Monday, February 25, 2013
Monday, February 4, 2013
UAE Cabinet approves system to make 6,619 medicines cheaper
Dubai: More than 6,000 medications will be cheaper by up to 40 per cent, making health care more affordable for patients in the UAE.
The UAE Cabinet on Sunday approved a new system which will reduce the prices of 6,619 medicines.
The system will unify the prices of medicines with those of GCC countries, providing alternatives for every kind of medication for chronic and other diseases. It will also include mechanisms for regulating and following up on the prices of medicine.
The system was approved during a cabinet meeting held on Sunday at the Presidential Palace chaired by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, and Lieutenant General Shaikh Saif Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, were present.
“The government’s regulation of the medicine sector represents a national benefit that cannot be neglected,” said Shaikh Mohammad.
He said that the medicine and food sectors are very important and cannot be overlooked, and that providing medicine at a reasonable price for all consumers will contribute to bolstering the medical sector and all concerned bodies operating in it.
Series of studies
The system was approved following a series of studies and meetings held between parties operating in the sector. The aim was to create an integrated system for unifying the prices of medicine imported into the private medical sector by altering the profit margin between pharmacy and agents.
The Cabinet gave the UAE Ministry of Health (MOH) three months to implement the new prices. The MOH has been negotiating with pharmaceutical drug manufacturing groups for several years. Its lobbying for reduced pricing resulted in the price reduction in January 2012 of 115 generic drugs from 5 per cent to up to 30 per cent.
Speaking to Gulf News, Dr Ameen Hussain Al Amiri, Assistant Undersecretary for Medical Practices and Licensing, said that reduced price will benefit patients. “We have been discussing the issue of pricing for several years. This is this first time that a pricing system is unified at a regional level. The new procedures will affect all private pharmacies. I will head the team that will be tasked with implementing the new system.”
He said key details on the new system will be announced shortly.
Gulf News spoke to representatives from the pharmacology and pharmaceutical industry.
Zeydan Abuissa, Country Manager at Pfizer Gulf and Levant region, said, “It is yet another milestone achieved by the UAE government and the Ministry of Health. Pfizer is constantly at full readiness to cooperate with the Ministry of Health to ensure fast and wider patients access to the innovative medicines they need.”
D. Azad Moopen, founder and fhairman of DM Healthcare, said, “We welcome the decision. For patients, this is very good news. … We also hope that the new system will take into account the entire chain from manufacturer, wholesaler, retailer and patient.”
New system
The new system will ensure that 6,619 types of medicines get cheaper.
It unifies and discounts the prices of medication that are bought in US dollars and imported into the private sector. The discounts will vary from 1 per cent to as much as 40 per cent.
The system alters the profit margin between pharmacies and agents. It works on curbing the phenomenon of rising prices of medicine resulting from foreign currency fluctuations.
It also has provisions to encourage investments in the UAE’s pharmacology sector.
The system also aims to unify the prices of medicine with those in other Gulf Cooperation Council countries, and providing alternative medicines for chronic and other diseases.
The system was approved following a series of studies and meetings.
The Cabinet instructed the Ministry of Health to immediately begin issuing the new prices for the medicines included in the system. The ministry was given three months to ensure that the new prices are implemented in the local market.
The new system includes mechanisms for regulating and following up on the prices of medicine. Once the three-month period lapses, inspectors from the Ministry of Health and other health authorities will visit private pharmacies to ensure the new prices have been complied with.
Other Cabinet decisions
In other decisions, the Cabinet approved the 2013 draft budget of Emirates Transport. Emirates Transport is expected to generate revenue of Dh1.4 billion, an increase of 8 per cent compared to 2012. Expenditures are pegged at Dh1.3 billion, an increase of 7 per cent from last year. Gross profits are projected at Dh110 million, a 13 per cent increase from 2012.
The budget includes a capital outlay of Dh464.9 million, of which Dh140 million will be allocated for school transportation. The rest will be allocated for transportation contracts provided for ministries and governmental bodies, and setting up and renovating customer service centres and service centres for technical testing of buses.
The Cabinet also approved the 2011 closing statement of the National Bureau of Statistics. The bureau’s expenditures for 2011 was Dh35.9 billion, while revenues reached Dh42.5 billion.
The Cabinet also ratified the signing of a double taxation avoidance agreement with Hungary.
The UAE Cabinet on Sunday approved a new system which will reduce the prices of 6,619 medicines.
The system will unify the prices of medicines with those of GCC countries, providing alternatives for every kind of medication for chronic and other diseases. It will also include mechanisms for regulating and following up on the prices of medicine.
The system was approved during a cabinet meeting held on Sunday at the Presidential Palace chaired by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, and Lieutenant General Shaikh Saif Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, were present.
“The government’s regulation of the medicine sector represents a national benefit that cannot be neglected,” said Shaikh Mohammad.
He said that the medicine and food sectors are very important and cannot be overlooked, and that providing medicine at a reasonable price for all consumers will contribute to bolstering the medical sector and all concerned bodies operating in it.
Series of studies
The system was approved following a series of studies and meetings held between parties operating in the sector. The aim was to create an integrated system for unifying the prices of medicine imported into the private medical sector by altering the profit margin between pharmacy and agents.
The Cabinet gave the UAE Ministry of Health (MOH) three months to implement the new prices. The MOH has been negotiating with pharmaceutical drug manufacturing groups for several years. Its lobbying for reduced pricing resulted in the price reduction in January 2012 of 115 generic drugs from 5 per cent to up to 30 per cent.
Speaking to Gulf News, Dr Ameen Hussain Al Amiri, Assistant Undersecretary for Medical Practices and Licensing, said that reduced price will benefit patients. “We have been discussing the issue of pricing for several years. This is this first time that a pricing system is unified at a regional level. The new procedures will affect all private pharmacies. I will head the team that will be tasked with implementing the new system.”
He said key details on the new system will be announced shortly.
Gulf News spoke to representatives from the pharmacology and pharmaceutical industry.
Zeydan Abuissa, Country Manager at Pfizer Gulf and Levant region, said, “It is yet another milestone achieved by the UAE government and the Ministry of Health. Pfizer is constantly at full readiness to cooperate with the Ministry of Health to ensure fast and wider patients access to the innovative medicines they need.”
D. Azad Moopen, founder and fhairman of DM Healthcare, said, “We welcome the decision. For patients, this is very good news. … We also hope that the new system will take into account the entire chain from manufacturer, wholesaler, retailer and patient.”
New system
The new system will ensure that 6,619 types of medicines get cheaper.
It unifies and discounts the prices of medication that are bought in US dollars and imported into the private sector. The discounts will vary from 1 per cent to as much as 40 per cent.
The system alters the profit margin between pharmacies and agents. It works on curbing the phenomenon of rising prices of medicine resulting from foreign currency fluctuations.
It also has provisions to encourage investments in the UAE’s pharmacology sector.
The system also aims to unify the prices of medicine with those in other Gulf Cooperation Council countries, and providing alternative medicines for chronic and other diseases.
The system was approved following a series of studies and meetings.
The Cabinet instructed the Ministry of Health to immediately begin issuing the new prices for the medicines included in the system. The ministry was given three months to ensure that the new prices are implemented in the local market.
The new system includes mechanisms for regulating and following up on the prices of medicine. Once the three-month period lapses, inspectors from the Ministry of Health and other health authorities will visit private pharmacies to ensure the new prices have been complied with.
Other Cabinet decisions
In other decisions, the Cabinet approved the 2013 draft budget of Emirates Transport. Emirates Transport is expected to generate revenue of Dh1.4 billion, an increase of 8 per cent compared to 2012. Expenditures are pegged at Dh1.3 billion, an increase of 7 per cent from last year. Gross profits are projected at Dh110 million, a 13 per cent increase from 2012.
The budget includes a capital outlay of Dh464.9 million, of which Dh140 million will be allocated for school transportation. The rest will be allocated for transportation contracts provided for ministries and governmental bodies, and setting up and renovating customer service centres and service centres for technical testing of buses.
The Cabinet also approved the 2011 closing statement of the National Bureau of Statistics. The bureau’s expenditures for 2011 was Dh35.9 billion, while revenues reached Dh42.5 billion.
The Cabinet also ratified the signing of a double taxation avoidance agreement with Hungary.
UAE to continue hosting Summit on Global Agenda Councils
Dubai: The UAE will host the Summit on Global Agenda Councils until 2018 in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai under a strategic agreement with the World Economic Forum (WEF) during Davos Annual Meeting 2013 in Switzerland, signed by the UAE Minister of Cabinet Affairs, Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, and the Founder and Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum, Professor Klaus Schwab.
Al Gergawi said the term of the agreement with the WEF has been extended for the next five years in line with the directives of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to enhance the UAE’s position as a key player in encouraging intellectual dialogue, and proposing recommendations to resolve pressing global issues.
“The strategic role played by the UAE in discussions on global challenges and efforts to find ideal solutions to critical issues emphasise the esteemed international position the country has attained under the wise leadership. The agreement to host this prestigious event until 2018 reflects the success of the UAE in organizing such an important event which brings together several experts in a number of fields from across the world,” he added.
“The Network of Global Agenda Councils has flourished over the past five years since its association with the United Arab Emirates began. The UAE not only provides a supportive physical environment for Council members during their Annual Summit, it has provided the momentum for the Network to help drive crucial Council ideas and initiatives forward. This has helped the Summit on the Global Agenda to truly become the world’s foremost meeting of thought leaders and I look forward working with our partners to continue this trajectory by finding new and innovative ways of helping address the world’s toughest challenges,” Professor Klaus Schwab, said.
The Summit on the Global Agenda Councils, being hosted by the UAE every year, has been expanding the scope of participation to include all segments of society. According to the agreement, the Regional Organisations Forum to discuss the common challenges, will be held on the sidelines of the Summit.
The agreement will ensure greater participation for Emirati experts by raising the formal representation of the UAE in the meetings of the Davos Summit organized annually by WEF. It will also aim to increase the number of the candidates from the UAE government participating in the meeting of the Summit on Global Agenda, held in the country. The Summit includes 85 sessions covering various topics held in the presence of over 1,000 experts and decision makers from around the world.
Chairman of the Department of Economic Development-Abu Dhabi, Nasser Ahmad Al Suwaidi, said that Abu Dhabi Government believed in the importance of successful partnerships locally to enhance the position of the country internationally in terms of hosting global events. He asserted the readiness of Abu Dhabi to host the Summit, indicating the events of the sixth round of the Summit will be held in Abu Dhabi during 18-20 November 2013.
“The continued hosting of the Summit on the Global Agenda Councils in the UAE reflects the esteemed position of the country as a global hub for economic events and important conferences, which contributes to enhancing the capabilities of the country, in general, and Dubai, in particular, to host the EXPO 2020. The participation of the UAE in the Summit strengthens the efforts to build the national cadres and competencies, as well as improves the position of the country globally,” the Director General of Dubai Economic Department, Sami Daen Al Qamzi, said.
The Summit on the Global Agenda Council brings together world class thinkers and thought leaders to meet, capture the best knowledge and challenge prevailing assumptions on topics such as financing and capitalism, climate change, food and water security, protection of intellectual property, organized crime, and other socio-economic, environmental and educational issues.
The Summit will also present excellent opportunities for leading UAE innovators and thinkers to engage with their global peers from over the world. The UAE has been hosting the Summit since 2008 in association with the WEF.
Al Gergawi said the term of the agreement with the WEF has been extended for the next five years in line with the directives of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to enhance the UAE’s position as a key player in encouraging intellectual dialogue, and proposing recommendations to resolve pressing global issues.
“The strategic role played by the UAE in discussions on global challenges and efforts to find ideal solutions to critical issues emphasise the esteemed international position the country has attained under the wise leadership. The agreement to host this prestigious event until 2018 reflects the success of the UAE in organizing such an important event which brings together several experts in a number of fields from across the world,” he added.
“The Network of Global Agenda Councils has flourished over the past five years since its association with the United Arab Emirates began. The UAE not only provides a supportive physical environment for Council members during their Annual Summit, it has provided the momentum for the Network to help drive crucial Council ideas and initiatives forward. This has helped the Summit on the Global Agenda to truly become the world’s foremost meeting of thought leaders and I look forward working with our partners to continue this trajectory by finding new and innovative ways of helping address the world’s toughest challenges,” Professor Klaus Schwab, said.
The Summit on the Global Agenda Councils, being hosted by the UAE every year, has been expanding the scope of participation to include all segments of society. According to the agreement, the Regional Organisations Forum to discuss the common challenges, will be held on the sidelines of the Summit.
The agreement will ensure greater participation for Emirati experts by raising the formal representation of the UAE in the meetings of the Davos Summit organized annually by WEF. It will also aim to increase the number of the candidates from the UAE government participating in the meeting of the Summit on Global Agenda, held in the country. The Summit includes 85 sessions covering various topics held in the presence of over 1,000 experts and decision makers from around the world.
Chairman of the Department of Economic Development-Abu Dhabi, Nasser Ahmad Al Suwaidi, said that Abu Dhabi Government believed in the importance of successful partnerships locally to enhance the position of the country internationally in terms of hosting global events. He asserted the readiness of Abu Dhabi to host the Summit, indicating the events of the sixth round of the Summit will be held in Abu Dhabi during 18-20 November 2013.
“The continued hosting of the Summit on the Global Agenda Councils in the UAE reflects the esteemed position of the country as a global hub for economic events and important conferences, which contributes to enhancing the capabilities of the country, in general, and Dubai, in particular, to host the EXPO 2020. The participation of the UAE in the Summit strengthens the efforts to build the national cadres and competencies, as well as improves the position of the country globally,” the Director General of Dubai Economic Department, Sami Daen Al Qamzi, said.
The Summit on the Global Agenda Council brings together world class thinkers and thought leaders to meet, capture the best knowledge and challenge prevailing assumptions on topics such as financing and capitalism, climate change, food and water security, protection of intellectual property, organized crime, and other socio-economic, environmental and educational issues.
The Summit will also present excellent opportunities for leading UAE innovators and thinkers to engage with their global peers from over the world. The UAE has been hosting the Summit since 2008 in association with the WEF.
The Government Summit Joins Hands With Local And Global Entities For Region’s Largest Gathering Of Governments
Gergawi: The Government Summit underlines the vision of the UAE Federal government about the future of government services and serves as a strong platform to further enhance government services
His Excellency Mohammed Al Gergawi, UAE Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Head of the Organizing Committee of The Government Summit, to be held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, on February 11 and 12, 2013 under the theme ‘Leading Governments Services,’ said that hosting the Summit in the UAE is in line with the UAE’ leadership’s vision to further enhance Government services continuously to meet the aspirations of citizens.
His Excellency Al Gergawi said that The Government Summit, billed as the largest government gathering in the region and the Arab world, serves as a new platform to develop government work and services and enable the government sector to achieve excellence, which is crucial to achieve Vision 2021.
His Excellency Al Gergawi explained that the Summit, which will host 2,000 delegates representing UAE, the Arab region and other parts of the world as well as several national, regional and international government leaders and experts, aims to achieve the objectives of improving government services, strengthening cooperation and coordination between the federal and local government, exchanging knowledge, building skills and capacity of UAE nationals and learning about best global and local practices.
He said that the Summit has formed strategic partnerships with national and international organisations to enrich dialogue about best practices in providing government services and will contribute to strengthening mutual cooperation through exchange of experiences, with several global entities taking part in the event.
His Excellency Al Gergawi explained that the Government Summit has formed strategic partnerships with renowned organisations including the Dubai School of Government, and international entities such as the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Division for Public Administration & Development Management (DPADM) United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) and specialized international institutions such as Getúlio Vargas Foundation, and Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy in Singapore and others.
To further drive these partnerships, the Summit will launch several international reports published in Arabic for the first time to be distributed in the UAE and the Arab world to expand and disseminate knowledge to benefit decision makers, researchers and government experts.
The Summit will also host several workshops and constructive discussions to enhance the quality of government services and provide a model for governmental concepts and practices in the region.
His Excellency Tariq Hilal Lootah, CEO of the Dubai School of Government said the partnership between The Government Summit and Dubai School of Government, underlines the concerted efforts to achieve the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, in sharing knowledge and experience to achieve sustainable development.
“Our partnership is led by the importance of the topics discussed and the need to support national projects by providing research on policy and public administration and widening areas of dialogue and debates with leaders and experts and specialists from around the world. This is in line with our commitment to promote knowledge sharing and improving public sector performance and public administration by developing the abilities of decision-makers and enabling them to adopt effective public policies.”
Ms. Haiyan Qian, Director, Division for Public Administration and Development Management, United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, added: “The UAE Government Summit is a timely event as it will promote knowledge sharing and transfer of innovative practices in public governance and help build a common understanding of how UN Member States can enhance government performance and delivery of services. The partnership between the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) and UAE’s Government of Dubai is particularly significant since it will offer an opportunity to disseminate across the GCC and MENA countries information about the winners of the United Nations Public Service Awards, which is the most prestigious international recognition of excellence in public service. This event is also in line with the Division for Public Administration and Development Management, UNDESA's mandate to promote knowledge exchange in public administration among the UN Member States, particularly through its United Nations Public Administration Network (UNPAN), which is a unique online network with over 3,000 members from all regions of the world.”
She added: “As custodian of the United Nations programme on public administration, I would like to highlight that Governments across the globe need to transform their leadership capacities and human resources, as well as their governance systems, institutions, and processes so as to meet the complex and multi-faceted crises of our times and promote development for all. This transformation cannot occur without thinking "out of the box", which requires searching for innovative and forward-looking solutions and leveraging the power of ICT for development. Thus, The Government Summit will be extremely important especially for the Arab region where rapidly changing circumstances and challenges require more than ever an innovative public governance.”
Rolf Alter Director, Public Governance and Territorial Development, OECD, added: “The Government Summit organized by the UAE government is a great opportunity to learn about best practices in providing government services to achieve better life standards for communities, and we are pleased to work hand in hand with the UAE Government for the success of this event.”
Bianor Cavalcanti Regional Director of Fundação Getulio Vargas-FGV said: “We believe that being among the most influential think tanks in the world stems from our commitment and excellence in fulfilling its mission of generating and conveying ideas, data, research and analysis, thus contributing to socioeconomic development, responsible governance and ethics. This mission goes hand in hand with the objectives or our strategic partners.
“The Government Summit 2013, organized in partnership with the United Arab Emirates in Dubai, is a unique opportunity for sharing experience with governments, universities and multilateral organizations. Brazilians will embrace this splendid chance to exchanging ideas and practices. This Summit will certainly help its participants to improve their capacity do design and implement more effective delivery systems.”
Professor Kishore Mahbubani Dean and Professor in the Practice of Public Policy of the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at the National University of Singapore added: “The Government Summit comes at the right time, where governments in the East and the West seek to search for more appropriate formulas for government action and service development, after the world has witnessed many fluctuations and change, the summit comes to gather thought leaders, scientists, thinkers and policy makers to discuss the best ways in government work. We are proud to be a strategic partner to this important event, and we are confident that the summit will be able to achieve the goals for which it was held, and will support the United Arab Emirates towards achieving Vision 2021. "
His Excellency Mohammed Al Gergawi, UAE Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Head of the Organizing Committee of The Government Summit, to be held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, on February 11 and 12, 2013 under the theme ‘Leading Governments Services,’ said that hosting the Summit in the UAE is in line with the UAE’ leadership’s vision to further enhance Government services continuously to meet the aspirations of citizens.
His Excellency Al Gergawi said that The Government Summit, billed as the largest government gathering in the region and the Arab world, serves as a new platform to develop government work and services and enable the government sector to achieve excellence, which is crucial to achieve Vision 2021.
His Excellency Al Gergawi explained that the Summit, which will host 2,000 delegates representing UAE, the Arab region and other parts of the world as well as several national, regional and international government leaders and experts, aims to achieve the objectives of improving government services, strengthening cooperation and coordination between the federal and local government, exchanging knowledge, building skills and capacity of UAE nationals and learning about best global and local practices.
He said that the Summit has formed strategic partnerships with national and international organisations to enrich dialogue about best practices in providing government services and will contribute to strengthening mutual cooperation through exchange of experiences, with several global entities taking part in the event.
His Excellency Al Gergawi explained that the Government Summit has formed strategic partnerships with renowned organisations including the Dubai School of Government, and international entities such as the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Division for Public Administration & Development Management (DPADM) United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) and specialized international institutions such as Getúlio Vargas Foundation, and Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy in Singapore and others.
To further drive these partnerships, the Summit will launch several international reports published in Arabic for the first time to be distributed in the UAE and the Arab world to expand and disseminate knowledge to benefit decision makers, researchers and government experts.
The Summit will also host several workshops and constructive discussions to enhance the quality of government services and provide a model for governmental concepts and practices in the region.
His Excellency Tariq Hilal Lootah, CEO of the Dubai School of Government said the partnership between The Government Summit and Dubai School of Government, underlines the concerted efforts to achieve the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, in sharing knowledge and experience to achieve sustainable development.
“Our partnership is led by the importance of the topics discussed and the need to support national projects by providing research on policy and public administration and widening areas of dialogue and debates with leaders and experts and specialists from around the world. This is in line with our commitment to promote knowledge sharing and improving public sector performance and public administration by developing the abilities of decision-makers and enabling them to adopt effective public policies.”
Ms. Haiyan Qian, Director, Division for Public Administration and Development Management, United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, added: “The UAE Government Summit is a timely event as it will promote knowledge sharing and transfer of innovative practices in public governance and help build a common understanding of how UN Member States can enhance government performance and delivery of services. The partnership between the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) and UAE’s Government of Dubai is particularly significant since it will offer an opportunity to disseminate across the GCC and MENA countries information about the winners of the United Nations Public Service Awards, which is the most prestigious international recognition of excellence in public service. This event is also in line with the Division for Public Administration and Development Management, UNDESA's mandate to promote knowledge exchange in public administration among the UN Member States, particularly through its United Nations Public Administration Network (UNPAN), which is a unique online network with over 3,000 members from all regions of the world.”
She added: “As custodian of the United Nations programme on public administration, I would like to highlight that Governments across the globe need to transform their leadership capacities and human resources, as well as their governance systems, institutions, and processes so as to meet the complex and multi-faceted crises of our times and promote development for all. This transformation cannot occur without thinking "out of the box", which requires searching for innovative and forward-looking solutions and leveraging the power of ICT for development. Thus, The Government Summit will be extremely important especially for the Arab region where rapidly changing circumstances and challenges require more than ever an innovative public governance.”
Rolf Alter Director, Public Governance and Territorial Development, OECD, added: “The Government Summit organized by the UAE government is a great opportunity to learn about best practices in providing government services to achieve better life standards for communities, and we are pleased to work hand in hand with the UAE Government for the success of this event.”
Bianor Cavalcanti Regional Director of Fundação Getulio Vargas-FGV said: “We believe that being among the most influential think tanks in the world stems from our commitment and excellence in fulfilling its mission of generating and conveying ideas, data, research and analysis, thus contributing to socioeconomic development, responsible governance and ethics. This mission goes hand in hand with the objectives or our strategic partners.
“The Government Summit 2013, organized in partnership with the United Arab Emirates in Dubai, is a unique opportunity for sharing experience with governments, universities and multilateral organizations. Brazilians will embrace this splendid chance to exchanging ideas and practices. This Summit will certainly help its participants to improve their capacity do design and implement more effective delivery systems.”
Professor Kishore Mahbubani Dean and Professor in the Practice of Public Policy of the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at the National University of Singapore added: “The Government Summit comes at the right time, where governments in the East and the West seek to search for more appropriate formulas for government action and service development, after the world has witnessed many fluctuations and change, the summit comes to gather thought leaders, scientists, thinkers and policy makers to discuss the best ways in government work. We are proud to be a strategic partner to this important event, and we are confident that the summit will be able to achieve the goals for which it was held, and will support the United Arab Emirates towards achieving Vision 2021. "
UAE signs agreement with World Economic Forum
The United Arab Emirates will host the Summit on Global Agenda Councils until 2018 in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai under a strategic agreement with the World Economic Forum (WEF) during Davos Annual Meeting 2013 in Switzerland , signed by the UAE Minister of Cabinet Affairs, Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, and the Founder and Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum, Professor Klaus Schwab.
Al Gergawi said the term of the agreement with the WEF has been extended for the next five years in line with the directives of Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, to enhance the UAE’s position as a key player in encouraging intellectual dialogue, and proposing recommendations to resolve pressing global issues.
“The strategic role played by the UAE in discussions on global challenges and efforts to find ideal solutions to critical issues emphasize the esteemed international position the country has attained under the wise leadership. The agreement to host this prestigious event until 2018 reflects the success of the UAE in organizing such an important event which brings together several experts in a number of fields from across the world,” he added.
“The Network of Global Agenda Councils has flourished over the past five years since its association with the United Arab Emirates began. The UAE not only provides a supportive physical environment for Council members during their Annual Summit, it has provided the momentum for the Network to help drive crucial Council ideas and initiatives forward. This has helped the Summit on the Global Agenda to truly become the world’s foremost meeting of thought leaders and I look forward working with our partners to continue this trajectory by finding new and innovative ways of helping address the world’s toughest challenges,” Professor Klaus Schwab, said.
The Summit on the Global Agenda Councils, being hosted by the UAE every year, has been expanding the scope of participation to include all segments of society. According to the agreement, the Regional Organizations Forum to discuss the common challenges, will be held on the sidelines of the Summit.
The agreement will ensure greater participation for Emarati experts by raising the formal representation of the UAE in the meetings of the Davos Summit organized annually by WEF. It will also aim to increase the number of the candidates from the UAE government participating in the meeting of the Summit on Global Agenda, held in the country. The Summit includes 85 sessions covering various topics held in the presence of over 1,000 experts and decision makers from around the world.
Chairman of the Department of Economic Development-Abu Dhabi, Nasser Ahmed Al Suwaidi, said that Abu Dhabi Government believed in the importance of successful partnerships locally to enhance the position of the country internationally in terms of hosting global events. He asserted the readiness of Abu Dhabi to host the Summit, indicating the events of the sixth round of the Summit will be held in Abu Dhabi during 18-20 November 2013.
“The continued hosting of the Summit on the Global Agenda Councils in the UAE reflects the esteemed position of the country as a global hub for economic events and important conferences, which contributes to enhancing the capabilities of the country, in general, and Dubai, in particular, to host the EXPO 2020. The participation of the UAE in the Summit strengthens the efforts to build the national cadres and competencies, as well as improves the position of the country globally,” the Director General of Dubai Economic Department, Sami Daen Al Qamzi, said.
The Summit on the Global Agenda Council brings together world class thinkers and thought leaders to meet, capture the best knowledge and challenge prevailing assumptions on topics such as financing and capitalism, climate change, food and water security, protection of intellectual property, organized crime, and other socio-economic, environmental and educational issues.
The Summit will also present excellent opportunities for leading UAE innovators and thinkers to engage with their global peers from over the world. The UAE has been hosting the Summit since 2008 in association with the WEF.
Al Gergawi said the term of the agreement with the WEF has been extended for the next five years in line with the directives of Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, to enhance the UAE’s position as a key player in encouraging intellectual dialogue, and proposing recommendations to resolve pressing global issues.
“The strategic role played by the UAE in discussions on global challenges and efforts to find ideal solutions to critical issues emphasize the esteemed international position the country has attained under the wise leadership. The agreement to host this prestigious event until 2018 reflects the success of the UAE in organizing such an important event which brings together several experts in a number of fields from across the world,” he added.
“The Network of Global Agenda Councils has flourished over the past five years since its association with the United Arab Emirates began. The UAE not only provides a supportive physical environment for Council members during their Annual Summit, it has provided the momentum for the Network to help drive crucial Council ideas and initiatives forward. This has helped the Summit on the Global Agenda to truly become the world’s foremost meeting of thought leaders and I look forward working with our partners to continue this trajectory by finding new and innovative ways of helping address the world’s toughest challenges,” Professor Klaus Schwab, said.
The Summit on the Global Agenda Councils, being hosted by the UAE every year, has been expanding the scope of participation to include all segments of society. According to the agreement, the Regional Organizations Forum to discuss the common challenges, will be held on the sidelines of the Summit.
The agreement will ensure greater participation for Emarati experts by raising the formal representation of the UAE in the meetings of the Davos Summit organized annually by WEF. It will also aim to increase the number of the candidates from the UAE government participating in the meeting of the Summit on Global Agenda, held in the country. The Summit includes 85 sessions covering various topics held in the presence of over 1,000 experts and decision makers from around the world.
Chairman of the Department of Economic Development-Abu Dhabi, Nasser Ahmed Al Suwaidi, said that Abu Dhabi Government believed in the importance of successful partnerships locally to enhance the position of the country internationally in terms of hosting global events. He asserted the readiness of Abu Dhabi to host the Summit, indicating the events of the sixth round of the Summit will be held in Abu Dhabi during 18-20 November 2013.
“The continued hosting of the Summit on the Global Agenda Councils in the UAE reflects the esteemed position of the country as a global hub for economic events and important conferences, which contributes to enhancing the capabilities of the country, in general, and Dubai, in particular, to host the EXPO 2020. The participation of the UAE in the Summit strengthens the efforts to build the national cadres and competencies, as well as improves the position of the country globally,” the Director General of Dubai Economic Department, Sami Daen Al Qamzi, said.
The Summit on the Global Agenda Council brings together world class thinkers and thought leaders to meet, capture the best knowledge and challenge prevailing assumptions on topics such as financing and capitalism, climate change, food and water security, protection of intellectual property, organized crime, and other socio-economic, environmental and educational issues.
The Summit will also present excellent opportunities for leading UAE innovators and thinkers to engage with their global peers from over the world. The UAE has been hosting the Summit since 2008 in association with the WEF.
Over 2,000 experts to focus on government services
DUBAI: Over 2,000 Arab and international experts will join local and global entities at the Government Summit, the region’s largest platform to exchange experience and enhance government services.
The upcoming summit underlines the vision of the UAE federal government about the future of government services and serves as a strong platform to boost governmental services to citizens and residents.
UAE Minister of Cabinet Affairs Mohammed Al Gergawi is the head of the Organising Committee of the summit to be held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
The summit will be held in Dubai on Feb.11 and 12 under the theme ‘Leading Government Services.’
Gergawi said that hosting the summit is in line with the UAE leadership’s vision to enhance government services continuously to meet the aspirations of citizens.
Gergawi explained that the summit, which will host 2,000 delegates representing the UAE, the Arab region and other parts of the world, aims to achieve the objectives of improving government services, strengthening cooperation and coordination between the federal and local governments, among other things.
He said that the summit has formed strategic partnerships with national and international organisations to enrich dialogue about best practices in providing government services.
The summit will launch several international reports published in Arabic for the first time to be distributed in the UAE and the Arab world to expand and disseminate knowledge to benefit decision-makers, researchers and government experts.
The summit will also host several workshops and constructive discussions to enhance the quality of government services and provide a model for governmental concepts and practices in the region.
Haiyan Qian, director, Division for Public Administration and Development Management, United Nations’ Department of Economic and Social Affairs, added: “The summit is a timely event as it will promote knowledge sharing and transfer of innovative practices in public governance and help build a common understanding of how UN member states can enhance government performance and delivery of services.
The upcoming summit underlines the vision of the UAE federal government about the future of government services and serves as a strong platform to boost governmental services to citizens and residents.
UAE Minister of Cabinet Affairs Mohammed Al Gergawi is the head of the Organising Committee of the summit to be held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
The summit will be held in Dubai on Feb.11 and 12 under the theme ‘Leading Government Services.’
Gergawi said that hosting the summit is in line with the UAE leadership’s vision to enhance government services continuously to meet the aspirations of citizens.
Gergawi explained that the summit, which will host 2,000 delegates representing the UAE, the Arab region and other parts of the world, aims to achieve the objectives of improving government services, strengthening cooperation and coordination between the federal and local governments, among other things.
He said that the summit has formed strategic partnerships with national and international organisations to enrich dialogue about best practices in providing government services.
The summit will launch several international reports published in Arabic for the first time to be distributed in the UAE and the Arab world to expand and disseminate knowledge to benefit decision-makers, researchers and government experts.
The summit will also host several workshops and constructive discussions to enhance the quality of government services and provide a model for governmental concepts and practices in the region.
Haiyan Qian, director, Division for Public Administration and Development Management, United Nations’ Department of Economic and Social Affairs, added: “The summit is a timely event as it will promote knowledge sharing and transfer of innovative practices in public governance and help build a common understanding of how UN member states can enhance government performance and delivery of services.
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Government Summit joins hands with local and global entities
The Government Summit underlines the vision of the UAE Federal government about the future of government services and serves as a strong platform to further enhance government services Mohammed Al Gergawi, UAE Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Head of the Organizing Committee of The Government Summit, to be held under the patronage of Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, on February 11 and 12, 2013 under the theme ?Leading Governments Services,? said that hosting the Summit in the UAE is in line with the UAE? leadership?s vision to further enhance Government services continuously to meet the aspirations of citizens.
Al Gergawi said that The Government Summit, billed as the largest government gathering in the region and the Arab world, serves as a new platform to develop government work and services and enable the government sector to achieve excellence, which is crucial to achieve Vision 2021.
He explained that the Summit, which will host 2,000 delegates representing UAE, the Arab region and other parts of the world as well as several national, regional and international government leaders and experts, aims to achieve the objectives of improving government services, strengthening cooperation and coordination between the federal and local government, exchanging knowledge, building skills and capacity of UAE nationals and learning about best global and local practices.
He said that the Summit has formed strategic partnerships with national and international organisations to enrich dialogue about best practices in providing government services and will contribute to strengthening mutual cooperation through exchange of experiences, with several global entities taking part in the event.
The Minister explained that the Government Summit has formed strategic partnerships with renowned organisations including the Dubai School of Government, and international entities such as the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Division for Public Administration & Development Management (DPADM) United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) and specialized international institutions such as Get?lio Vargas Foundation, and Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy in Singapore and others.
To further drive these partnerships, the Summit will launch several international reports published in Arabic for the first time to be distributed in the UAE and the Arab world to expand and disseminate knowledge to benefit decision makers, researchers and government experts.
The Summit will also host several workshops and constructive discussions to enhance the quality of government services and provide a model for governmental concepts and practices in the region.
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