du sponsors Sharjah Tatweer's PPP Program

The Public Private Partnership (PPP) Program aims at fostering cooperation between the various sectors and enhancing the role of the private sector in the economic and social activities of the Emirate as well as promoting the opportunities in Sharjah in the fields of culture, commerce, industry and tourism.

This cooperation between du and Sharjah Tatweer Forum underscores the concept of partnerships between the various sectors. It also highlights the corporate responsibility of private sector companies and its role in increasing the overall competitiveness and sustainable development of Sharjah through bold initiatives.

Mr. Hussain Al Mahmoudi, Chairman of Sharjah Tatweer Forum stated 'The Public Private Partnership (PPP) Program is a pioneering initiative towards fulfilling the vision of His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member, The Ruler of Sharjah, and Honorary Chairman of Sharjah Tatweer Forum, of establishing the Emirate as a unique center of business in the area. Participating institutions and companies will be able, through this program, to benefit from the experiences and expertise of the participants, share best practices and enhance their networking opportunities as well as present viable suggestions and projects that help increase the competitiveness of Sharjah.'

Explaining du's decision to both participate in and sponsor this endeavor, Mr. Osman Sultan, CEO of du said: 'We are proud to be a part of this ambitious project, and support the Sharjah Tatweer Forum's efforts to develop the Emirate of Sharjah under the patronage of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah. The program is sure to be a success, with the participation of such an impressive number of officials from both the private and public sectors. du is keen on supporting the development of Sharjah's infrastructure and being a part of the planning & development of this beautiful Emirate, as part of our ongoing commitment to be a part of sustainable development in the spheres of economy, education and culture, in the UAE.'

Since the culmination of the first program last May, the PPP program was redesigned and restructured with the addition of a series of lectures on the rationale behind partnerships, mechanisms to identify and implement projects as well as follow-up. Lectures will also include global and regional examples of successful public private partnership projects and the contractual agreements most suited in different sectors to ensure success.

In addition, Sharjah Tatweer Forum hopes to emphasize the importance of developing a number of viable, well studied projects to be presented to His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah at the end of the 2008 program for implementation.

Sharjah Tatweer Forum also contracted the Institute of Public Private Partnerships (IP3), a U.S. based organization with a long history of training and technical consultancy in the field for government organizations, developmental organizations, NGOs and companies in over 45 countries. IP3 has undertaken more than 70 training programs with 3,500 graduate specialists in the field of public private partnerships in the Middle East Alone. Among the international organizations that have benefited from IP3's training or consultancy is US Agency for International Development (USAID), the World Bank, the European Commission and UNICEF.

In line with the new changes to the program and with the interest and support of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, Sharjah Tatweer Forum invited a number of Sharjah Government department heads and Chairmen and CEOs of private sector companies to participate. With the presence of such a number of decision makers, the aim is to highlight the importance of partnerships and the economic and social returns to both sectors through an increase in facilities and services offered by the government, institutional efficiency, and improved customer services from private sector management. An additional aim is to develop a number of joint projects by the participants for implementation.

The PPP Program also aims at promoting the infrastructure and opportunities in Sharjah in a variety of sectors, including culture, commerce, industry and tourism, enhance working relations between the private sector and government organizations and create a suitable environment to lure increased regional and international investments as well as lure competent young nationals to work in the Emirate.

du's sponsorship of this program comes as part of its social investment projects which support a number of initiatives in the fields of education, culture and social affairs. Among these projects are du's specially made TV series 'Life in the Emirates' which reflect the historical and cultural aspects in the UAE. Another project is an animated series, 'Freej' created by a young Emarati national. Among du's social projects: 'The National Cultural Encyclopaedia' in cooperation with the Ministry of Culture, 'Education without Limits' Conference and a program to provide recent graduates on the requirements of the labor market called 'Massar.' In addition, du has cooperated with Microsoft to establish a 'dot net' club and an Innovation Award.

The Public Private Partnership Program is expected to begin its first session on January 30 in the presence of His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member, The Ruler of Sharjah, and Honorary Chairman of Sharjah Tatweer Forum, who will be delivering the opening address. The program will continue over the coming five months with activities ranging from field visits, analytical exercises and team work in addition to lectures by experts from IP3.

Sharjah Tatweer Forum was formed under a decree issued by H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, member of the Supreme Council, Ruler of Sharjah and the Honorary Chairman of Sharjah Tatweer Forum. The Forum is geared towards developing the skills and competencies of National youth in Sharjah, forging effective collaboration between the private and public sectors, and encouraging entrepreneurship, innovation and excellence in business and administration that will ultimately ensure the emirate's overall progress.