Dubai, April 14, 2018 – Majlis Salem Mohammed Al Rashidi hosted the first Abu Dhabi lecture, organised by the Majalis Affairs office at the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Court, and featuring Dr Ahmed Al Mansouri, expert in law and international relations.
The lecture tackled political participation and its importance in building a unique parliamentary experience, where Dr Al Mansouri discussed the UAE’s successful previous elections and the Political Empowerment Programme, launched by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE. The UAE Constitution underlines the importance of political participation in laying solid foundations for political development, he noted, adding that this, in turn, empowers the Emirates to achieve its objectives and maintain its momentum and success across all sectors.
The law and international relations expert described the speech given by H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed on the occasion of the 34th National Day in 2005 as empowering; “it outlined a comprehensive national plan of action that positions the Federal National Council as the authority tasked with guiding and supporting the executive branch,” he explained.
Al Mansouri went on to add that political participation is an inherent value in the UAE and part of the country’s cultural heritage. “The culture of political participation carries a positive meaning, engaging citizens in political life, ensuring social stability, and promoting loyalty to the country and its leadership,” he said.
Dr Al Mansouri pointed out that the FNC’s three electoral experiences in 2006, 2011, and 2015 embody the UAE leadership’s commitment to creating all the necessary conditions for citizens to be fully engaged in political life and the sustainable development of the UAE. These previous successes help build a unique parliamentary experience that caters to the cultural singularities of Emirati society and the aspirations of the Emirati people, he added.
The Federal National Council has proven to be a highly effective platform for discussing federal laws and bringing citizens’ issues and needs to the table, said Dr Al Mansouri. “This reflects positively on the effectiveness of various executive bodies, and helps further promote political participation in the country, where citizens play a bigger role in building a bright future for the UAE.”
This series of lectures is part of the efforts undertaken by the Ministry of State for Federal National Council Affairs to enhance political awareness in the community, and foster communication with all segments of society. This, in turn, complements the Ministry’s vision and strategic objectives, which call for building long-term national partnerships