In his keynote speech titled "The Path of the Ancestors... and the Responsibility of Generations..." at the World Government Summit in Dubai, Lt. General HH Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, underscored that the UAE, under HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the State and with the support of his brother, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has emerged as a beacon of youthful civilization deeply rooted yet globally impactful. The minister emphasized the pivotal role of Emirati youth as architects of the present and the future, embodying hope and determination.
In his introductory speech, Sheikh Saif tackled the historical tapestry of governance, observing the diverse emergence of civilizations, each with distinctive attributes and origins. His Highness highlighted the significance of ancestral remnants on the revered soil of the UAE, serving as testaments to remarkable accomplishments and the conquest of seemingly insurmountable challenges. He expressed pride in the Arab region's status as a cradle of ancient civilizations, the beginning of revelation, and the establishment of early forms of governance. His Highness emphasized the pivotal role of family in the trajectory of civilizations and nations, asserting that the strength or weakness of familial bonds and values delineate the course of prosperity or decline. He underscored that a weakened familial foundation adversely impacts subsequent generations and leaders, consequently impeding the vigor of the state.
Continuing his speech, His Highness elaborated, stating: "Under the guidance of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the State, may God protect him, we have learned to challenge conventional theories and norms, guided by the enduring Emirati principles rooted in our Islamic heritage. Foremost among these are loyalty and love for our homeland, followed by steadfast allegiance to our wise leadership and the solidarity of our familial bonds." He emphasized the notion of "the united house as a cornerstone principle, complemented by the cultivation of individuals characterized by maturity and ambition."
The minister of interior expounded on the essence of responsibility in the UAE, emphasizing that true accountability transcends mere chronological age, encompassing qualities of maturity, ambition, and altruism. From its inception, the UAE has relied on the dynamism of its youth in nation-building, a legacy epitomized by the early leadership roles assumed by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and Sheikh Rashid bin Mohammed Al Maktoum. Despite formidable challenges and skeptics anticipating failure, the sagacious leadership forged a resilient nation renowned for exporting exemplary practices globally.
His Highness prompted the audience to ponder the paramount wealth and industry that the UAE cherishes and nurtures. This inquiry, posed on his account on X, underscores the centrality of human capital development, empowering individuals to thrive on the global stage. He conveyed a fundamental message urging all to dare to dream the impossible and relentlessly strive to realize it, underscoring the UAE's reputation as the homeland of boundless possibilities.
Sheikh Saif underscored the pivotal role of higher education as a cornerstone of empowerment within the nation. He credited the visionary directives of HH the President of the State for the remarkable strides witnessed in the establishment of distinguished universities and accomplished graduates across diverse disciplines in the UAE. He further highlighted the ongoing achievements under the collective leadership of Their Highnesses the President and his two deputies, alongside their dedicated team. He commended their steadfast commitment and unwavering determination across strategic domains, guided by a clear vision for the nation's advancement.
His Highness proceeded to showcase several eminent exemplars from the UAE, including its vibrant youth and residents. He emphasized that, guided by the visionary leadership, the nation extends a warm embrace to all individuals of positive disposition, pledging to be their second home and inviting them to contribute to its narrative of success by residing on its soil.
His Highness extended heartfelt gratitude to a select group of national institutions, their esteemed leaders, and their dedicated teams for their remarkable achievements. These include Etisalat, EDGE, the Emirates Space Agency, notably highlighting the Asteroid Belt Project, and the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre. His Highness extended an invitation to the media to visit these institutions, witness their pioneering accomplishments, including the Mohammed bin Zayed Sat project and the lunar space station project.
His Highness recalled last year's initiative where palm tree seedlings were distributed to promote environmental sustainability. With the extension of the Year of Sustainability in the United Arab Emirates, His Highness announced the distribution of a new plant, named "Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed's plant."
In addressing the initial challenge, His Highness underscored the complexities inherent in the Internet and social media, acknowledging both its merits and associated challenges. He emphasized that while this challenge is not new, its manifestations have evolved with changing forms and technologies. His Highness highlighted the imperative of fostering confidence in the nation, cautioning against placing undue reliance on news and politicized tweets. He aptly likened the resilience of a nation to ships, which do not succumb to the water surrounding them but falter when internal breaches occur.
Transitioning to the second challenge of selecting suitable role models, His Highness lamented the erosion of traditional role models amidst the advent of influencers, whose endorsement of values often diverges from societal norms, blending positives with negatives. He warned against the politicization of agendas aimed at undermining family structures and distorting national symbols. His Highness stressed the significance of conscientiously selecting role models from local communities, drawing upon the rich tapestry of Arab and Islamic history replete with positive exemplars.
His Highness further underscored the importance of acknowledging and honoring the UAE's wise leadership and positive role models, including Arab innovators and global geniuses. He highlighted ongoing initiatives and programs aimed at nurturing creativity and honoring individuals across age groups, particularly focusing on youth empowerment as exemplified by various initiatives.
His Highness elaborated on the significance of patriotism as a fundamental duty towards one's country, invoking the legacy of the founding leader's ancestors who valiantly defended the homeland and paved the way for future generations to flourish in dignity and pride. He emphasized that the foresight and diligence of the founding leader's team transformed barren deserts into thriving nations, setting ambitious visions even for space exploration.
Highlighting the continuity of exceptional leadership under HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the State, "may God protect him," His Highness underscored the alignment of his path with that of the founding father and ancestors. He lauded the relentless efforts of the current leadership and its team in competing with global powers across various domains, crediting their vision and determination alongside Emirati principles for the nation's current stature of prominence and dignity. His Highness called upon all to collectively strive towards realizing the ambitious vision for 2071, ensuring a legacy of greatness for future generations.
Sheikh Said emphasized that the heroic deeds of forefathers and the progress of preceding generations are the collective responsibility of all, urging the youth of the UAE to heed the call of the nation and aspire for further achievements.
Concluding his address, the minister introduced the young and talented Emirati, Amna Al Mansouri, champion of the Arab Reading Challenge, to recite verses from the poem "The Glory of the UAE" penned by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Sheikh Saif closed his speech with a resolute assertion: "The UAE is a homeland where nothing is impossible... with reason and management... and with wise leadership."