Dubai, March 5th, 2008 (WAM) -- HE Mariam Al Roumi, Minister for Social Affairs, Wednesday announced a major policy development that will see the roll-out of 'public/private partnership' initiatives to boost employment among national families, women and the less privileged.
The Department?s new direction follows the recent UAE Cabinet reshuffle and was revealed as the Minister officially launched the First Gulf Festival for Social Action (GFSA). The event is set to become one of the leading global forums for social welfare policy-setters and a showcase for the national ?crafts and culture? business incubators that are one of the central planks of the Department?s new approach. The GFSA summit meeting will revolve around the GCC nations. Top Ministerial delegations are scheduled to attend the Festival, the first to be held under the patronage of H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah. The event, which is being hosted by the UAE for the first time, will be held at the Sharjah Cultural Village and is scheduled to run from March 15 to 19, 2008. Speaking at the Ministry head office in Dubai yesterday, the Minister said: ?Social welfare faces severe challenges in the current climate. The UAE has seen tremendous economic growth and benefited from the wise leadership of its Rulers. They have recognized that the nation?s most precious asset is its people and are committed to ensuring that policies are in place to look after every section of society. ?In line with the vision of our leaders, today I would like to announce that the Federal Ministry of Social Affairs has developed a new strategic direction to empower our families, our women, widows, the elderly, orphans and those who are less privileged. ?We have a duty to help those members of our community who are less able to help themselves. The basis of the new approach is that we must help them to help themselves. ?In the coming weeks and months the Ministry will reveal a series of public/private partnership initiatives. These will bring business partners, business skills and business acumen into social welfare. They will help to create the right environment in which the less privileged sections of society will be able to develop thriving businesses and commercial enterprises. ?Our aim is to develop the right market conditions. We will put in place the necessary funding arrangements. We will build contacts with big business and financial institutions and we will empower the less privileged in our society to participate in the success of our nation.?The GFSA will bring together Government representatives from each of the six GCC countries and Yemen. Qatar, the current GFSA head, will lead a series of summit meetings during the Festival to discuss major social welfare policy issues. Top of the agenda is expected to be issues such as the elderly and welfare care for women, orphans and the less privileged. The seven countries are expected to make major policy announcements on agreements and strategy development during the Festival and there is clear acceptance of the new global approach which focuses on encouraging self-help and ?empowerment?. H.E. Abdullah Al Suwaidi, Under Secretary at the Ministry for Social Affairs, said: ?The key to the new approach is ?empowerment?. If you understand that you will understand everything else we are trying to achieve. ?In this region we have traditions, skills, abilities and talents that compare with the best anywhere. We have to harness these abilities and use them productively. We can only achieve this by creating an environment that will nourish them and encourage them to grow. ?Co-operative enterprise offers an obvious means of harnessing our people?s abilities and develop a marketplace that will make their efforts commercial. Traditional handicrafts and culture offer opportunities for co-operative enterprise that chimes with our women?s traditional skills, for example. We will help them to develop strong, profitable businesses in areas like these.? The GFSA will highlight such skills by showcasing handicrafts and traditional products from around the region. This is expected to become a major business activity in the region as new methods and organizations are developed. Naji Mubarak, Assistant Under-Secretary for Development at the Ministry, said: ?This Festival was conceived to offer a platform for the region?s traditional handicrafts. ?This is an area that has not received the attention it deserves. As tourism develops and as the region?s nations become stronger and more visible globally then our own handicrafts and products become that much more important. They have the potential to develop into a major industry. One that can define our identity and showcase our traditions around the world.?The GFSA will have exhibition and performance areas and will provide a window on local and national handicrafts, food, culture and activities. The Minister said: ?Our aim must be to enable our people to use their talents, abilities and skills in a way which will help them to live the lives they want and encourage them to be proud of what they stand for. Our human capital is valuable. It is the true source of our social wealth and communal identity. ''We are committed to putting all of this capital to good use so each member of our society benefits.?Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2008.
