UAE takes part in Global Leadership meeting

Minister of State, Dr. Maitha Al Shamsi, led the UAE delegation to the Global Leadership Meeting on Population Dynamics and the Post-2015 UN Development Agenda, which was convened in Dhaka, Bangladesh between 12th-13th March. The meeting reviewed population dynamics and sustainable development that improves the lives and livelihoods of both present and future generations. The meeting brought together leaders and experts from all geographic regions, representing national and local governments, international and inter-governmental organizations, academia, civil society, and the private sector to provide a clear and common vision on how population dynamics should be integrated in the post 2015 development agenda. Al Shamsi conveyed greetings from the government of the UAE to the government of Bangladesh and the government of Switzerland for organising the meeting. She also expressed appreciation of efforts made by the foreign ministers of the two countries to drive the meeting towards achieving the desired goals. Ambassador of the UAE to Bangladesh, Khalfan Battal Al Mansouri attended the meeting. Al Shamsi reviewed efforts by the UAE to boost human development based on a long-standing strategy built on the conviction that human resources are the real and lasting wealth for society. She noted that the UAE's investment of oil revenues is coupled with a keen interest in protecting the environment for future generations and providing resources for dignified living. She also noted that the government's 2011-2013 strategy aims to achieve development goals, emphasising that nationals and a future outlook into all spheres will remain at the center of interest. The meeting is particularly signifigant as it is convened at a time when the United Nations intensifies efforts to discuss the Post2015 Development Agenda, she further noted, adding that population dynamics and their relation to development represent the foundation stone for global efforts to achieve all aspects of development worldwide. She stressed that there is consensus that human individuals and groups represent national and international development agendas and specifies the ways and opportunities for implementing them. A population dynamics are rapidly increasing and evolving, an equally rapid response is needed to keep pace with the present and future requirements and therefore to take into account these developments during the Post2015 Development Agenda discussions, including sustainable development.