DHABI, Nov. 22nd, 2008: The UAE marks the 37th anniversary of its National Day on December 2, 2008 with adamant determination to maintain the momentum of the process of political, social and cultural empowerment which President H. H Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan had launched 2 years ago.

The process builds on the rich and impressive legacy left behind by the Late Founding Father of the nation Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan whose visionary leadership speaks of itself in all fields of development.

As the nation celebrates this anniversary, it cannot but pay tribute the Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan whose visionary leadership many remarkable strides were made.

The UAE has gained a conspicuous place among the nations of the world. With major economic development projects achieved within a record time span of three decades, the country is now laying greater emphasis on empowerment of its people, a task which was clearly spelt out by the President H. H Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

In his statement to the nation on the occasion of the 36th Anniversary of the UAE National Day in December 2007, President H. H Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan outlined his vision for the growth of the nation.

He said "It is from the perseverance and dedication of our founding fathers that the nation derives its strength and pride. I pay tribute to those who have continued to keep the beacon of this nation ever shining through their handiwork and thinking. May the Almighty Allah bless us with strength, clear vision, and dedication so that we may continue to follow in the footprints of our founding fathers." "As we celebrate this noble occasion, we are full of confidence that we will achieve the objectives which we set for ourselves a couple of years ago. These objectives were outlined in my address to the nation this day two years ago. In that speech, which has been translated into a strategy for Government, I noted that the nation was on the threshold of a new era, an era in which the UAE's human capital would take the centre stage," he added.

Other hallmarks of this new era also include, amongst others, enhancing cooperation between local and federal institutions; improving the decision- making process; upgrading the performance of government institutions; harnessing human resources; and improving the quality of services. All these elements constitute an integrated future strategy for our nation.

The key to the success of this strategy lies not in the ideas or financial resources that will be used but rather in the degree of commitment and dedication of those who will implement it. Ideas in themselves can never be realised if we lack competent and committed human resources.

The objectives of the strategy will not be achieved without the introduction of true programmes for the development of young national leaders who are capable of shouldering the responsibilities and its ends will also not be reached unless the private sector works pro-actively as a true, full partner in national development.

"We in the institutions of the State aspire for a clearer and more effective role to be played by the private sector. A role whose framework is responsibility towards the community, and whose final goal is the creation of more attractive and encouraging job opportunities for our young people, the introduction of modern technology, the creation of a safe, healthy working environment, the guarantee of workers' rights and the improvement of the quality of products and services." "We - whether in the public sector, private sector or public interest organizations - are partners in preserving this homeland, pushing forward its march of progress, maintaining its identity and protecting its gains", Sheikh Khalifa continued.

He highlighted the important development with regard to political empowerment and the practice of democracy, as the Federal National Council, FNC, 14th legislative session has half of its members elected, with women representing 22% of the total number of FNC members.

He said "we remain committed to continuing our democratic change until we achieve all planned goals through paving the way for and offering the chance for more participation, and through enhancing the role of the FNC as a legislative and monitoring power." "To keep in line with this trend and to support it, we call for the implementation of a national programme that aims at strengthening our identity and deepening the values of belonging and of citizenship, as well as providing the required conditions in society that reflect our country as an example of an open modern society whose values are consistent with our beliefs and our heritage", he added.

He called for a clear programme that sets out a clear vision for the objectives of our experiment in elections and the associated mechanisms as well as for an expansion of the authority of the FNC.