing students to join the labor market., Our department works closely with leading institutions in the UAE to provide various practical training programs, linking academic and theoretical studies with practical training experience.
92 female students from the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences were trained at the UAE University after attending a series of theoretical lectures and workshops followed by various tests.
During the one-week qualifying program, participants were introduced to various aspects of the statistical fieldwork in the UAE, data collection methodologies, types of questionnaires and surveys, techniques used for collecting responses, types of forms, data privacy protection in addition to several other topics relevant to statistics fieldwork.
The team in charge of this initiative pointed highlighted the long-term vision aiming at expanding the program through a series of practical steps, actions, and incentives to encourage competent Emirati students to join and experience this the journey of field statistics in the UAE.
Paris– Dubai, 1 May, 2019
The Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority (FCSA) participated in the meetings of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) in the Middle East and Africa held in the French capital, Paris. The critical issues tackled by the participants were centered around statistics conducted in the member states.
FCSA received an invitation extended by OECD to attend the meetings and submit a working paper related to statistics. FCSA accepted the invitation and an official delegation headed by H.E. Abdullah Lootah, Director- General of FCSA, accompanied by a number of statistics and data experts and specialists attended.
In his presentation on the UAE model of the statistics sector management, H.E. Lootah shed a spotlight on how statistical work serves the process of managing the national competitiveness strategy and distinct initiatives to achieve the SDGs 2030.
“Participation in the meetings of the OECD in Paris was an important opportunity to bring before the member states the UAE’s experience in linking statistics and data with competitiveness and the SDGs,” said Lootah.
“These high-level meetings shape the economic tendencies in the future, for they are an essential element in presenting the experiences of member states and taking advantage of the successful ones. The participating delegates highly appreciated the experience of the UAE as a role model for the developed countries. The UAE methodology is based on harnessing advanced technologies and data collection and data analysis to support the efforts of the UAE for improving its level on the global competitiveness indicators, on the one hand, and for supporting national initiatives gearing towards achieving the UAE sustainable development agenda,” Lootah added.
These remarks were made during the speech of the Director-General delivered at the fourth session held under the theme of “Statistics and Global Competitiveness.”
In his speech, the Director-General talked the Global Value Chains (GVC) and using the advanced statistical tools for overcoming the various challenges and for drawing upon the available expertise and skills.
Furthermore, participants discussed the importance and advantages of trade in services, which is now growing in importance due to the extensive use of the internet and digital payment platforms around the world. This makes the trade in services an open market to the global competition where survival will be only for innovative services and products of high specialty if they meet local needs.
During his keynote speech at the 2019 Global Summit, José Angel Gurria, Secretary-General of the OECD, highly acclaimed the UAE’s economic growth. He also hailed the big projects implemented for making the UAE society happy, particularly the infrastructure and housing projects, and projects related to environment, human development and community development which all aim at providing services and ensuring all means of comfort, stability, and decent life for all the segments and nationalities living in the UAE society.
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