Moscow – Russia, 30 August, 2019: Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, the 3rd edition of Aqdar World Summit in Moscow being held in conjunction with the Moscow Global Forum City for Education’, under the theme Global Empowerment of Communities: Experiences and Lessons Learned’ continued on the 2nd day with experts offering their insights on ways to empower individuals in various key sectors of our economy with a key focus on the topic The Technical, Intellectual and Food Security: The Strategic Pillars to Empower Communities and Youth – The UAE Model’.

While addressing the gathering during her keynote address at the Aqdar World Summit in Moscow, H.E. Shamma Bint Suhail Faris Al Mazrui, Minister of State for Youth, said, Building bridges of best practices is what the 21st century needs. Aqdar World Summit in Moscow this year is the opportunity to do just that - build bridges between nations that advance global empowerment BY and FOR communities. I believe Youth are central to the success of this mission.

H.E. Shamma Al Mazrui added, The most important thing the UAE has learned about Youth empowerment in the last three years is that the best policies and programs are done BY Youth FOR Youth. That is, the end users are the creators of the programs and policies they need in the same way that iPhone customers give Apple the feedback to design the best new versions of the iPhone.



H.E. further stated, Global problems are a collective challenge; every one of us must be given the opportunity and authority to help solve them. Especially Youth. When no one leader or government has the answers, the only way to solve them is by sharing the experiences we have that lead to our failures and successes and then collaborating to achieve them. The UN Sustainability Development Goal #17 gets to the heart of this collaborative practice.

Her Excellency continued, What the UAE has learned about getting governments and Youth to work directly together to form policies and solve problems offers essential benchmarks in what empowers communities. We look forward to learning other nations’ experiences as well and building bridges that keep the knowledge-sharing going well beyond Aqdar.

Commenting on her topic Beyond the Rhetoric – A living Case Study of Youth Empowerment in the UAE’’, H.E. Shamma Al Mazrui said, When it comes to Youth empowerment, the UAE walks the talk. The UAE has built a truly ground-breaking Youth-led National Youth Strategy in three years that WORKS. It is a successful case study in its own right about what we’ve learned so far, however, what makes UAE Youth Empowerment a living case study is that it will never be complete. We believe nations must have a dynamic and comprehensive Youth Strategy that evolves, matures and is as nimble as the needs, talents and potential of Youth themselves. We will never arrive, and I think the code we’re cracking is something innovative worth sharing and discussing among nations.

H.E. Shamma Al Mazrui concluded, The UAE and Russia are two countries that pioneer new frontiers. In preparing for this Russia trip, I was reminded of a very special anniversary that the UAE and Russia share: December 2, 1971 were groundbreaking days for us each. On this day, the UAE was born as a nation. The Soviet Union landed a spacecraft on Mars long enough to transmit data back to Earth for the first time. Empowering Youth is the most critical frontier for humanity of the 21st century. That makes it the number one catalyst for true innovation and investment. Aqdar 2019 is our opportunity to embark on a big new mission to empower Youth together.
During a keynote speech on her topic UAE Food Security Strategy for the Next Generations’ Her Excellency Mariam bint Mohammed Saeed Hareb Almheiri, Minister of State for Food Security, said, The Aqdar World Summit offers an unparalleled opportunity to meet global food security experts and decision-makers and explore ways where we can work together and address common food security challenges. The theme of this year’s summit places a focus on communities and on empowering them to effect positive change - as such, it resonates perfectly with our approach at the Office of the UAE Minister of State for Food Security, where we believe firmly that the community is the catalyst for meaningful change,

Educating the community is one of the key pillars of the UAE’s National Food Security Strategy, with this particular pillar engaging with citizens to transform behaviour and create a food movement.’ This is in recognition that food security depends as much on bottom-up methods driven by the consumer as it does on top-down approaches enacted by the government. Science-based and research led, this food movement encourages the adoption of a diet that contains less meat and more vegetables, wholegrains and pulses, as this is not only healthier, it also results in fewer precious resources being consumed. Under the umbrella of this approach is our recently launched Bzar’ initiative, which engages with all community members to show how Emirati cuisine can be as healthy for the planet as it is the individual, Her Excellency added.

Russia and the UAE share broadly similar food security concerns. The Russian Federation is experiencing escalating food prices as a result of a disruption in supply chains caused by geopolitical tensions, while the UAE is also subject to the vagaries of a potentially unstable region that threaten its food imports – imports that currently stand at 90 percent. However, both countries have instituted comprehensive plans and policies to ensure food security for their citizens - the UAE through its National Food Security Strategy and Russia through its 2010 Food Security Doctrine, which outlines its agricultural production and policy goals. Because of this mutual commitment to food security, we believe we can create strong food security synergies with Russian partners at the governmental, non-governmental and private sector levels. My colleagues and I are greatly looking forward to exploring such opportunities at the third Aqdar World Summit, Her Excellency continued.

While commenting on his participation in Aqdar World Summit in Moscow, H.E. Omar bin Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, said, I am proud to be part of this event and amongst other fellow ministers to solidify the UAE and Russia's strong relations, and emphasize on the importance of sharing knowledge and exchanging experiences to benefit all humankind. In line with that, we have always worked toward opening more and more channels of collaboration all over the world to achieve the bigger goal that would help accelerate humanity’s development, as we believe that the key to create and maintain secure, stable, and flourishing communities is by empowering them intellectually, culturally, and economically to name a few. Our goal in this event is to share with participating countries the vision and the achievements of the UAE in the fields of human development, education, innovation and how that helped build a high-level educational system, and sustainable societies.

He added, During my session in Aqdar, I went back to where it all started and how Artificial intelligence came to be in order to truly understand the impact of this technology, I specifically focused on the UAE’s vision towards adopting Artificial Intelligence. The UAE has launched a national strategy that aims for the UAE to be a leading country in Artificial Intelligence by the year 2031; we have 8 main objectives such as upskilling/reskilling government employees, integrating Artificial Intelligence in school curriculums, adopting Artificial Intelligence in low risk government services and many more.

He continued, We have many initiatives that support the UAE’s vision when it comes to Artificial Intelligence such the UAE Artificial Intelligence and Blockchain Council, Think AI which is a round-table event of industry experts and government officials, the UAE Artificial Intelligence Camp for students, and a global Artificial Intelligence focused event called AI Everything. We have also started with the deployment of Artificial Intelligence where we see it in diagnosing diseases such as tuberculosis where and in the infrastructure sector where it is used to support in road development.

Commenting on the UAE Russia ties in the field of Artificial Intelligence and technology, H.E. stated, Russia has been vastly investing in exploring opportunities and avenues within the technology and innovation sector. Launched this year, the Russian Centre for Digital Innovators and Information and Communication Technologies in Dubai, seen as a joint initiative between both the UAE and Russian government, aims to provide Russian businesses the opportunity to enter the MENA market as well as extend support to Russian startups and entrepreneurs to better understand the region as well as make suitable business decisions for their products and solutions. The two countries have also established a joint fund, part of which will be committed to investing in technology, including in startups. Russia is extremely aware of the importance and impact of AI, having established a dedicated fund for this sector worth $2 billion with investments from the Middle East and Asia to launch at least 10 AI startups in Russia every year.

H.E. concluded, Aqdar, an international UAE-based event that turned into a global one, is a platform and a steppingstone towards sharing best practices specifically in the field of artificial intelligence, exchanging knowledge and content, and is seen as an opportunity to strengthen the nation’s foreign relationships. It is safe to say that the UAE and Russia’s relationship has grown stronger and more robust in the past few years, through shared mandates, cross government collaborations and launching of initiatives that promote innovation and technology in both countries.

On his part, H.E. Dr. Ali Rashid Al Nuaimi, Chairman of Hedayah International Centre and Chairman of the World Council of Muslim Communities, expressed his happiness about participating in Aqdar World Summit – Moscow, highlighting that UAE experience is very special and it is worth being shared with a global audience.

His Excellency said: The UAE through its wide leadership has believed in the importance of human empowerment and diversity in all its forms and that coexistence is a necessity and not an option. Coexistence should be a culture for us to build a better future.

His Excellency assured that the biggest challenge to coexistence is terrorism and terrorism is not an enemy to any community but to the entire humanity. He highlighted the importance of not only security but also preventive programs that target the society and younger generations.


Aqdar World Summit – Workshop Program

On the second day, a number of workshop sessions and panel discussions were held on various key topics related to empowerment of individuals and communities, including a panel discussion of the Ministry of Education, on the topic Education and Positive Upbringing’ while another panel discussion by DIHAD Conference and Exhibition and Noor Dubai addressed the topic The Future of Humanitarian Action and the Importance of Encouraging the Youth to Engage in Volunteerism’.

Additionally, a key workshop was held by United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime – UNODC on the topic Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions’ while another workshop by Erada Centre for Treatment and Rehabilitation was held under the topic Developing Awareness Programs’. Moreover, another workshop was conducted by the Russian International School in Dubai on the topic Challenging the Talented Youth School – Community Empowerment’.

Furthermore, Emirates Association for Lawyers and Legal held a panel discussion on Emirates Lawyers Association for Lawyers and Legal Role in Promoting the UAE International and Foreign Relations’ whereas another panel discussion was held involving Federal Youth Authority who focused deeply on the topic Capacity Building on Youth Radicalization’. In addition, another workshop was held by The National Rehabilitation Centre under the topic Responding to Social Changes in the Treatment and Rehabilitation Services of Addiction Patients the Experience of the National Rehabilitation Centre’.

Commenting on her workshop topic Education and Positive Upbringing’, Amal Al-Jasmi, Director of Academic and Career Counseling Department at Ministry of Education said, The school is a significant personal and social environment in the lives of its students. A positive school environment is defined as a school having appropriate facilities, well-managed classrooms, available school-based health supports, and a clear, fair disciplinary policy. Ideally, the school ensures every child an environment that is physically safe, emotionally secure and psychologically enabling. It recognizes, encourages and supports children's growing capacities as learners by providing a school culture, teaching behaviors and curriculum content that are focused on learning and the learner

Amal Al-Jasmi added, In 2018, Ministry of Education at UAE formed national committee to organize a public campaign to raise awareness of general public on anti-bullying for one week. MoE launched a distinguished Anti-Bullying Program during National Bullying Prevention Week for students in all grade levels: from grade 1 to grade 12, while providing each age group a unique and a suitable program. It was organized in April and November 2018. It will be organized regularly during the week of world’s children day (20 November).

She further commented, We have set a Child Protection Unit with clear objectives to work on: child protection procedures in schools aiming to enhance and standardize child protection system in schools. MOE is developing with UNICEF a guide for child protection procedures in schools; The guide includes: Define protection concepts, Rights perspective and legal framework, Preventive measures, Identify potential risk factors and how to mitigate them, and others.

The Director also said, Finally, education should be seen as a partnership between parents/family, the community and the school, with meaningful interaction, dialogue and mutual help. A child-friendly school is a family friendly school. It builds relationships with parents and caregivers who have primary responsibility for the well-being of children at all stages of their development.

While speaking about his topic The Future of Humanitarian Action and the Importance of Encouraging the Youth to Engage in Volunteerism’, H.E. Ambassador Gerhard J.W. Putman Cramer, Director of DIHAD International Scientific Advisory Board said, More and more young people could and should be deployed in humanitarian operations on account of existing, well thought-out, volunteer programs and more visibility should be given to such programs, both nationally and internationally. Volunteering is quite valuable as well as a satisfying work experience and this also helps those who wish to pursue a career in humanitarian assistance. The presence of a large number of volunteers in national Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, are a very cost-effective human resource and this comes at a time when the gap between requirements and funding is widening, which needs to be given the appropriate consideration.

On his part, Dr. Abdul Salam Al Madani, Goodwill Ambassador at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean and Executive Chairman of DIHAD and DISAB and Executive Chairman, Aqdar World Summit said, With the scale of disasters on the rise in various corners of the world, there is an ever growing need for young volunteers to rise to the occasion and contribute in the welfare of people in dire situations. We believe volunteerism and volunteer action is a noble activity and millions of young individual volunteers at the local, national and international level are already making a huge impact by improving the living conditions for families and communities. Over the past 17 years, DIHAD has successfully built bridges of trust between donors and the needy and in the current edition, DIHAD in Dubai under the theme Aid, a focus on Africa’, will certainly explore the role of volunteers in instigating humanitarian action in Africa and the region.

Commenting on his workshop session under the title Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions’, H.E. Judge Dr. Hatem Aly, The Special Representative of the Deputy Undersecretary General of the UN, Executive Director of UNODC for the Gulf Region, said, Through its long-standing strategic partnership with the Ministry of Interior of the United Arab Emirates, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is closely engaged with the Khalifa Empowerment Program for Students’ Aqdar Initiative to promote and support the empowerment of communities for safer societies and crime prevention. The threats of international homicide, violence against children, human trafficking and sexual violence are important to address to promote peace, justice and as a result strong institutions as well as inclusive societies for sustainable development. They pave the way for the provision of access to justice for all and for building effective and accountable institutions at all levels.

H.E. Judge Dr. Hatem Aly, added, In fact, weak institutions promote the emergence of illicit markets that pollute the economy and lead to less development and consequently a fertile environment for illicit acts/markets. The latter in turn leads back to weak institutions. SDG 16 Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels is both an end in itself, and a crucial part of delivering sustainable development in all countries. Therefore, building strong institutions allows to break that vicious cycle and transforms it into a virtuous cycle ensuring that the 2030 Agenda can be accomplished.

H.E. Judge Dr. Hatem Aly, continued, UNODC provides normative, analytical and operational assistance to Member States for strengthening the effectiveness, fairness and accountability of their criminal justice institutions to tackle crime, corruption and terrorism. Moreover, access to justice for all is a focus area in UNODC's work on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice. UNODC supports the establishment of effective, fair and humane criminal justice systems. For instance: recognizing that poor prison conditions and prison overcrowding point towards systemic deficiencies in States' justice systems, UNODC promotes penal and prison reform, as well as access to justice. These areas include a lack of: access to legal aid; alternatives to imprisonment; youth crime prevention programs; offenders' rehabilitation; social reintegration measures; as well as the overuse of pre-trial detention.

He stated, UNODC crime prevention and criminal justice strategies are gender-responsive and respect the rule of law, therefore incorporating human rights law and principles. Acting as the custodian of the UN standards and norms in crime prevention and criminal justice, which promote human rights, UNODC assists Member States in reforming their criminal justice systems in order to be effective, fair and humane for the entire population. This is done through both normative and operational work. UNODC’s normative work relates to the revision of existing standards and norms, the development of new standards and norms, and the monitoring of their use and application. The operational work includes activities such as providing technical assistance to Member States and developing tools to assist Members States in implementing the UN standards and norms.

During a workshop conducted by the Russian International School in Dubai under the topic Challenging the Talented Youth School – Community Empowerment’, Marina Khalikova, Principal, UAE said, On behalf of Russian International School in Dubai, we would like to express our appreciation for RIS participation in the workshop at Aqdar World Summit in Moscow. We look forward to promoting Dubai, the UAE as a harbor for excellent education in line with Youth Empowerment, Sustainability and Opportunities for multinational communities.

She said, The Empowerment of Communities will expand the network of collaboration between educational institutions, companies and governments across the nations. The Forum will enable
schools to enrich their inclusive educational practices by discussing the youth empowerment challenges during the interactive sessions and workshops.

On her part, Natalya Lisichkina, Vice-Principal of Russian International School in Dubai, U.A.E said, Our School Vision in Dubai is to provide all students with opportunities to expand their potential, creativity and critical thinking challenges in a multicultural competitive environment. Our Mission is to develop the Social Model of School Youth Empowerment and Inclusion into Active Community life. We are keen on sharing the successful practical experience of RIS with focus on Innovations in Challenging the Talented Youth: inter-school and community relationship, career-orientation and global market competitiveness, inclusive education and youth engagement in communities.


She added, We consider the Global Forum and Aqdar World Summit in Moscow as the platform for collaboration between the United Arab Emirates and the Russian Federation. Sharing and acquiring the knowledge of hi-tech projects and innovations in education, science and technologies would benefit our students in terms of their active participation in communities as Initiators, Creators, Diplomats, Researchers and Volunteers.

While speaking about their participation in Aqdar World Summit in Moscow, Amir Kanaan, Managing Director at Kaspersky for the Middle East, Turkey and Africa, said, We are firm believers in education and consider it one of the main pillars of protection in the world of cybersecurity. The Aqdar World Summit is a great platform that allows us to connect with likeminded professionals to discuss the need for cyber awareness across educational institutes. Our research shows that the level of cyber awareness does not keep up with the rapid advancements in technology, creating a gap that should be filled by raising the level of cyber awareness across businesses and educational institutes. We’ve embarked on many educational initiatives with various universities, schools and businesses from the Middle East and we’re committed to spreading cyber education to raise a cyber-ready generation.

Running parallel to the conference, the Aqdar World Summit exhibition continued to deliver a unique platform to top notch companies from various sectors to showcase their latest services and solutions while also networking with visitors, participants and all attendees. It is worth mentioning that the exhibition is playing host to many government entities such as Ministry of Education, UAE Space Agency, Kaspersky, National Service, National Archive, Timeline Technology Solutions, Consultant HSS, Knowledge Point, Erada Center for Treatment and Rehab, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, Interfaith Alliance for Safer Communities, Khalifa University, General Women’s Union, and Emirates Driving Institute.

Moreover, a dedicated B2B platform offered at Aqdar World Summit was a big hit for companies interested in featuring meetings, networking and interactive sessions with the local companies and brands in Russia. The B2B meeting place was aimed at strengthening cooperation and collaboration opportunities between companies in the UAE and Russia while also giving them a chance to explore business expansion opportunities.

While a number of youth circle sessions continued to focus their attention on the most pressing topics facing the youth, the Aqdar World Summit in Moscow also played host to a diverse set of entertainment and cultural activities showcasing the distinct Emirati culture to newer audiences while also promoting the local UAE talent in Russia.

It is worth mentioning that Aqdar World Summit is organized by Khalifa Empowerment Program Aqdar in cooperation with INDEX Conferences Exhibitions – a member of INDEX Holding and the support of a number of local and international bodies.