
UAE Parliamentary Division participates in IPU's Forum
The General Debate of the 150th Assembly of the IPU will focus on the overall theme Parliamentary action for social development and justice and provide a platform for delegates to deliberate, exchange views and galvanise parliamentary action in this area.

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Gulf Today
21-06-2025
- Gulf Today
Tolerance cornerstone of UAE's nation-building, says Ghobash
Saqr Ghobash, Speaker of the Federal National Council (FNC), affirmed that the UAE, since its founding, has followed a visionary and humanistic path that placed the values of peaceful coexistence, interfaith dialogue, and global peace at the very heart of its state-building model. Ghobash made the remarks during his address at the Second Parliamentary Conference on Interfaith Dialogue, currently held in Rome, co-organised by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and the Italian Parliament, with broad participation from parliamentary leaders, international organisations, faith-based institutions, and civil society representatives. Among the attendees were Tulia Ackson, President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union and Speaker of the National Assembly of Tanzania; Lorenzo Fontana, President of the Chamber of Deputies of Italy, and Ignazio La Russa, President of the Senate of Italy. The UAE delegation included several FNC members. In his keynote, Ghobash spotlighted the Document on Human Fraternity, launched in Abu Dhabi in 2019 under the patronage of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, as a transformative milestone in interreligious and intercultural relations. 'This document was not merely a declaration of intent,' he said, 'but a moral and philosophical framework transcending religious faiths, establishing a new global ethic that elevates human dignity above all affiliations.' 'We gather today as representatives of our peoples, who, despite their different languages, cultures, and religious traditions, are united by enduring human values — values that safeguard dignity, belief, and the right to live in safety and peace,' Ghobash added. Ghobash also emphasised the symbolic importance of holding the conference in Rome, a city that has long served as a historic centre of human thought and civic development. 'Rome has, for centuries, embodied a dynamic civilisational path where nations interacted in the realms of philosophy, politics, law, citizenship, and pluralism.' The event began in Rome on June 19 and will end on June 21. It is jointly organised by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and the Italian Parliament. Ghobash was to spotlight the FNC's role as a platform for advancing parliamentary diplomacy, aimed at building bridges of understanding between nations and cultures. The conference features a high-level session on countering religious hatred based on faith and belief as well as other sessions. The sessions aim to identify challenges at the national, regional, and global levels and produce actionable recommendations to enhance cooperation between parliaments and faith leaders in addressing shared concerns. The FNC delegation will also engage in two dedicated working sessions that will explore the promotion of coexistence and peace, the role of responsible leadership, and lessons learned from the Marrakesh Communiqué, which advocates for the protection of religious minorities and their rights. Separately, Ghobash met Mexican Senate President Gerardo Fernández Noroña, on the sidelines of the Conference in Rome. During the discussion, both parties emphasised the importance of enhancing parliamentary cooperation through exchange visits and closer coordination on issues of mutual concern. The talks focused on reinforcing the strong and friendly bilateral relations between the UAE and Mexico, which are grounded in mutual understanding across political, economic, and cultural dimensions, supported by the wise leadership of both nations. Ghobash welcomed Fernández Noroña, affirming that the meeting reflects a shared commitment between the FNC and the Mexican Senate to foster constructive parliamentary collaboration and the exchange of best practices. He highlighted the significance of the Interfaith Parliamentary Conference as an international platform for promoting mutual understanding, peaceful coexistence, and inter-parliamentary dialogue to support a culture of openness and peace among nations. The meeting also explored ways to expand bilateral cooperation in political, economic, and investment fields, including identifying promising opportunities across priority sectors in both countries' markets. WAM


Sharjah 24
20-06-2025
- Sharjah 24
UAE made tolerance cornerstone of nation-building: FNC Speaker
Ghobash made the remarks during his address at the Second Parliamentary Conference on Interfaith Dialogue, currently held in Rome, co-organised by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and the Italian Parliament, with broad participation from parliamentary leaders, international organisations, faith-based institutions, and civil society representatives. Among the attendees were Tulia Ackson, President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union and Speaker of the National Assembly of Tanzania; Lorenzo Fontana, President of the Chamber of Deputies of Italy, and Ignazio La Russa, President of the Senate of Italy. The UAE delegation included several FNC members. In his keynote, Ghobash spotlighted the Document on Human Fraternity, launched in Abu Dhabi in 2019 under the patronage of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, as a transformative milestone in interreligious and intercultural relations. 'This document was not merely a declaration of intent,' he said, 'but a moral and philosophical framework transcending religious faiths, establishing a new global ethic that elevates human dignity above all affiliations.' 'We gather today as representatives of our peoples, who, despite their different languages, cultures, and religious traditions, are united by enduring human values — values that safeguard dignity, belief, and the right to live in safety and peace,' Ghobash added. Ghobash also emphasised the symbolic importance of holding the conference in Rome, a city that has long served as a historic centre of human thought and civic development. 'Rome has, for centuries, embodied a dynamic civilisational path where nations interacted in the realms of philosophy, politics, law, citizenship, and pluralism.'


Gulf Today
16-06-2025
- Gulf Today
UAE affirms commitment to empowering special people
The UAE participated in the 18th Session of the Conference of States Parties (COSP18) to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York from June 10-12, 2025. The UAE delegation was led by Sana Bint Mohammed Suhail, Minister of Family. During the delivery of the UAE's national statement at the General Debate, she affirmed the UAE's commitment to empowering People of Determination, highlighting their unique abilities and their right to equal opportunities to participate in the nation's advancement. She stated, 'In the United Arab Emirates, we believe that people with disabilities, or as we call them 'People of Determination,' are partners in building the nation. They possess abilities worthy of appreciation and deserve equal opportunities for empowerment and participation. Therefore, the UAE has adopted a comprehensive approach to building a society that embraces all its members, founded on the values of tolerance and justice.' The Minister further highlighted the UAE's significant progress in empowering People of Determination through six key pillars of inclusion, namely healthcare, education, employment, social protection, accessibility, and community participation. She emphasised that these pillars are supported by a robust legislative framework, including Federal Law No. 29 of 2006, as well as local strategies such as Abu Dhabi's initiatives for inclusive urban development and Dubai's Disability Strategy. The UAE's statement detailed notable achievements, such as the introduction of inclusive learning environments, inclusive schools, early intervention programmes, and vocational training initiatives. These efforts are complemented by the establishment of over 35 government-run centres and the licensing of more than 46 private centres dedicated to the rehabilitation and training of People of Determination. The statement also emphasised advancements in employment, including the creation of inclusive workplaces in both public and private sectors, and developing infrastructure that is accessible to People of Determination, such as adapted public transportation and facilities. Further, innovative technologies are being integrated to improve service access. Within the healthcare sector, the UAE provides comprehensive services, ranging from treatment and rehabilitation to psychological support, while offering programmes that promote the independence of People of Determination, including life skills training and supported living options. On the international front, she shed light on the UAE's hosting of prominent global events, such as the 2024 International Rehabilitation Conference and the 2019 Special Olympics. Sana Bint Mohammed also highlighted the landmark decision in 2019 to establish the headquarters of the Asian Paralympic Committee in the UAE, underscoring the nation's dedication to regional and international advocacy for People of Determination. The UAE delegation to the 18th Session of the Conference of States Parties comprised of representatives from the Ministry of Family, and the Executive Council of Dubai, in addition to the Department of Community Development in Abu Dhabi, Zayed Higher Organisation for People of Determination, Mohamed bin Zayed Foundation for Humanity, the Asian Paralympic Committee, and Sedra Foundation, in collaboration with the UAE's Permanent Mission to the United Nations. The delegation reflects the UAE's commitment and effective approach to unifying national efforts from government entities, third-sector institutions, and the private sector to provide comprehensive support for People of Determination within a sustainable and integrated framework that promotes shared responsibility. On the sidelines of the conference, the UAE hosted 'The Gathering,' a cultural and diplomatic event aimed at fostering dialogue among all global parties concerned with this vital topic. This event, which brought together a large number of guests, served as a platform for exchanging ideas on the necessary means of support and empowerment for this important segment of society. WAM