2018 MESSAGES

Under the guidance and patronage of Lt. General H.H. Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, the 2nd edition of Aqdar World Summit is launched in cooperation with the Khalifa Empowerment Program (Aqdar) and INDEX Conferences & Exhibitions, a member of INDEX Holding, as a platform for youth to engage in productive conversations in UAE.

Firstly, allow me to extend my deepest gratitude for the team who has been working day and night to ensure a successful summit and organize this international event that promotes the UAE’s position and its wise leadership. I also would like to acknowledge all the exerted efforts that the different teams have been putting and their enthusiasm while liaising with the Higher Committee to organize an international event that reflects the theme of “Aqdar”.

I would like also to thank all our partners and sponsors who contributed to the success of this event whose positive impact was reflected on so many levels which comes out of their understanding of the importance of this forum.

One of the distinguishing features of this program is the range of topics and how it taps into certain challenges affecting societies. We firmly believe that impact-based projects are the cornerstone of fortifying generations capable of coping with future challenges.

On the other hand, we strive in the second edition of this event to encourage countries and governments to show their professionalism especially when addressing current challenges and promoting positive change.

Aqdar World Summit is considered a perfect platform for presenting, discussing and acting upon challenges facing humanity. Is also provides the opportunity for the largest number of people interested in sustainable development to learn about the latest international developments and research related to the Summit’s goals through innovative and specialized workshops aimed at helping the public resolve issues positively.

In conclusion, as the chairman of the Higher Organizing Committee of Aqdar World Summit, and on behalf of the organizing committee members, I would like to extend my warmest regards to Lt. General H.H. Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior for his patronage and keenness to follow up on this summit and provide what it needs to ensure its success.

Aqdar World Summit 2018, in the Year of Zayed

This second edition of the Aqdar World Summit comes as we mark the centennial of the birth of the Founding Father of the United Arab Emirates, the widely esteemed Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al Nahyan. Inspired by his vision and through his dynamic leadership, the UAE has been recognized by the United Nations for its significant contributions to international aid and development. Now, during this Year of Zayed, the nation celebrates both the man and his many remarkable achievements, chief among them, as encapsulated in the theme of this year’s Summit, his fostering of the Role of Human Empowerment in Developing Stable Societies as a prelude to Sustainable Development.

Indeed, the Summit showcases several of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals set to be met by 2030, as it incorporates seven focus sessions ranging from Strategies on Empowering People, Gender Parity, Economic Growth, and Sustainable Education to Successful Partnerships, Smart Infrastructure, and the Foundations of Justice and Peace. Distinguished keynote speakers are followed by twenty-one expert presentations distributed among the focus sessions during the first two days, with four workshops centered on Zayed on the third day.

The Aqdar World Summit is proud to offer this centenary tribute to our Sheikh Zayed, underscoring his seminal contributions to sustainable development in the nation he founded as well as in much of the world.

Aqdar World Summit is considered a beacon in the field of sustainable development and an international platform that aims to empower individuals for a better future under the directives and attention given by H.H. Lt General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior of the United Arab Emirates.

We strive, through Aqdar Word Summit, to create an outstanding gathering point for all leaders, decision-makers, experts, and leading companies across all fields to engage in a proper scientific and international dialogue that reflects and enables people to build a secure future replete with peace and tolerance.

To achieve what the summit is aiming for, we have chosen the motto of: “Nourishing Minds, Flourishing Nations”, which we aim through it to build capabilities, skills, and knowledge to ensure people are ready for any challenge that they may face and equip them with the tools to help them move forward towards a brighter future and deal more positively with obstacles and challenges. And we are affirmative that the collaboration and liaison between the relevant institutions, would perfectly serve the objectives of the summit’s theme, which is: “The Role of human empowerment in developing stable societies: Sustainable development”.

Aqdar World Summit features an annual conference that attracts a number of prestigious officials and decision-makers from all over the world as it focuses on building preventive strategies and policies to raise awareness about the challenges and risks facing people in general. Running parallel to the conference, the exhibition displays everything related to human empowerment and sustainable development with dedicated workshops that discuss, teach and educate the public about the latest international trends.

We hope that the summit will achieve its purposes in unifying all efforts and concepts in the field of education, awareness and student prevention, as well as opening new horizons for the students and tightening the bridges between them and their parents. Moreover, we seek through Aqdar World Summit to build strategic partnerships between the educational institutions and the individuals to ensure the overall benefit of the youth.

We also aim to showcase the global initiatives of the United Arab Emirates that would strengthen its position on the global arena under the UAE’s wise leadership which has always regarded human development and its vital resources as of utmost importance.

On a final note, I would like to extend my gratitude for all of those who participated in the success of this summit.