Time ripe to focus on the future: Gargash

Abu Dhabi - UAE minister urges Emirati soldiers to get involved in FNC elections.

Dr Anwar Mohammed Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Minister of State for Federal National Council Affairs and chairman of the National Elections Committee, called upon hundreds of young Emirati soldiers to become involved in the upcoming Federal National Council Elections (FNC), which will be held on October 3.
Speaking on Monday morning at the Armed Forces Officers Club, Gargash highlighted the importance of understanding the FNC and the way it reflects and serves the UAE, very much so paralleling the way the young soldiers themselves, who also equally serve and reflect on the nation.
Gargash paid a moving tribute to those who are currently serving in Operation Restoring Hope in Yemen. He called on Shaikh Abdullah bin Zayed's homage regarding the three Emirati Martyrs, who were laid to rest on Sunday. "We are proud of our soldiers," said Gargash, "They protect and serve the nation. Every single one of our soldiers is valued," he pointed out.
Dr Gargash noted that there are endless ways young Emiratis can contribute to the nation by preserving, as well as progressing the society, which includes their involvement in the FNC. The elections will allow the youth to voice their opinions and viewpoints on social issues that reflect on the young generation. Moreover, it will also allow them to step out of the box and take part in political matters. "The elections give a great opportunity to voice your opinion," he said. "You have a duty, and this is a duty you must do for your country," he added.
Speaking to Khaleej Times after the lecture, Gargash pointed out how crucial this year's FNC is and that it will open doors of opportunities for young Emiratis who wish to serve their country. "I think our main goal is to really establish a modern system of political participation and I think what we are trying to do here is to modernise, because as the society becomes larger, you need a more credible and modern-root to political participation." Gargash added that although the FNC has greatly progressed over time, it still has a long road with milestones that it will overcome. "We, in my assessment, are still in the beginning of this journey, we will still need to do much more," he said.
Allowing young Emiratis to take part in politics is thus a key element for Dr Gargash, as he believes that it's vital to step in and voice their opinions on issues, which may be of concern, for instance, healthcare, childcare and education.
However, Dr Gargash also noted that it's equally as important for the youth to focus on choosing representatives who can carry out the task with success. "We want to come to a formula where people elect their representatives. These representatives should represent the people well and therefore this will become credible in the issues that address the community, as it allows voices to be heard," he said.
Sixty seven per cent of those on the Electoral Colleges are under 40. Thus Emirati youth are a central pillar of the nation's development, they play a crucial role in the FNC and fostering the Renaissance of the country. Dr Gargash believes that the time is ripe to focus on the future, which is why the FNC should not be taken for granted. "The Federal National Council is crucial, as it helped build your nation, my nation, and our nation."
jasmine@khaleejtimes.com