Abu Dhabi: The fourth and final Ramadan session of Majlis Mohamed bin Zayed, titled 'Fostering Positive Values in the Community,' was conducted at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi. The session was attended by H.H. Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, along with senior officials, academics, and representatives from various UAE entities.
According to Emirates News Agency, the session was moderated by Eisa Al Subousi, Project Lead at the Year of Community, and included a panel of speakers recognized for their contributions to UAE society. The discussion emphasized the importance of values like generosity, compassion, and social solidarity. Additionally, the impact of volunteering and humanitarian work on community cohesion and wellbeing was explored in depth.
Dr Aysha Al Busmait, a foster mother, addressed misconceptions about fostering and adoption, highlighting that Islam regards fostering as a noble act of service. She cited the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan's humanitarian legacy, particularly his kindness towards children in need of family care.
Sinan Al Awsi, a civil engineer and tree-planting pioneer, shared his experience of planting 209 trees over a 500-metre stretch in Abu Dhabi. This initiative, aimed at providing shade for pedestrians, reflected his belief in individual responsibility towards community and country through volunteering. Al Awsi noted that his efforts resulted in positive environmental and societal outcomes, inspiring the community.
Salem Al Braiki, founder of the Rabdan Volunteer Team, spoke about the availability of volunteering opportunities and their local impact. He now leads programmes to integrate senior citizens into society, such as the 'Journey of Generations' programme, which involves over 700 seniors. Al Braiki's work focuses on fostering communication between generations and encouraging youth to learn from seniors' experience.
Reem Al Dhabyani, a volunteer with the Zayed Higher Organisation for People of Determination, emphasized the integral role of people of determination in the UAE community across fields like sports, media, entrepreneurship, and volunteering. She highlighted their contributions to initiatives such as 'The Document' project and The Bee Caf©, and noted that volunteering helps develop lifelong skills and relationships.
At the session's conclusion, moderator Eisa Al Subousi invited each panellist to discuss the most important decision they would make as an official in their field and the impact they wish to achieve. The speakers underscored the necessity for all society members to take initiative in serving and uplifting the community to create a more prosperous future for everyone.
