Dubai: The UAE’s futuristic vision backed by its technological supremacy and progressive decision making has been globally recognized as the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has decided to regard the National Day of the UAE, December 2 as the World Futures Day every year.
The historic decision by the global body is seen as an invitation to nations across the globe to embrace the future and develop their capabilities in the fields of foresight, readiness and proactive policy-making to ensure sustainable development for future generations.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) unanimously adopted the UAE National Day, December 2, as World Futures Day, in which all countries of the world celebrate their visions for their future development and their readiness to create opportunities and plans for their future generations.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai remarked in his tweet, welcoming the UNESCO declaration.
The Dubai Ruler further added that, “The international recognition of the UAE as a country for the future, as a model for its vision, and as a major center for its industry, places even greater responsibility on us to develop our capabilities in envisioning the future, keeping pace with its changes and benefiting from its opportunities. I wish our country good health and prosperity, and a better, bigger and greater future.”
Commenting on the declaration, UNESCO Director General, Ms. Audrey Azoulay observed that, “COVID has reminded us that we can and must change course. As new threats cast dark shadows on our present, we must harness the world’s incredible diversity to imagine and build our futures collectively. This is the spirit of World Futures Day, through which UNESCO, as the United Nations’ intellectual and prospective agency, invites everyone to think about the future, in order to change the present.”
The UNESCO decision to adopt World Futures Day was unanimous passed at the 41st session of its General Conference, which concluded on November, 24, 2021 in, Paris.
WORLD FUTURES DAY
World Futures Day aims to raise awareness about the importance of developing a “future mindset”, which can contribute to augmenting the preparedness of governments to address various challenges, invent new solutions that nurture comprehensive development, and promote international dialogue and cooperation aimed at stimulating creativity and innovation.
The celebration of the day also aims to enhance countries’ knowledge of the future, drawing attention to the importance of anticipating the future, enabling countries to use scientific tools that contribute to shaping it, and enhancing public awareness of its importance as a concept that leads to sustainable development.
Expressing her gratitude on the support, Ms. Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, UAE Minister of Culture and Youth thanked UNESCO member states for their approval of December 2 as World Futures Day.
“The UAE’s remarkable development in all fields over 50 years was a result of a long-term vision laid down by the founding fathers since the establishment of the Union. It focused on placing investment in people at the forefront of its priorities, and today our wise leadership is following the same path,” Ms. Al Kaabi stated.
The Minister of Culture and Youth further added that, “The union will remain a milestone in contemporary history, a renaissance that has abridged the time required to advance to, and then live in, the future. Our leadership views every challenge as an opportunity to prove the worthiness of our people to belong to the country, and to show their sincere determination to continue raising the flag in all fields and forums.”
The UAE Minister concluded stating that, “The cultural sector stands as a witness to the radical changes that have created a state of innovation and ingenuity, giving Emirati creators the opportunity to become active participants in the successes of the next 50 years.”
Most Read: The majestic history behind the Emirati Flag