MINISTERS SPEAK TO KT:

Ohoud bint Khalfan Al Roumi, minister of State for Happiness and Wellbeing,

spoke about how the focus of the initiative was mainly the practical involvement of the community in co-designing solutions. “The Community Design for Wellbeing is a platform that aims at designing initiatives by the community and for the community. This event particularly focused on healthy and active lifestyle because health plays an important role in improving one’s wellbeing and happiness. The obesity rate in the UAE is around 26 per cent which points out at an unhealthy lifestyle, this is why we have gathered people of the UAE from different age groups, nationalities in a bid to ask them what would motivate them to exercise and opt for healthy, nutritional options.”

Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, minister of climate change and Environment,

said: “I must congratulate the team of the National Programme of Happiness and Wellbeing for calling the key players, stakeholders and government to come at one common platform and showcase the best practices they are implementing that can benefit the community.”

Hessa bint Essa Buhumaid, minister of community Development,

said: “What makes this initiative stand out is the community involvement and its inclusive approach where it is asking all members of society to co-create solutions along with the government and private entities. I am sure this initiative will help our national agenda.”