FNC recommends establishing statistical units in govt bodies
abu dhabi — The President, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, has issued a federal decree adjourning the third ordinary session of the 16th chapter of the Federal National Council (FNC).
“The FNC can always do more in the performance of its national mission and serve the people of the UAE, and contribute to realising the vision of our leadership and unlimited aspirations to elevate the UAE and work to provide more for the renaissance of our people, happiness and prosperity,” said Dr Amal Al Qubaisi, FNC Speaker.
During the session, six questions were addressed, five of which were answered in writing by Dr Ahmed Bahloul Al Falasi, Minister of State for Higher Education and Advanced Skills. One of the questions by FNC member Khalid bin Zayed Al Falasi was regarding increasing the monthly allowance provided by the ministry to Emirati students studying abroad on scholarship programmes. The member said the allowance dropped by 30 per cent in the past two years.
Despite the council not discussing the minister’s response, the members adopted a recommendation
The FNC can always do more in the performance of its national mission and serve the people of the UAE.” Dr Amal Al Qubaisi, FNC Speaker
to increase the allowances of students studying abroad, based on the written response received from the minister.
Plans to meet UAE Vision 2021
“Our country is ranked first in the region and seventh in the world, among the most competitive countries in the world, ahead of countries such as Sweden, Norway and Canada for the first time,” said Dr Al Qubaisi.
The council issued a report regarding the strategic plan for country’s global competitiveness and its compatibility with UAE Vision 2021 and beyond, and the role of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority, in developing a legislation to support the statistical and competitive requirements. The report states that the role of the orgnisation in linking the ministries, the federal and local authorities, in providing data and information available to the decision-maker, is key.
The council emphasised the importance of measuring the achievement of a strategic goal to enhance the position of the UAE in global competitiveness reports.
The council thus stressed on the need for establishing statistical units in ministries, federal and local government bodies, in order to enhance the coordination with the components of the official statistical system. The FNC said this will allow entities to follow up the performance reports of government and private sectors in the global competitiveness.
jasmine@khaleejtimes.com For the people The UAE’s legislative process is making quiet progress with some landmark decisions that benefit citizens and the community. Federal National Council members are rising to the occasion and posing the right questions for the welfare of the public. They have placed accountability and transparency at the centre with robust debates and honest discussions on a wide range of issues. A maturing of the legislative process and institutions is what we are witnessing.