Abu Dhabi Leaders Visit New Zealand to Learn About Improving Community Life
A delegation from the Department of Community Development (DCD) in Abu Dhabi visited New Zealand to explore best practices in enhancing community quality of life. The visit aimed to gain insights into initiatives aligned with the quality-of-life framework endorsed by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).
Who Led the Delegation?
The delegation was led by Dr. Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Chairman of the DCD. Other key members included Dr. Layla Abdulaziz Al Hyas, Executive Director of the Community Development Sector at DCD, Shaikha Alhosani, Executive Director of the Social Monitoring and Innovation Sector at DCD, and Mazen Jaber Aldahmani, Executive Director of Financial and Administrative Affairs at DCD, along with other senior leaders from various Abu Dhabi government entities.
What Did They Learn?
During the visit, the delegation engaged with representatives from key New Zealand institutions to learn about the New Zealand Living Standards Framework (LSF). The LSF is a critical tool for government agencies to identify and prioritize factors that significantly impact quality of life. It is structured around four key pillars: financial and physical capital, human capability, the natural environment, and social cohesion.
Key Insights
The delegation explored how New Zealand integrates social priorities into public budget planning using advanced impact-analysis tools. They also learned about New Zealand’s integrated data system, which supports both the government and researchers in data analysis. This system provides critical information that helps decision-makers achieve quality-of-life objectives and implement effective plans.
Discussions and Frameworks
The visit included discussions on the social and economic framework that New Zealand uses to define and achieve desired living standards. This framework aligns with local and community needs, sets long-term goals based on aspirations for well-being and quality of life, and ensures that data and metrics are readily available to all individuals and communities.
Doubts Revealed
Abu Dhabi -: Abu Dhabi is the capital city of the United Arab Emirates, a country in the Middle East.
Delegation -: A delegation is a group of people chosen to represent a larger group or organization.
Department of Community Development -: This is a government department in Abu Dhabi that works to improve the lives of people in the community.
New Zealand -: New Zealand is a country located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, known for its beautiful landscapes and friendly people.
Dr. Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili -: He is a leader from Abu Dhabi who works to improve community life and was leading the delegation to New Zealand.
Living Standards Framework -: This is a system used by New Zealand to measure and improve the quality of life for its people, focusing on different aspects like money, health, skills, environment, and social connections.
Financial and physical capital -: These are resources like money and buildings that help improve people’s lives.
Human capability -: This refers to people’s skills, education, and health, which help them live better lives.
Natural environment -: This includes all the natural resources like air, water, and land that are important for our well-being.
Social cohesion -: This means how well people in a community get along and support each other.
Public budget planning -: This is how the government decides to spend money on different things to help the community.
Advanced data system -: This is a modern way of collecting and using information to make better decisions.
