Sheikh Mohammed calls for debate on Arab future

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has invited "anyone from across the Middle East to contribute questions, ideas or insights on #ArabFuture".
Taking to Twitter on Monday, Sheikh Mohammed said he will be leading a question and answer session about reviving the Arab world's development process and future at the World Government Summit next week.
During the session, Sheikh Mohammed will share his leadership experience and also present his views on the Arab region, its current conditions, future and the potential for development. He will take questions, feedback and inputs from the general public across the Arab world through a social media campaign.
The highly-anticipated discussion will focus on the Arab region at a time when it is facing substantial challenges on all fronts. Sheikh Mohammed will present his approach toward development and the potential future of the Arab world.
"What does the #ArabFuture look like? Is there hope for development in the Arab World? Are we able to shape a new future for our region?" Sheikh Mohammed tweeted. He noted that his own time in government and leadership positions in the emirates leaves him hopeful about the future of the region.
"My personal experience in Dubai and the UAE leads me to believe in the potential of this region and its people," he said.
Sheikh Mohammed called on the public - both in the UAE and further afield - to participate in the session.
As one of the world's most prominent leaders in embracing technology to enhance public service and good governance, Sheikh Mohammed is renowned for integrating modernity with tradition, embracing innovation and technological advancement while respecting heritage and national identity.
The discussion Sheikh Mohammed engaged in with the people of the UAE during the first World Government Summit in 2013 was a first-of-its-kind step taken by an Arab leader with such transparency and access. That dialogue led to the publication of the best selling book based on the discussion, 'Flashes of Thought'.
He emphasised that authority is for the people, not above them, and that the mission of the government is to lead its people to a happier and more stable future.
At the summit that begins on February 12, Sheikh Mohammed will join 150 other speakers and 4,000 members of 138 international delegations.
The attendees include numerous notable personalities and senior experts from both the public and private sector, as well as ministers, CEOs, innovators, entrepreneurs, academics, and university students. Several important initiatives, reports and studies are set to be launched during the summit and throughout the year.
- reporters@khaleejtimes.com

• MENA