The Department of Community Development in Abu Dhabi announced the signing MoU’s, experience exchange and social issues studies with three universities: United Arab Emirates University, Zayed University and Khalifa University. The signing ceremony was held at DCD’s headquarters, and the MoU aims to strengthen cooperation in the field of scientific research to monitor, study and analyze social issues in the emirates of Abu Dhabi.
The agreement with the universities will contribute in exchange experiences in the field of community service that will leave an positive impact on the community through social studies and the exchange necessary data for the implementation process of those studies.
H.E Dr. Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Chairman of the Department of Community Development, said: “This is an important step for the department and Abu Dhabi government in acquiring data that helps decision-makers to set laws, policies and take future decisions to achieve a safe and dignified community, which is consistent with our vision in providing a dignified life for all, and making this an advanced community in sustainability and future foresight.
Al Khaili added: “Community development is a shared responsibility, and today we are pleased to collaborate with academic universities by signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) and work side by side in creating innovative solutions for the challenges that the community faces in accordance with the best international standards and practices.”
Al Khaili added: "Monitoring contributes in strengthening the community’s family cohesion, and this is one of the main priorities of the department to ensure a community that is tolerant to all segments of society, and to activate the role of community members and provide them with a happy and active life, which in return be reflected in the community to peruse success and achievements.”
Her Excellency Noura Bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Youth, President of Zayed University, expressed her enthusiasm towards the partnership between Zayed University (ZU) and the Department of Community Development (DCD)- Abu Dhabi.
She appreciated the constructive efforts undertaken by the department with the aim of establishing an integrated system for the social sector in the emirate, and the drive towards encouraging a wider participation of social work, as well as promoting community service values, encouraging and enabling stakeholders of the sector to further accomplish their goals, and working to monitor and track and maintaining the positive address of societal challenges and behaviors.
Her Excellency noted that through the setting of incentives and initiatives, it directly efforts in raising awareness amongst the community on societal issues. She acknowledged that this partnership establishes a stronger relationship between the two parties and provides opportunities for the exchange of knowledge and the development of shared objectives.
Her Excellency reaffirmed that the MoU will bear many fruits, including strengthening cooperation in research activities that rely on field experience in extracting information from relevant sources.
"We are confident that this cooperation will serve as a platform for the exchange of knowledge between us, as it will provide the opportunity for researchers at ZU to work side by side with DCD's experts and participate in what is necessary to support the tasks that the two sides carry out under this agreement", she said.
She also highlighted the importance of maintaining a long term relationship and consolidating efforts between ZU and DCD that is rooted in a strategic vision that aims at exploring growing opportunities for joint initiatives by embracing methods that serve developmental goals and achieve mutual benefit.
Prof. Ghaleb Ali Albreiki, Acting Vice Chancellor of the UAE University highlighted that it is importance of signing a memorandum of understanding with the Department of Community Development, which comes in line with the university’s vision and strategy. It is intended to enhance cooperation with various national institutions and bodies, to provide services according to the highest standards of quality and efficiency and to create a link between the academics and the executive authorities as well.
He added, “this memorandum is expected to have a positive impact on the level of monitoring and studying social phenomena by employing scientific expertise in the UAE University, University of the Future. The University plays a pivotal role of leadership and scientific excellence in order to achieve the vision of the leadership in achieving sustainable development. It also contributes to achieving the requirements of the UAE for the progress and well-being of the society, strengthening the happiness system, and achieving the UAE’s vision in preparing for the next 50 years. He also indicated, “the UAEU focuses through its vision and strategy on providing the necessary support for community institutions in the country, through the university’s qualitative and distinguished production of academic research, knowledge development, measurement and evaluation. It is according to an advanced educational system that promotes building the tolerant UAE personality, and excellence, creativity and innovation opportunities for future generations.”
Dr. Arif Sultan Al Hammadi, Executive Vice-President, Khalifa University, said: “We are honored to collaborate with the Department of Community Development to exchange experience in the field of monitoring, studying and analyzing social behaviors in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, which would help improve the quality of life for the community. Since inception, Khalifa University has been utilizing its capabilities and expertise to serve the community and work towards advancing the standard of life for individuals by finding innovative research solutions to challenges faced by the society, especially those related to healthcare, security and education. We thank the Department of Community Development for this important partnership and we look forward to more joint initiatives between the government and academia to further develop and sustain the UAE's leading status in enhanced social standards."