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The second edition of Political Awareness Forum for University Students launched its activities at the United Arab Emirates University today (November 26, 2013). On the occasion, the Forum also launched a research competition for university students aimed at enhancing awareness and political participation in the UAE community.
The Forum was organized as a part of the ongoing efforts of the Ministry of State for Federal National Council Affairs to promote a culture of political participation among different segments of the society.
“Political awareness of individuals in any society depends on the initiatives undertaken by the government as well as non-government institutions within an integrated system designed to build positive political consciousness for effective political participation,” said H.E. Dr. Anwar Mohammed Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Minister of State for Federal National Council Affairs.
“Partnering with leading educational institutions such as the UAE University is fundamental to the efforts to enhance political awareness in the society and supply it with all the knowledge and information required to perform well in a changing environment,” added H.E.Dr. Anwar Gargash
H.E. Dr. Gargash clarified that political participation is an educational and cultural necessity; therefore it is vital to acquire the knowledge related to national issues and find effective and efficient solutions to tackle them wisely.“This year’s Forum carried these values and objectives and represented an ideal platform to discuss topics that lead to a comprehensive political awareness model by sparking interest in the students on public affairs and connecting them to their country’s culture and heritage,” H.E. Dr. Gargash said.
“Organizing such Forums on an annual basis is essential to implement political awareness enhancement strategies among different segments of the society and educating them about political development, parliamentary work and the importance of political participation,” H.E. Dr. Gargash added.
H.E. Dr. Gargash pointed out that the UAE has been keen on innovating systems and policies due to its deep understanding of the needs and requirements of its society. “The country has been a pioneer in the development of policies and regulations that take into account the needs and interests of its citizens. The UAE represents a global success model in various metrics; not only on the economic level, but also in terms of human development,” H.E. Dr. Gargash added.
The UAE leadership is moving with determination to complete the process of political development by building a modern country that leads in all areas, bearing in mind that a country’s real wealth is its human capital, H.E. Dr. Gargash mentioned, adding, “Our young people have a great mission to accomplish the various priorities before our country.”
The first day of the Forum featured two sessions; the first one on "Empowerment and Philosophy of Political Participation” addressed the issue of political empowerment based on the speech of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan in 2005, and the Federal National Council elections of 2006 and 2011.
The second session, under the title “The Role of Media in Supporting and Developing Political Participation”, observed that media is an important element in influencing public opinion and creating attitudes on public issues. The session also highlighted the close relationship between the media and politics, and media’s role invoicing the issues and concerns of the citizens.
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