The World Government Summit held this week in Dubai fostered much-needed conversations about critical issues by providing a platform for ideas and visions from a diverse group of delegates. One of the most important questions asked was how can governments in this part of the world cope with changing global dynamics, political and economic instability and unemployment?
The conference heard that, in many Arab countries, a lack of security and social cohesion had forced many qualified people to migrate to the West, causing a regional "brain drain". Fadlo Khuri, president of the American University of Beirut, said that the majority of Arab governments did not pay enough attention to scientific development and spent only a minimal amount of money on research. As a result, those young Arabs who wished to pursue careers in these fields had to look for opportunities in the developed world. Arab League figures show that only 5 per cent of Arab students who go to the West ever move back to this region. The others find jobs in their new countries and build their lives and careers there.
As well as canvassing the problems, the summit heard some potential solutions. Dr Jim Yong Kim, president of the World Bank, suggested that the best way to go forward is to implement a system of inclusive governance, in which governments are more transparent in their actions and make more effort to engage every citizen in the decision-making process.
The conference heard that the UAE had presented a model for others in the region to follow – an “integrated doctrine” that fosters cooperation between government and society. This approach, according to Sheikh Saif bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, had been successful in helping the UAE develop and deal with many challenges. And, as we have reported, that system is still being refined, with sweeping changes to the federal government announced this week and a new Cabinet, which puts greater emphasis on women and youth.
With extremists taking advantage of the instability in parts of this region and recruiting disenchanted people, conversations about good government are critical. As the UAE leadership has recognised, governments have to change in order to adapt to new realities. This country has also shown that talk and good intentions are not enough: good ideas must be followed through.
