Mohammed Bin Rashid Centre for Leadership Development discusses challenges in regional and global economy

The session was held with Rt. Hon. Lord Mandelson, UK Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise & Regulatory Reform, as the keynote speaker. Rt. Hon. Lord Mandelson was accompanied by a delegation of 17 senior officials who participated in discussions on key topics such as the future of the Middle East, challenges facing the region, and the world economy.

Shortly after his appointment as Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise & Regulatory Reform on October 03, 2008, Rt. Hon. Lord Mandelson joined Prime Minister Gordon Brown in a visit to Dubai in November 2008. His participation in the Dubai Policy Watch forum is recognised as a confirmation of Rt. Hon. Lord Mandelson's commitment to help promote bilateral ties and policies that encourage cooperation between the two societies.

Rt. Hon. Lord Mandelson, UK Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise & Regulatory Reform said:

"It is highly commendable that Dubai has initiated a long-term program to develop new leaders, particularly those who will eventually serve in the government. All governments need effective leaders to move ahead with their socioeconomic agenda; in the same manner, leadership development is a fundamental requirement for any society to secure the long-term sustainability of its development initiatives."

Adel Al Shared, Executive Director of MBRPLD said: "In his capacity as the UK Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise & Regulatory Reform, Rt. Hon. Lord Mandelson delivered invaluable insights and information that helped the Government Leaders level participants better understand and appreciate the importance of policy making. Lord Mandelson's visit likewise reinforces the bilateral relations between the UK and Dubai, which have remained important partners in various social and economic programs."

Hussein Ali Al Banna, Director of Administration Services, RTA, and participant of Government Leaders level said: "The forum was an exciting opportunity to interact and exchange ideas with Rt. Hon. Lord Mandelson, who enriched the session through a detailed discussion of British policies, particularly those concerning business regulatory reforms. I believe it is part of our priorities as leaders to be able to understand the policies and long-term objectives of other countries such as the UK. The inputs of a high-ranking government official such as Lord Mandelson surely helped us in this regard."

Prior to his new post, Rt. Hon. Lord Mandelson was EU Commissioner for Trade from 2004 to 2008. In 1992, he was elected as Member of Parliament for the constituency of Hartlepool and was appointed to the Cabinet as Secretary of State for Trade and Industry in 1998, where he was responsible for the introduction of the National Minimum Wage and overseeing new measures to strengthen regional development through the creation of Regional Development Agencies. He also published the Government's Competitiveness White Paper - "Building the Knowledge-Driven Economy" during his tenure.

Dubai Policy Watch forum is one of the periodic activities under the Government Leaders program, a level of Mohammed Bin Rashid Programme for Leadership Development (MBRPLD) that aims to establish a new breed of elite, talented individuals with distinguished potentials, knowledge, skills and experience at all departments of Dubai Government. The forum facilitates discussions on various challenges and opportunities faced by incumbent and future leaders and proponents of sustainable development.

MBRPLD is one of the leadership programs of MBRCLD which has been established in line with the vision and directions of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai; who has underscored the critical importance of a highly competent national professional workforce to ensure the country's global sustainability.