An international summit of female parliamentary leaders on Monday reflects the UAE’s support for global dialogue, Sheikha Fatima said on Sunday.
"Being convened under the overall theme United for Shaping the Future, the summit holds a significant value for the UAE, which represents a unique model of unity," said Sheikha Fatima, Mother of the Nation and Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union.
"We should unite and close our ranks to use the huge opportunities made available by human, cultural and technological achievements in all spheres, and develop solutions to remove obstacles blocking development in several countries."
Hundreds of officials from governments and parliaments will gather in the capital at the two-day Global Summit of Women Speakers of Parliament.
The summit, which will involve more than 50 female speakers of parliaments, is organised by the Federal National Council and Inter-Parliamentary Union.
It will address strengthening the relationship between parliaments, governments and communities, and the implications of technological advances on existing laws.
Speakers will include Sheikh Saif bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior; Ban Ki-moon, UN secretary general; Federica Mogherini, vice president of the European Commission; and Dr Ahmed Al Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al Azhar.
Others taking part in panel discussions include FNC speaker Dr Amal Al Qubaisi, American bestselling author and physicist Dr Michio Kaku, and the chairwoman of the Russian parliament, Valentina Matviyenko.
Today’s agenda includes peace, security, counter-terrorism, the environment and changes in political communication.
Day two will give young people a say as seven university students will sit with officials to discuss the present and future.
"It will be about future jobs of the youth, opportunities and challenges in connection with globalisation, the environment and natural resources, and young people’s involvement in decision making," said FNC member Alyaa Al Rayaysa, 34.
She will be taking part in that session along with the youngest FNC member, Saeed Al Remeithi.
"Since we are young members of parliament, I think they will ask us how we joined and what was our role in parliament and how we are connected with the youth," Ms Al Rayaysa said.
She said she was looking forward to meeting people who would inspire her in her personal life and career.
"I’m excited to meet everyone in the summit. I’m honoured to be part of it and just to meet all of these amazing people," she said.
Dr Al Qubaisi said the UAE hoped to create more political alliances and to solve issues with other countries through the summit.
"Whether it is agreements that await signing or enhancing travel procedures for nationals, they can raise it with their governments," she said.
"And the most important political alliance we can come up with is for people to know us face to face. Today the UAE is the friend of many countries and so will the FNC be a friend to many other parliaments."

Source: The National