The 7th Political Awareness Forum for University Students kicked off today (November 26, 2018), organised by the Ministry of State for Federal National Council Affairs (MFNCA) in collaboration with the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU).

The Forum seeks to introduce university students to the political thought of the UAE’s Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, as he established the UAE on the principles of Shura and strengthening relationships between the country’s leadership and its people.

The Forum also highlighted Sheikh Zayed’s commitment to cementing the UAE’s distinguished international standing, through cooperation with the Arab world and all other friendly members of the United Nations and the international community, and maintaining relationships based on mutual respect, interests and benefits.

His Excellency Abdul Rahman Mohammad Al Owais, Minister of Health and Prevention, Minister of State for Federal National Council (FNC), said in a speech, delivered on his behalf by H.E. Dr Saeed Mohammed Al Ghafli, Assistant Undersecretary for FNC Affairs at the Ministry: “The current edition of the Forum is of particular importance seeing as it sheds light on and explores the thought process of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Founding Father of the UAE, who established a unique approach to politics rooted in political participation, where the Emirati people play a critical role in the country’s major accomplishments across all sectors.”

H.E. explained that with his forward-thinking vision, the late Sheikh Zayed was able to create an innovative political experience tailored to the specificities of UAE society and its aspirations and designed to achieve citizens’ demands and preserve the country’s accomplishments.

Political empowerment in the UAE is a continuous journey, H.E. asserted, noting that the journey continues today with the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, culminating in the Political Empowerment Programme, launched by H.H. on the 34th National Day. The Programme seeks to empower citizens to participate in political life, in addition to empowering the FNC to be more effective and closer to the people and the issues that matter most to them.

The Founding Father’s Clear Vision for the Future

H.E. Saeed Ahmed Ghobash, Chancellor of United Arab Emirates University, said: “With his commitment to pan-Arab issues and ambitions, Sheikh Zayed clearly outlined the UAE’s aspirations, gathering citizens and rulers alike around him. The late Founding Father had outstanding leadership qualities, a clear vision, patience and perseverance in his quest to achieve grand objectives that guarantee the wellbeing of the nation and its citizens.”

“No political leader faced the sort of challenges that Sheikh Zayed faced during his journey to build the nation in the 1970s and 1980s,” H.E. added. “And no country in history was able to begin building its institutions the day it declared its independence as the UAE did. These adversities reinforced the late Founding Father’s determination to sacrifice and lead our country to where it is now.”

Highlighting the UAE’s Political Efforts

H.E. Dr Maitha bint Salem Al Shamsi, Minister of State, said: “The late Sheikh Zayed spared no effort in uniting the people of the seven emirates, engaging them as partners in this quest for unity. His efforts led to the development of national goals unanimously embraced by the people – goals that seek to maintain unity and ensure prosperity and wellbeing. This, in turn, spurred development policies that touched all aspects of life: From education, health and social welfare to development programmes that created and continue to maintain a cohesive society working together to achieve its objectives.”

“Sheikh Zayed’s dedication to building a united country, despite the many obstacles he faced, is a source of inspiration for all Emiratis,” Dr Al Shamsi added. “This determination was the foundation of a new Emirati society – a strong and cohesive community whose members believe unwaveringly in a single nation built on the values of openness, coexistence, tolerance, moderation, and acceptance of others.”

The Forum’s first session discussed “Zayed’s Thought in Cementing Shura and the UAE’s International Prestige”, bringing together H.E. Ahmed Shabib Al Dhaheri, FNC Secretary-General; former FNC member H.E. Ahmed Sultan Al Jaber; H.E. Ahmed Al Hosani, Former Ambassador from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation; and Dr Maryam Sultan Lootah, Assistant Professor at UAEU’s Department of Political Science. The session was moderated by Dr Mohammed bin Huwaidin, Assistant Professor of International Relations and Political Science at UAEU.

Session two, meanwhile, explored “Zayed’s Thought and the UAE’s Birth and Administration”, featuring H.E. Dr Saeed Mohammed Al Ghafli, Assistant Undersecretary for FNC Affairs at the Ministry; Dr Sultan Al Nuaimi, Academic at Abu Dhabi University; Dr Ali Al Ahbabi from UAEU’s Department of Political Science. The session was moderated by Dr Abdullah Al-Hammadi, Director of the Political Development Department at the Ministry of State for FNC Affairs.

The Political Awareness Forum for University Students is a prominent platform bringing together university students with thought leaders from various fields of knowledge to exchange insight and propose ideas regarding political participation in the UAE. The Forum introduces participants to the vocabulary of the political system and the prospects of comprehensive development in the Emirates.