Zayed's call to local institutions

President His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan declared yesterday the UAE faces a difficult battle of development, and criticised local public and private institutions for their inactive role in the employment and training of nationals.

In a greeting message to the first batch of female graduates at the Zayed University, the President said he was "extremely happy" to witness such an occasion.

While affirming that education is the best weapon for the future, Sheikh Zayed said he believed it would be of no use if it is not armed with determination and perseverance.

"We are satisfied with what we have achieved in the field of education but all this is no longer enough in the face of all these numbers of students graduating from our academic and educational institutions ever year," the President said.

"But it is regrettable to see most of our public and private institutions stand as mere onlookers, waiting to get their need of trained and qualified manpower without exerting any effort, leaving us to work hard in training and qualifying graduates for the labour market.

"Nations cannot develop without solidarity and group work, collective efforts and preference of public interests over narrow individual interests.

"All institutions and groups are invited to contribute to training and qualifying our sons and daughters so they will be able to meet the needs of the labour market. We will greatly appreciate those who work hard and contribute to the march of development and build-up in our country."

The President said the university was just a cycle in a series of educational and academic establishments and would not be the last one.

"We will push ahead with this educational march so long as there is a need for education, training and rehabilitation. It is no longer enough for the citizens to wipe out their illiteracy and join the queue of the educated. We have surpassed such a stage since the establishment of the UAE because we are in a difficult battle of a comprehensive development that requires highly trained and qualified cadres," he said.

"Besides, we have entered the age of globalisation, which should prompt us to be ready to deal and interact with all its requirements. That is why we have to get education in such fields as the computer, Internet, digitalisation, satellites and all other advanced techniques in order to be able to immunise ourselves and protect our accomplishments."

Sheikh Zayed said the UAE has become a pioneer in development and is ahead of several countries which started earlier. But he added all such achievements are not enough and more has to be done through hard work and determination.

"We have made substantial achievements but all these have fulfilled only part of our ambitions. It is now the responsibility of the new generations to continue such achievements. But this would be possible only through determination and sincerity that have characterised our ancestors.

"My advice to you is to arm yourself with good ethics, which were the slogan of our past society and the lighthouse for the coming generations. Education and science are not enough without ethics.

"You should also know that there will be no room in our development march for those who are not serious and determined and those who are not capable of shouldering their responsibility and indulging in hard work.

"This can be achieved only by those who sit in class with determination to succeed and excel. I urge you to rise to the occasion and to discard the dust of laziness and dependence and indulge in real work and efforts."

The President paid tribute to the UAE women, whom he said are involved in domestic development on a par with men without having to neglect their household duties.

"Going to work has not changed their decent behaviour and genuine traditions. The UAE woman is a woman of virtue, religion and good ethics, who contribute to all aspects of development and interacts with changes.

"She is a maker of achievements and men, hand in hand with her brother, husband and son to work together to fulfil our dreams.

"Building this country and turning it into a beautiful oasis would not have been possible without women's strong arms, determination and our insistence to be among the advanced countries.

"Let these principles be an example for our sons and daughters to press ahead with the march that we have started to keep this country aloft and turn it into an example of civilisation, modernisation and achievements in all fields."