‘Political Participation Is Paramount’: H.E. Noura Al Kaabi Gives Lecture at Ajman University
“The wise leaders of the UAE firmly believe that the youth are the backbone of innovation and the future,” asserted Her Excellency Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister of State for Federal National Council (FNC) Affairs, at a lecture organised by the Ministry at Ajman University in an effort to raise political awareness and encourage the students to get involved.
“Political participation is paramount. It is an integral part of the cultural heritage of the UAE, which has always invested in its youth, and strived to educate them and open up opportunities for them to play a critical role in the social, political, and economic development of their nation,” H.E. Al Kaabi explained, insisting that an adequate environment must established to encourage citizens to become involved in societal issues and express their views. “Citizens must be educated and empowered enough to play an effective role in crafting plans and strategies for the future of the UAE,” she stressed.
H.E. Al Kaabi referenced the speech given by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and Supreme Commander of the Union Defence Force, on the 34th UAE National Day in 2005, saying that the address constituted a national action plan that outlined and developed the role of the Federal National Council in providing support and counsel for the executive authority. H.H. Sheikh Khalifa called on the FNC to be closer to the issues and concerns of the nation and its citizens.
The most recent FNC elections are important benchmarks in the political development and modernisation efforts in the UAE, H.E. noted, asserting that the increase in the number of Emirati women taking part in the elections is one of the many victories recorded during the elections, which also saw a change in the overall profiles of the candidates – the Council saw many young members get elected, for instance.
Meanwhile, Dr. Karim Seghir, Chancellor of Ajman University (AU), said: “The current global state of affairs makes promoting political awareness a necessity. With that in mind, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, has called for investing in young people. Meanwhile, H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has appointed young nationals to top leadership positions.”
“For his part, H.H. Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ajman, has sponsored Ajman University since its inception, reflecting his commitment to the youth, whom H.H. considers to be the real wealth of the nation,” Dr. Karim Seghir continued, underlining the essential role of government institutions – especially universities – to live up to their national responsibility and to promote and develop political awareness among their students, thus preparing them to serve their country and face the challenges that stand in the way of development and progress in the UAE. The Chancellor went on to call on universities to develop their students’ knowledge and skills, and to inspire loyalty to the UAE above all loyalties.
The lecture shed light on the critical role that the Ministry of State for Federal National Council Affairs was established to play in 2006. The Ministry was tasked with coordinating between the government and the Federal National Council, and to increase effective cooperation between the two bodies to the benefit of the country and its citizens. The Ministry’s mandate also includes promoting political participation among citizens; conducting relevant research and studies; and holding seminars, conferences, training courses, and workshops – either unilaterally or through partnership with other influential stakeholders.
The lecture also highlighted the role of the Federal National Council itself, defining it as a platform for discussing federal laws, and an ideal medium to raise the issues and concerns of UAE citizens to the leadership. The Council is meant to improve the performance and effectiveness of the executive branch, and to engage the general public and involve them in the country’s political life, thus amplifying their role as a key partner in the sustainable development project in the UAE.
