UAE Celebrates International Democracy Day
FNC Highlights Consultative Practices
Abu Dhabi [UAE], September 14: The Federal National Council (FNC) joins parliaments worldwide in celebrating International Democracy Day on September 15. The FNC reaffirms its commitment to sustainable development, following the path set by the founding fathers, emphasizing the importance of consultation in UAE society.
The FNC, through its legislative, supervisory, and parliamentary diplomatic functions, embodies the relationship between different state authorities. It reflects the unique nature of Emirati society and its approach to democracy, which is based on noble values ensuring citizen participation in the country’s development and leadership.
President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan continues to promote consultation and enhance citizen participation in decision-making. He supports empowering the FNC to address issues concerning the nation’s citizens and contribute to its progress.
In his opening speech on February 12, 1972, the late founding father Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan outlined the council’s responsibilities, emphasizing consultation principles. Over eighteen legislative terms, the FNC has advanced the leadership’s approach to parliamentary life and political participation, empowering citizens based on the program announced by the late Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. This includes holding elections for half of the council’s 40 members and engaging women as voters and members, achieving 50% female representation since 2019.
With the launch of the 18th legislative term in 2023, the UAE entered a new phase in its parliamentary journey, increasing the number of electoral colleges and raising the proportion of young members to 22.5%.
The UN states that International Democracy Day reinforces the importance of free speech, civil liberties, the rule of law, accountable institutions, and human rights. This year’s theme focuses on Artificial Intelligence as a tool for good governance. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres notes that AI can enhance public participation, equality, security, and human development but warns of its potential dangers if left unchecked.
Doubts Revealed
UAE -: UAE stands for the United Arab Emirates, a country in the Middle East made up of seven smaller regions called emirates.
International Democracy Day -: International Democracy Day is celebrated on September 15 every year to promote and uphold the principles of democracy around the world.
FNC -: FNC stands for Federal National Council, which is a group of people in the UAE who help make laws and decisions for the country.
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan -: Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan is the President of the UAE and a very important leader in the country.
parliamentary life -: Parliamentary life refers to the activities and functions of a parliament, which is a group of people who make laws and decisions for a country.
50% female representation -: 50% female representation means that half of the people in the FNC are women, which shows that women have an equal role in making important decisions.
UN -: UN stands for the United Nations, an international organization that works to promote peace, security, and cooperation among countries.
free speech -: Free speech means that people can say what they think without being punished, as long as they don’t harm others.
civil liberties -: Civil liberties are basic rights and freedoms that all people should have, like the right to speak freely and the right to privacy.
AI -: AI stands for Artificial Intelligence, which is when computers and machines are made to think and learn like humans.
Antonio Guterres -: Antonio Guterres is the Secretary-General of the United Nations, which means he is the leader of the UN and helps guide its work.
