Saqr Ghobash, Speaker of the Federal National Council (FNC) and head of the UAE delegation at the 149th Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) General Assembly in Geneva, stated that science, technology and innovation are essential pillars for sustainable development and the welfare of nations. He emphasised that these tools are crucial in addressing both natural and human-made threats, such as climate change, food security, water scarcity, and energy challenges.
Delivering the UAE’s statement at the IPU Assembly, Ghobash highlighted that science, technology, and innovation should be universally accessible rather than exclusive privileges, emphasising that science, technology, and innovation should help bridge gaps between countries rather than widen them. He further stressed that they must reinforce ethical values for individuals, societies, and institutions.
Ghobash discussed the UAE’s advancements in digital technology and artificial intelligence, positioning the country as a leading model regionally and global
ly. Quoting President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the FNC Speaker conveyed that responsibly and ethically managing emerging technologies is vital for driving sustainable development and prosperity. The UAE, he mentioned, has invested around US$90 billion in over 100 national initiatives across various sectors such as education, health, energy, and water, with artificial intelligence being a primary growth sector.
Ghobash urged legislative bodies to adopt a two-pronged approach: domestically by enacting laws to foster investment in science and technology, and internationally by advocating for a flexible, collaborative parliamentary approach to establish global regulations that can enhance cooperation in these fields. This, he said, would enable advanced technology to benefit people’s welfare and promote peace and development.
He stated, “While discussing technology and its role in achieving a sustainable and peaceful future, we must not forget those who have been deprived of living in pe
ace-civilians in Palestine and Lebanon who have long suffered from the ravages of ongoing wars and conflict in the region. Accordingly, I would like to reaffirm the UAE’s stance calling for an immediate cessation of the war in Gaza, the protection of civilian lives, and the urgent delivery of aid to the people of Gaza. We also stress the importance of implementing relevant UN resolutions on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict to achieve a two-state solution. Likewise, I reiterate the UAE’s call for an end to the current conflict in Lebanon and the full implementation of UN Resolution 1701 to secure peace and stability in Lebanon, which would help enhance security, peace, and prosperity in the Middle East.”
The UAE parliamentary delegation included a number of FNC officials and members.
Source: Emirates News Agency
