Dubai: “Happiness and tolerance are values, not services, an integral part of all of us,” said Shaikha Lubna Al Qasimi, Minister of State for Tolerance and President of Zayed University at the Global Women’s Forum’s concluding day on Wednesday.
Referring to the role of government and ministries as an outreach to the public, Shaikha Lubna, who was recently appointed Minister of Tolerance, described the word as “acceptance, and the rejoicing of differences.”
Previously, the Minister of Economy, Minister of Trade, and Minister of Foreign trade and International Cooperation and Development of the UAE, Shaikha Lubna said her new role was an “exciting challenge.”
“All the ministries before were structured, but in the Ministry of Tolerance I have to reach everyone, all sectors of the community,” she said.
Shaikha Lubna said she is aiming to interact and communicate with the public in order to better understand the polices and regulations needed to reinforce tolerance in the UAE.
She said: “We are not only talking about nationals, but about everyone who lives here in the UAE. We are people of the UAE. We don't look at you as an expatriate or a citizen. Everyone wins and we all achieve together."
Shaikha Lubna said the UAE’s secret is its way of life.
“It doesn’t matter who you are, what you are, or where you’re from. The UAE provides a common path for everyone. It is the land of dreams and opportunities,” she said.
When asked about the ministry’s external mission, Shaikha Lubna discussed the country’s development programmes and humanitarian aid.
“The Abu Dhabi Development Fund is project that shows we're not only responsible for ourselves, but for everyone else,” she said.
Over 44 years, the UAE has provided $47 billion of aid worldwide and currently has 43 charity organisations, she noted.
Shaikha Lubna pointed out that humanitarian aid is not only about NGOs, but also about driving and including the private sector.
Surpassing Scandinavian countries, the UAE also ranked number one in per growth national income in 2013.
The reason for success of any entity is building loyalty with people based on value and essence, said Shaikha Lubna.
“The seat I sit on in this organization is not mine, I don't own it. The most important part is to show that you are the most dispensable person, not the most powerful,” she said.
Aiming to recycle and pass on her knowledge and expertise to those around her, Shaikha Lubna concluded with a few words for UAE youth. “Have faith in yourself and all doors will open for you.”
