Sharjah Tatweer Forum, “Tatweer”, an initiative launched to boost the involvement and influence of Sharjah’s young talents for encouraging competitiveness in the public and private sectors, recently organised a meeting at the Higher Council for Family Affairs, between the Forum’s Board of Directors and members of the general assembly, to review the achievements of Tatweer in 2007 and to outline the Forum’s strategy and plan for 2008.
During the meeting, Hussain Al Mahmoudi, Chairman, Sharjah Tatweer Forum, emphasized the significance of the members’ role and their participation in the next phase, while also highlighting the importance of interaction, communication and adoption of new constructive ideas that contribute towards the development of the Forum and the enhancement of its role in the Emirate of Sharjah.
“We are grateful to H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the UAE Supreme Council, Ruler of Sharjah and the Honorary Chairman of Sharjah Tatweer Forum for his constant support and guidance, and his presence at all major events organised by the Forum. This trust places a great responsibility on the Forum.,” said Al Mahmoudi.
The programs and activities organised by Tatweer in 2007 was discussed during the meeting, including the graduation ceremony for the first batch of the Tatweer Leadership Programme; conclusion of the first Public Private Partnership program (PPP); the launch of the suggestions scheme “Mubadara”; signing of several agreements with private sector companies; and organising Tatweer’s First Annual Knowledge conference on 'Life Sciences: trends and opportunities' that was attended by dignitaries such as H.H. Sheikha Lubna Al Qassimi, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade (former Minister of Economy) and Juan Enriquez, Director of Harvard University's Life Sciences Project.
Regarding the Forum’s organizational structure and internal policies, the Board of Directors approved the Forum’s Constitution, the strategic plan for 2007-2009, and the human resources system and handbook for the forum’s staff. A number of specialized committees have also been formed under the Board of Directors.
With regards to the 2008 plan of activities, “The second batch of participants in the Tatweer Leadership Programme has completed their last session, and is expected to graduate in March. Sharjah Tatweer Forum has also signed a number of agreements with United Nations Development Program (UNDP), Sharjah Municipality and Sharjah Higher Colleges of Technology, in addition to welcoming a delegation from the George Washington University, US, to discuss means of cooperation and student exchange programs,” highlighted Al Mahmoudi.
Programs and events planned for 2008 include the launch of a professional development centre, cooperation with Shell Middle East and Emirates Foundation for its Intilaaqah programme, which promotes entrepreneurship, and a General Management program which is expected to be an advanced course for the Tatweer Leadership Programme. The Forum will also be involved in media and publicity campaigns, will launch its new website and also award honorary memberships to leading personalities in UAE.
“The Public Private Partnership Program for 2008 has seen a major transformation this year with the redesign of the program, contracting the Institute of Public Private Partnerships (IP3) which is a specialized agency in the field with training courses and programs in over 45 countries. Moreover Sharjah Tatweer Forum has been able to ensure the commitment of a large number of governmental department heads and senior executives of private sector companies to attend the program. The opening session was inaugurated by HH Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohamed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council, Ruler of Sharjah and The Forum’s Honorary Chairman who made the opening speech. We hope the outcome of this year’s program will include networking opportunities, an understanding of Partnerships and a number of implementable projects between the two sectors.”
Al Mahmoudi also revealed that H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi has approved the allocation of a new building for the Forum, which will serve as its headquarters.
The meeting also discussed topics such as the election of new board of directors in 2009, the Forum’s scope of work for the next year, the decision making mechanism of the Forum, among others.
The Sharjah Tatweer Forum is an initiative formed under a decree issued by H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qassimi, Ruler of Sharjah and member of the supreme council, to boost the involvement of Sharjah`s young talents for encouraging competitiveness in the public and private sectors.
