The Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University (HBMSU) recently hosted an induction meeting for the female students from all over the UAE, along with their parents, who are set to participate in the ‘Multiculturalism and Leadership Skills Program.’ The Academic Training Programme (ATP) of Al Maktoum College of Higher Education, organized under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance, is in line with the government’s bid to promote mutual understanding and multiculturalism in the UAE as well as build a generation that is not only trustworthy, ambitious, knowledgeable, and capable of shaping country’s future but also possesses important ethical values. The meeting held at HBMSU campus was also attended by the presidents, representatives, and senior officials of more than 17 universities and colleges participating in the upcoming program, which has attracted international delegates from Malaysia and Egypt as well.
The meeting started with a video on HBMSU, which is taking part in the program for the second year in a row by sending four of its learners to ‘Multiculturalism and Leadership Skills Program’ that is slated to take place on June 8, 2019 and July 7, 2019. Last year, HBMSU learners served as the UAE representatives in the event, enabling them to showcase why the country is a role model for cultural openness and intercultural communication that has made the UAE a global force driving human convergence. The meeting highlighted the objectives of the program and gave a detailed explanation of its agenda and main themes, in addition, it served as platform to review HBMSU’s most important experiences during the 26th session of the Summer Training Program titled ‘Multiculturalism and Leadership Skills Program.’ Last year’s HBMSU participants demonstrated their skills and capabilities to strengthen the interaction between the UAE and global cultures, in line with the UAE’s central status as a global capital of tolerance, respect, and peaceful coexistence gained under the guidance of its wise leaders.
HBMSU Vice Chancellor for Learners Development Fahad Al Saadi said that the ‘Summer Training Program’ will equip the new generation with leadership skills required to bridge communication gaps among communities with different cultural backgrounds. The program, he said, reflects the UAE’s openness to other cultures as expressed by H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, who said: “Our culture carries the spirit of love and tolerance and calls for openness to others.”
Fahad pointed out that HBMSU’s consistent participation reflects its commitment to invest in young people in response to the directives of H.H Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, who aims to prepare and empower the younger generations to ensure the UAE’s sustainable development.
"The highly successful and unique ‘Multiculturalism and Leadership Skills Program’ plays a critical role in preparing our Young Emiratis to interact with different cultures in the 21st century. Our participation this year is another opportunity to showcase the strong presence and active participation of our students who serve as a good example for the Emirati generation thanks to their ability to integrate into a global environment, while upholding the noble values and principles espoused by our founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Foremost of these values is tolerance, which is the cornerstone of a humane Emirati society,” Al Saadi added.
Al Saadi Concluded: "Our strategic partnership with Al Maktoum College of Higher Education is based on shared goal to promote research and training on globalization, ethics, law, and the Islamic economy, thus contributing to the UAE’s efforts to build a strong and diverse economy as well as just and secure society. Our past and present participation is part of our endeavors to form a successful bilateral cooperation between us and Al Maktoum College that widening further our horizons to enrich knowledge and support scientific research and education advancement in accordance with the modern requirements and in the light of cultural pluralism. This cooperation enables us to produce graduates who will serve as ambassadors of knowledge, peace, and tolerance as our nation continues to demonstrate openness. We are honored to host this induction meeting, which was attended by local, regional, and international universities and colleges, organized to underscore the program’s promising opportunities geared towards enhancing leadership and communication skills of our young people as we work to make positive changes based on cultural and humanitarian dialogues.”
H.E. Mirza Al Sayegh, Director General, Office of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and Chairman of the Al Maktoum College Board of Directors, also welcomed the 2019 participants of the ‘Summer Training Program.’ H.E. conveyed to them the good wishes of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance, in their bid to acquire new leadership skills and contribute to promoting cultural openness. H.E. called on Emirati female students to give their best so that they become the country’s best ambassadors who exemplify Arab values. H.E. assured that he. will closely follow the developments in the program, which aims to meet the needs of its students and provide them with expertise and knowledge necessary to promote cultural awareness.
The learners and their parents were given an opportunity to ask questions during an open forum. The participants also learned of the program’s key details, which focuses on several topics, including history, culture, and the contemporary world, and feature a series of theoretical discussions and interactive and applied activities within specific contexts. The discussions will include multiculturalism and diversity in the United Kingdom and the UAE.
The partnership between HBMSU and Al-Maktoum College of Higher Education is aimed at investing in critical areas through training such as multiculturalism, globalization, contemporary issues, morality and law, Islamic economics and finance, and social diversity and development – all these are at the heart of UAE Vision 2021. Both parties are taking advantage of opportunities to implement a culture of excellence and promote scientific research among students, faculty members, experts, and academicians. They are also working towards building an environment conducive to the development of innovative solutions to pressing issues of today.
