Abu Dhabi: Recent ministerial changes are proof that the UAE government is set to achieve its ambitious goals — notably a new government structure in which the youth will play a pivotal role, Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, said.
The creation of the ministries of Happiness, Tolerance, and Youth Affairs shows the government’s bid to develop the methods and tools of governance, he said in a recent interview with Deraa Al Watan and Joint Command and Staff College magazines. “[The government] aims to upgrade vital sectors of services as well — mainly education and health, as well as invest in building human resources in order to ensure the prosperity of the nation and the happiness of citizens,” Shaikh Mansour said.
He noted that the UAE strives to build a regional and international environment based on peace, stability and mutual trust. The country offers development and humanitarian aid, as well as active contributions to peacekeeping operations to protect the civilian population and take part in the rebuilding of the affected areas and elsewhere.
Shaikh Mansour said a number of factors enabled the UAE to acquire an “outstanding image internationally”. These include “a strong and active presence of our diplomacy on the regional and international arena, hosting of many international agencies and conferences, active participation in international efforts to fight terrorism and extremism, and striving to build a regional and international environment for peace, stability and mutual trust.”
He added that the UAE also offers development and humanitarian aid, and actively contributes to peacekeeping operations to protect the civilian population and rebuild the affected areas, and others. “We look forward to opening up to the world’s future, and enhancing the country’s position as a regional leader in specialised fields, such as human rights, energy and climate change, international security and cooperation, and to ensure care for its citizens abroad.”
On The National Service project, Shaikh Mansour said: “Our state has great and important achievements to its credit in the construction and development process at the human resources and physical levels. The sustainability of these achievements require protection. And this protection will be provided by young Emiratis equipped with values of belonging and loyalty. The readiness to sacrifice for our society and achievements are the safety valves to tackle external challenges.”
Speaking about the empowerment of women in UAE society, Shaikh Mansour said: “The state has paid special attention to the empowerment of women in all fields and at all levels to help them play their natural role as participants in the sustainable development process. Before the establishment of the UAE, Emirati women had been partners with men in the construction as they stood firmly by their side in times of crisis. They accompanied the men in days of bliss and woe.
“We are not surprised by the rush of Emirati women to the call of national service to contribute to the preservation of the achievements of the state. This is their instinct and part of their upbringing to demonstrate the values of loyalty in all fields.”
