Ministry of Defence organises "Leaders' Conference for the 21st Century Wars"

 The UAE Ministry of Defence is proactive in predicting the future and is keen to address major strategic issues related to regional and international security, stability and peace.

The ministry is currently organising the "Leaders' Conference for the 21st Century Wars," under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, which will be held on 22nd and 23rd October, 2017, in Abu Dhabi, at the headquarters of the Emirates Centre for Strategic Studies and Research.

The conference will promote the vision of the Ministry of Defence and comply with its mission to protect the UAE and its interests, by understanding the current strategic environment and planning future defence policies and strategies, as well as identifying its strategic priorities to develop and utilise the nation’s capacities, in co-operation with other national authorities and international allies.

The UAE’s wise leadership has prioritised the development of the country’s defence system, which was reflected in the words of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. "Protecting the nation is a sacred duty for all citizens and performing military service is an honour. Your nation is your pride, life and dignity," Sheik Zayed had stated.

President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan also stressed that all the citizens have a responsibility to protect the UAE, which is seeking to raise future generations that would become its main defence force.

Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, said, "Serving the nation is an honour that surpasses all honours."

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, affirmed that advancing the process of construction and development in various areas requires the ability to protect the nation’s gains and achievements while defending its sovereignty and providing it with the human resources with the qualities of persistence, knowledge, patriotism and loyalty.

He also highlighted the importance of preparing UAE nationals and equipping national leaders, as the main cornerstone of achieving sustainable development and facing regional and international challenges and developments.

Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Bowardi, Minister of State for Defence Affairs, noted that Emiratis have proved that they are the country’s most valuable resource, by protecting and defending their nation.

The "Leaders Conference for the Future Wars," which was previously held in 2016 and was organised by the Ministry of Defence, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed achieved considerable success, as it attracted leaders, officials and experts in strategic, security and military issues, as well as academics and senior officials in the civil government and the private sector, who sought to create a mutual vision to face the challenges of modern and future wars and their impact on the UAE and the entire region.

This year's conference is a follow-up to the 2016 conference and will aim to understand the nature of modern conflicts and assess their regional and international impact while discovering the tools to contain these conflicts and discussing the best international practices, to respond to and address their impact on a national level.

Source: WAM