Here in the UAE, dreams come true, and the future is made, this is the land where nothing is impossible. Emirates is proactive in foreseeing the future and every day this country fascinates the world with its leadership and tolerance, and spreads the values of goodness and peace for all humanity without prejudice to religion, race or creed.

These feelings are the reflection of thoughts of those who attended this distinguished international event hosted by the UAE, particularly in Dubai on Sunday, February 12 until Tuesday, February 14. The World Government Summit set up its activities under the able patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

The summit is a phenomenon that reflects the determination of the United Arab Emirates to achieve its goals in development, growth, spreading peace and promoting stability and security in the world. The summit hosted more than 4,000 guests from around the world; it included world leaders, thinkers, and creators who met in the UAE to explore and envision the future to serve the humanity.

The words of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid has formed a roadmap to consolidate the foundations of development, not only on Arab and regional level but also on a global level. It included an integrated system of concepts that strengthen the pillars of civilization and make the happiness of humankind a center for development. His Highness has been proactive in diagnosing the common challenges, drawing mechanisms and developing solutions, and exploring the results, when he pointed out in his opening speech, “The most important of the country’s developments were reflected in its people.”

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid has a reputation for integrating modernity with tradition, encouraging innovation and technological advancement to enhance public service and good governance. The summit can truly be regarded as a manifestation of the optimism of the Patron to bring together decision-makers, senior leaders and executives, intellectuals, and businessmen from various sectors to ignite and stimulate dialogue between the Arab countries and the world to revive and activate the development process at the regional and international levels with human development and prosperity on the top of the priority list.

Reviewing the agenda set by the organisers and the content of the sessions as they unraveled, I recall a speech by Prof. Klaus Schwab, Founder and Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum (WEF) stated, “If we want to go forward, we need a completely new system where the human being is at the centre, and societal advancement is the key”. It is imperative to understand that societal development is not possible without holistic reformation of approach towards the knowledge of science and reconditioning of education models. To stay relevant in the ever-changing workforce due to the introduction of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology. Distinguished speakers directed attention towards staying focused on three key skill areas namely, data literacy, information literacy, and humanics.

Perhaps the most important education issue that was raised during the summit is the negative impact of traditional education on the new generation. According to Dr. Scott Kaufman, “The traditional education system crushes and hinders the talent and imagination of the child and therefore prevents innovation and development.” The suggestion was to provide “positive education,” and I support the idea of Dr. Kauffman, which calls for the integration of academic education with the student’s personality to create a positive dynamic interaction. It would encourage students to engage in the curriculum and develop their passion for science and knowledge, ensuring the sustainability of education and its continuation after the completion of the academic stage. The child’s imagination is the most important factor that leads to innovation, so they should be kept away from a rigid curriculum that does not accept revision and reconsideration.

There were also encouraging messages to motivate workers in the field of education as the Summit honored an outstanding Emirati teacher. The Summit also highlighted international experiences about the benefits of objective reasoning and creativity.

Quest and curiosity are human instincts and are food for innovation; furthermore, innovation only happens when you are happy. Here, the vision of the wise leadership of the United Arab Emirates put “happiness” as a strategic goal and the subject of a Global Dialogue and UAE government not only prepared plans to cope up with the changes witnessed by the world but also made UAE a step closer to its resolve to reach Mars.

This is what we felt at the time of the declaration by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces of the UAE, of the project to deliver humans to Mars in 2117.

Finally, the events of the Summit provided a comprehensive strategy and an ambitious integrated action plan for reviving the development in the Arab world, and to promote the exchange of knowledge and experiences in the world. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed explained by saying, “The problems of the world will never stop, but we must focus on giving and strive to serve our people… We don’t claim to be perfect, but we learn something new every day. We must not waste time, and we are ready to share our experiences.”

The United Arab Emirates envisions prosperity with no geographical boundaries; it extends the foresight of good and peace secured by its ability to make a difference in a better future for the whole world. UAE believes in making civilizations; this is what its religion teaches, and this is its message to the world.