GGLP Participants Briefed on UAE Initiatives in Social Empowerment, Cybersecurity, Digital Transformation.

Dubai: The Global Government Leaders Program (GGLP) organised a number of discussion sessions where UAE officials introduced participants in the programme's second edition on the country's key initiatives in the areas of cybersecurity, telecommunication, social empowerment and digital transformation. According to Emirates News Agency, GGLP participants were briefed on various success stories of governance, service improvements, capacity building and government leadership by Hessa Buhumaid, Director-General of the Community Development Authority (CDA), Majed Al Mesmar, Director-General of the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA), Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Chairman of the UAE Cybersecurity Council, and Masood Mohamed Sharif, CEO of eand UAE. The sessions are part of a rich agenda of field visits to government entities and national projects to learn about the UAE's best practices and success in various strategic sectors. Hessa Buhumaid welcomed GGLP participants and outlined the aims of the Dubai Social Agenda 33, launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, reiterating that the UAE's leadership prioritises family wellbeing as the cornerstone of a thriving society. Buhumaid highlighted CDA's commitment to supporting families through various initiatives, including pre-marriage counselling, senior citizen services, fostering a strong volunteering culture, and comprehensive support for People of Determination. She also discussed Dubai's proactive approach to social development, utilising AI-powered predictive analysis to address challenges, like declining birth rates. She showcased CDA's collaborative efforts with federal and local entities to ensure a cohesive and empowered community, coupled with innovative programs that exemplify Dubai's commitment to a future where social wellbeing is paramount. Majed Al Mesmar described the UAE's digital transformation journey as one of relentless progress and innovation, drive n by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to ensure consistent, high-quality services across the nation. This vision has translated into strategic initiatives focused on providing affordable, safe, and enriching online experiences for all, with an emphasis on high-speed internet access as an essential service. The UAE's success in achieving this vision is evident in its world-leading digital infrastructure. Boasting the highest Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) penetration, fastest mobile and fixed broadband speeds, and extensive 5G coverage globally, the nation has created a robust foundation for its digital economy and society. Such achievements are the result of collaborative public-private partnerships, regulatory reforms, and government incentives designed to promote investment and innovation in the telecommunications sector. Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti said the UAE continues to demonstrate its commitment to pioneering cybersecurity strategies and initiatives, solidifying its position as a global leader in the field. With a history of digital transformation dating back to the establishment of the General Information Authority in 1982, the UAE has consistently prioritised a secure digital landscape. He noted how the Cybersecurity Council, through national and international collaborations, has promoted a culture of cyber literacy across all segments of the UAE community. He outlined the UAE's comprehensive cybersecurity strategy, built on key pillars of robust governance through clear laws and regulations; proactive defense of critical assets; and fostering a vibrant ecosystem through local and global partnerships spanning public and private sectors, academia, and international consortiums. These efforts include raising awareness through campaigns like JAHEZ and Cyber Pulse, developing technical expertise via programmes like the Cyber Sniper Program and the Cyber Future Leaders Program, and fostering innovation through initiatives like the Cyber E71 startup incubator. eand UAE CEO Masood M. S harif Mahmood described his early career and his transition from a computer systems engineer to a prominent figure in the UAE's telecommunications sector. Mahmood emphasised his proactive approach, focusing on identifying opportunities and addressing customer needs, which led him to key roles including CEO of Yahsat. Recognising the pressures on the telecommunications sector due to the rapid spread of advanced technologies, Etisalat underwent a significant strategic shift to become the eand group, allowing the company to focus on innovation and expand into more specialised areas. The Global Government Leaders Program, jointly organised by the Government Experience Exchange Office at the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs and the Mohammed bin Rashid Center for Leadership Development (MBRCLD), empowers first- and second-tier government leaders from participating countries with the goal of enhancing their leadership and management skills. Participants in the 2nd cohort of the Global Government Leaders Program come fro m 31 countries, including Azerbaijan, Mongolia, the Kurdistan Region, and others.