Heads of Sharjah Government Entities Discu Global...

Heads, chief executives and top officials of Sharjah government entities sat down with HE Alexander Stubb, the former Prime Minister of Finland and Member of Parliament, for a fascinating workshop organised by the Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB), as part of preparations for the 6th Edition of the International Government Communication Forum (IGCF) being held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohamed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, from March 22 to 23 at the Expo Centre Sharjah.

The special session saw HE Stubb share his thoughts and insights about achieving the United Nations' 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, while several members of his select audience also contributed their thoughts, views and opinions about issues facing the world in the 21st century.

HE Stubb outlined five policy recommendations for the group to consider, suggesting that Sharjah and the UAE focus specifically on education, equality, sustainable cities, clean energy and health.

He said: Sharjah and the UAE have the means, the resources and an extremely good brand and reputation (globally). And the bottom line is that it can become one of the mediators with the UN's Goals for Sustainable Development.

In his talk about implementing the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, HE Stubb emphasised the importance of engaging the next generation of Emiratis as he said: Good communication is needed, and youngsters need to understand what this is about as they are the ones who will be implementing the changes. They need to take keen interest (and get involved). We often talk about today's youth but they are always smarter than the previous generation especially with modern technology. We need to take the Sustainable Development Goals seriously and we need to focus on a few of them and invest as best we can in them.

HE Stubb lauded the special workshop ahead of the IGCF 2017 saying: I think this session has been, hopefully, a mutually rewarding experience, a good experience for everyone. I can see a lot of thinking going on around the room, when I look around. It is a great privilege for me to come and talk to the leaders and heads of Sharjah government entities about these matters.

The former prime minister of Finland is also a member of the Finnish National Commission on Sustainable Development (FNCSD) which oversees the country's national and international sustainable development goals while focusing on engaging society to participate actively in the process.

HE Stubb spoke at length about the UN Sustainable Development Goals, focusing on three main areas; the global context, the impact of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and Finland's unique experience in the well attended talk which was held in line with the theme of the Sixth Edition of the IGCF, Societal Participation Comprehensive Development .

LINK:	http://www.sharjahmedia.ae/en/media-centre/news/20/3/2017/heads-of-sha...
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