Abu dhabi: Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, attended an event marking the 10th anniversary of the Global Sustainability Network (GSN) in Abu Dhabi. The event, held at the Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal, included a high-level international conference and gala dinner attended by international leaders, policymakers, experts, and representatives of global institutions.
According to Emirates News Agency, the event witnessed the launch of GSN's new initiative, 'Freedom Pom Pom', which aims to promote human dignity, ethical employment, and the protection of vulnerable communities, aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. In his address, Sheikh Nahyan emphasized the role of music and the arts as a universal language that fosters understanding and advances values such as peace, tolerance, and harmony. He noted that hosting international artistic talent in Abu Dhabi reflects the UAE's commitment to these principles.
Sheikh Nahyan highlighted President His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan's commitment to promoting human values and respect for human rights in the UAE. He praised GSN's achievements over the past decade, particularly its support for the eighth UN Sustainable Development Goal: Decent Work and Economic Growth. He discussed themes from the conference, including employment in conflict-affected contexts, youth employment, the impact of AI on the future of work, combating child labour and child marriage, media responsibility, and ethical employment practices, emphasizing the need for coordinated action.
On artificial intelligence, Sheikh Nahyan stressed the importance of responsible governance to promote inclusion and prevent inequality. He advocated for an ethical, evidence-based, and human-centred media ecosystem aligned with social purpose. He affirmed that ethical employment, built on fair wages, safe conditions, inclusion, respect for human dignity, and non-exploitative practices, is central to achieving Sustainable Development Goal Eight.
Sheikh Nahyan expressed support for GSN's principle of placing people, especially the vulnerable, at the centre of policies and initiatives. He welcomed the launch of Freedom Pom Pom in partnership with Hearts On A Mission and expressed hope for its tangible impact. He congratulated GSN's co-founders, Bishop Alastair Redfern and Raza Jafar, on a decade of work and encouraged continued efforts to advance human welfare and dignity.
The event featured panel discussions with international speakers, government officials, civil society figures, and representatives of international organisations. The evening concluded with a performance by 12-year-old singer-songwriter True El Deeb, who presented an original song in tribute to the UAE and donated its copyright. Maren Krass, founder of Hearts On A Mission, presented a commemorative memento to Sheikh Nahyan in recognition of his support for humanitarian and development causes.