The Majalis Affairs Office at the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince’s Court has organised a lecture on “Political Participation and the Federal National Council (FNC) Elections” in collaboration with the Ministry of State for Federal National Council Affairs.
Hosted by Majlis Khalid bin Tnaf Al Menhali, the lecture is one of a series of seminars that seek to boost direct communication with all members of the community to promote political participation, raise awareness around the Political Empowerment Programme and the UAE’s parliamentary life, and showcase the Ministry’s success in strengthening collaboration between the Government and the Council to the benefit of the country and its people.
His Excellency Tariq Hilal Lootah, Undersecretary of the Ministry of State for Federal National Council Affairs, said: “The Ministry has adopted a number of innovative initiatives to drive its strategic objectives and promote political participation within the UAE community. These initiatives raise awareness among citizens about our country’s achievements so that they can play their part in preserving them, all while driving forward the comprehensive and sustainable development process underway across the UAE.”
“The lecture resonates with the Ministry’s vision to spread political awareness and introduce members of the community to the Political Empowerment Programme, launched by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE,” H.E. Lootah added.
The lecture was presented by Dr Mansour Al-Baloushi, who showcased the major developments that took place during the previous three elections.
Dr Al-Baloushi said: “The three previous election cycles marked major milestones for the Political Empowerment Programme, launched by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE. They highlighted the great political awareness among UAE citizens and their sense of patriotism and loyalty to their country and their leadership.”
“The success of the past three elections demonstrates the Emirati people’s awareness of the importance of political participation, and their faith in the Federal National Council’s role as a platform conveying their issues, aspirations and needs to the leadership and decision makers in the federal government,” he added, noting that the Political Empowerment Programme, launched by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, on the 34th National Day in 2005, set the foundations for including UAE citizens in decision making, and empowering the FNC to provide support and counsel to the executive branch of government.
Dr Al-Baloushi called on UAE community members to continue developing a political experience that is tailored to their society by taking part in the upcoming elections, scheduled to be held next year.
The lecture witnessed a great turnout from UAE nationals who interacted with the lecturers, asking pertinent questions in conclusion. This lecture is part of a series of activities organised by the Ministry of State for Federal National Council Affairs to promote political awareness and enhance communication with all segments of society. It also serves to achieve the Ministry’s vision and strategic objectives to build long-term national partnerships.