Abu dhabi: Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed, Chairman of the National Media Authority (NMA), attended the graduation ceremony of the first cohort of the National Media Programme for Empowerment of People of Determination. Launched by the Zayed Authority for People of Determination in cooperation with the National Media Authority and TRENDS, the programme aims to train and empower People of Determination to become professional media practitioners, in a significant step reflecting the shift in the concept of inclusion from the social and humanitarian sphere to professional and productive participation.
According to Emirates News Agency, the ceremony, held at the headquarters of the Zayed Authority for People of Determination, honoured 35 participants in the programme. It was attended by Abdullah Abdul Aali Al Humaidan, Secretary General of Zayed Authority for People of Determination; Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS Research and Advisory; several officials and media professionals; as well as the graduates' families and programme partners.
Al Hamed emphasized that the National Media Programme for the Empowerment of People of Determination embodies the UAE's approach to building an inclusive society where opportunities are equal, and avenues for participation are open to all. He explained that this approach stems from the vision of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, which places people at the heart of development and empowerment as a cornerstone for building a fairer, more cohesive society capable of shaping the future.
Al Hamed declared that the 35 People of Determination are transitioning from representation to participation, becoming creators of messages, storytellers, and content planners, thereby playing an active role in shaping the media landscape. He noted the importance of broadening opportunities for their participation, driven by the belief that future media should know no exclusion and place no limits on ambition.
Al Humaidan highlighted that the programme embodies the UAE leadership's vision of investing in people and strengthening the participation of People of Determination across various sectors, including the media sector, which is a crucial tool for shaping public awareness and conveying the UAE's progressive image.