An astronaut in government is a star signing
▶ Dr Sultan Al Neyadi’s Cabinet post shows a nation that values diverse talent and experience
An effective manager will tell you that, when assembling a strong team, success often depends upon having as wide a range of perspectives as possible. The same holds true for the serious business of governing, and few cabinets can boast someone who spent six arduous months in orbit, looking down on the fragile planet that we all call home.
From now on, Cabinet meetings in the UAE will be joined by a new minister who possesses this unique perspective. Emirati astronaut Dr Sultan Al Neyadi has been called to serve as Minister of State for Youth as part of a broader ministerial reshuffle that highlights once more the country’s commitment to having a government including all talents.
Despite being in his early 40s – relatively young in most political circles – Dr Al Neyadi has already forged a formidable academic and military career that preceded his six-month mission on the International Space Station last year. It was a demanding experience that was defined by scientific and technical experimentation. Since then, Dr Al Neyadi has shared his experience with a new generation of Emiratis captivated by the exciting possibilities of working in the space sector. That interest is bound to increase after yesterday’s announcement of the UAE’s involvement in the Gateway Lunar project.
People with such drive and experience, coupled with a demonstrable spirit of public service, will be vital for governments around the world in the years ahead as they try to lead their people through a complex array of challenges, such as climate change and rapid technological development. These require governing figures who are, at the very least, familiar with such topics, who can demonstrate resilience and offer capable leadership. Such qualities and experience are often forged outside of the rough and tumble of the political world.
Many countries have created a governing culture that successfully harnesses such talents and prioritises aptitude over profile. Singapore, for example, has benefitted from public servants who are “expected to be technically minded, longterm thinkers and with a deep utilitarian streak”, according to a 2015 examination of the powerhouse Asian economy by Doug Hendrie, an author and lecturer in the School of Culture and Communication at the University of Melbourne.
Regrettably, however, too many other countries’ politics are increasingly coming to be defined by populism and quickfix solutions. Having people in leadership roles for the wrong reasons can result in a failure to master the brief, at best. At worst, such appointments add to the disillusionment many ordinary citizens feel about their government.
Dozens of new governments are to be formed this year around the world. Much is at stake as unresolved conflicts rage and nations struggle to adapt to climate change. Given this sobering context, technocratic and innovative appointments might be just what are needed, not only to arrive at the correct solutions, but to ensure that the man or woman with the right perspective and experience is in place to get the job done.