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Storytellers, communication experts and advocates to convene at Dignified Storytelling Forum on Human Rights Day

DUBAI, 5th December 2021 (WAM) – Marking a key milestone in its journey to place human dignity at the heart of storytelling, Dignified Storytelling, an initiative by Dubai Cares, Expo 2020 Dubai and the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MoFaIC), is set to host its flagship Dignified Storytelling Forum on the 10th of December, 2021 at Dubai Exhibition Center (Hall 1A) at Expo 2020 Dubai, under the theme: "A story can change the world."

Since its launch in May 2021, Dignified Storytelling has served as a powerful platform that unites the voices of content makers, editors, journalists, photographers, filmmakers, storytellers, and contributors, equipping them with the awareness and hands-on knowledge that will enable them to capture moments and tell stories without compromising human dignity. This global network of individuals and organizations today is actively advocating for a global commitment towards the Dignified Storytelling Principles and storytelling practices characterized by deep respect, full transparency, and social responsibility. These principles have been agreed upon by a diverse group of stakeholders from UN agencies, INGOs, local NGOs and civil society through a consultative process.

The one-day forum, which is part of Expo 2020 Dubai’s rich calendar of specialist programming, will bring together key stakeholders – including members of civil society organizations, governments, the private sector, and international agencies as well as advocates, activists, and storytellers – to collectively agree on a way forward in validating, adopting and integrating the Dignified Storytelling Principles.

The agenda for the forum includes six technical sessions that will take place before the main program and are co-curated with key partners of Dignified Storytelling and represent a combination of interactive workshops, talks, and discussions. Topics range from ‘Role of Media in Advancing Dignified Storytelling for a Better World’ to ‘Promoting Youth-led Storytelling for Social Change’.

The main program includes three plenary discussions featuring high-level speakers such as Maher Nasser, Commissioner-General of the UN at Expo 2020 Dubai and the Director of Outreach Division in the UN Department of Global Communications; Dr. Rebecca Swift, Senior Director and Global Head of Creative Insights, Getty Images; Chief Moomen, Ghanaian poet, playwright and creative entrepreneur; Joung-Ah Ghedini-Williams, Head of Global Communications at UNHCR; Nassib Boueri, CEO, Wunderman Thompson MENA; and Tracey Corbin-Matchett, CEO, Bus Stop Films, among others. Participating leaders and experts are set to contribute their insights to discussions focusing on topics such as ‘Dignified Storytelling in Policy and Practice’ and ‘Dignified Storytelling with Historically Marginalized Communities’.

"As the United Nations joins the world at Expo 2020 in Dubai, we, as is the case with all storytellers, have a responsibility to ensure that the stories we tell are anchored in human dignity. For us to achieve a more equal, sustainable and peaceful future for everyone, in addition to achieving the SDGs by 2030, we have to protect the integrity of the most vulnerable amongst us. In a digitally connected world, we have the tools to share stories on multiple platforms and with that ability comes a responsibility – a responsibility to ensure that stories are told with a dignified storytelling perspective – a perspective that avoids the dehumanization and marginalization of subjects intentionally or unintentionally," said Maher Nasser, Commissioner-General of the UN at Expo 2020 Dubai and the Director of Outreach Division in the UN Department of Global Communications.

"As someone who is passionate about the importance of the visual language, I have seen how the marginalized and vulnerable can be exploited in the pursuit of the visual message. I believe we all need to take conscious steps to ensure we uphold human dignity in the visual stories we tell. At the Dignified Storytelling Forum, I will be sharing my personal experiences, highlighting the gaps that still exist in visual standards and discussing how we can drive change towards more authentic and diverse representations of people," said Dr. Rebecca Swift, Global Head of Creative Insights, Getty Images.

In addition, the agenda will feature the launch of the Dignified Storytelling Handbook, which builds on the foundational Principles for Dignified Storytelling and offers ‘how-to’ guidance and concrete best practice case studies. Cross-sectoral perspectives and insights from a diverse group of storytellers and experienced stakeholders from governments, UN agencies, international and local NGOs, and civil society have informed this valuable framework and resource that storytellers around the world will benefit from when embracing dignified storytelling in their work. To define and agree on the future course of the initiative, Dignified Storytelling partners will also announce the next steps that include legacy plans to ensure its long-term impact.

"Stories, bereft of human dignity are weapons to maim and destroy, but when centered around human dignity, are tools to mend and build. As a storyteller interested in the interconnectedness of the human experience across time, places, and cultures, the 10 principles of Dignified Storytelling are the essential bedrock on which one must treat the stories of others with truth and respect. My poetry at the forum will seek to immerse audiences in experiences of how stories can be weapons or tools depending on how dignified the storytelling is. I am really excited about this and I look forward to an engaging and inspiring forum that would strengthen our resolve to tell stories with dignity and respect," said Chief Moomen, Ghanaian poet, playwright and creative entrepreneur.

Human Rights Day, which is celebrated each year on December 10th, was particularly chosen as the date to host the Dignified Storytelling Forum as a reminder of the equal rights that all individuals are entitled to regardless of their race, ethnicity, religion, or gender. This also includes their right to have their stories told in a manner that upholds their dignity.

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Emirates

Hamdan bin Mohammed launches “04” unified interactive platform to link Dubai Government & its customers

DUBAI, 21st March, 2023 (WAM) — His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council, launched “04,” a platform connecting Dubai Government and its customers with a view to encouraging them to contribute to enhancing Dubai’s government services. The platform enables customers to submit suggestions, comments and complaints in three steps via an omnichannel experience.

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed said: “We have learned invaluable lessons from His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, that being proactive is the key to the government of the future. To become a proactive government, we must actively listen to the people and make informed decisions based on their input.”

His Highness said that the aim of the “04 Platform” is to bridge the gap between government and its customers. HH said: “Dubai’s model for future governments relies on a strong connection between the leadership and customers, whom it views as strategic partners in designing, implementing, and evaluating the services.” The platform will allow officials and stakeholders to directly receive and respond to customers’ opinions, suggestions, and ideas, as well as any challenges they may face.

His Highness added: “We have great confidence in the government work team, and I urge everyone to consistently engage with customers to meet their aspirations and exceed their expectations. Our ultimate goal is to promote the happiness of society and reinforce Dubai’s position as a world leader in government. We must have the courage to implement necessary changes in our relentless pursuit of excellence, paving the way for a better tomorrow.”

“04 Platform”
The launch of “04 Platform” aligns with Dubai’s ‘360 Services’ policy, which places customers at the heart of the process of developing government services and provides them with a unified platform to voice their opinions, offer suggestions and raise any challenges or complaints.

Developed by the Dubai Model Centre of the General Secretariat of The Executive Council and the Dubai Digital Authority, with the participation of more than 40 government entities and others, the “04 Platform” represents an innovative customer interface for all citizens, residents, and even visitors.

The platform aims to elevate customer satisfaction and happiness to new heights by providing a seamless experience for users. Customers can submit their feedback in just three simple steps: visiting the website (04.gov.ae), selecting the feedback category, and receiving a reference number for tracking and follow-up on their enquiries. The system also supports submission via WhatsApp for Business, where users can add 600500055 as a contact and message directly to provide their feedback.

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Humaid Al Nuaimi opens Raqib Mosque in Ajman

AJMAN, 21st March, 2023 (WAM) — H.H. Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ajman performed the Maghrib prayer today at Al Raqib Mosque in the Al Raqib area of Ajman, marking its opening in the presence of H.H. Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman and Chairman of Ajman Executive Council.

The mosque, built in the modern Islamic style, accommodates up to 1,350 worshippers, and its architecture relied on a system of building with portable walls without columns, in addition to external worship spaces, ablution facilities, an external hallway, extensive lush gardens, and parking lots.

The ruler of Ajman was briefed on the mosque's specs, listening to a comprehensive explanation of the mosque and its various facilities.

He commended the attention accorded to mosques across the nation by President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and Their Highnesses the Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates.

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Fatima bint Hazza honoured with Arab Woman Award in London

LONDON, 21st March, 2023 (WAM) — The Arab London Foundation awarded Sheikha Fatima bint Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairwoman of the Board of Directors of the Fatima bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy and the Fatima bint Hazza Cultural Foundation, the Arab Woman Award 2023, in recognition of her outstanding achievements and efforts in empowering women in various fields, especially cultural and sports.
Sheikha Fatima bint Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan received the award in the culture category during a ceremony held in London, UK, to present the annual Arab Women Awards in its eighth edition under the theme "Tell Her Story," in tribute to her initiatives and successful endeavours in promoting the role of women.
Sheikha Fatima bint Hazza Al Nahyan has been nominated for this award for her pioneering role in the cultural scene within the country and the region. She launched initiatives to provide access to education in affected areas in Bangladesh, built schools in Kenya, and established the Fatima bint Hazza Fund for Emirati women to enable them to pursue higher education at prestigious universities worldwide. Sheikha Fatima also launched several initiatives for young people through the Fatima bint Hazza Cultural Foundation, which focuses on art, literature, sustainability, and community interaction. It is worth noting that the foundation is also launching a series of short stories for young people that focus on culture, local identity, and sustainability.
The Arab London Foundation praised Sheikha Fatima bint Hazza's active role in empowering women in various fields, saying, "Sheikha Fatima bint Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan is committed to enhancing the role of women in various ways, as she is a supporter of sports and arts, and we are honoured to bestow her with the Achievement Award in Cultural Development."
In her speech during the ceremony, Sheikha Fatima bint Hazza greeted Arab women, considering that "this ceremony is a celebration of women's ability to excel, succeed, and contribute positively to the world."
She also thanked His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the State, and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, for their keenness to encourage women and provide them with all they need to play a positive role in society and achieve their dreams.
Sheikha Fatima bint Hazza added that "effective participation and making progress and positive change are the core values that we have been raised on. I am proud to represent my country, the UAE, where women have not had to struggle to obtain their rights, but have always been at the forefront since the establishment of the state."
Sheikha Fatima bint Hazza Al Nahyan stated that our founding father, Sheikh Zayed, instilled in us the idea of dreaming without limits and contributing to society through knowledge and good treatment. He believed that women are not only half of society but also the creators of future generations. He was ahead of his time in recognizing the role of women, even before advanced countries began to develop strategies related to this role. The presence of ten female ministers in the UAE government is evidence of gender equality in the country.
Sheikha Fatima bint Hazza Al Nahyan expressed her gratitude to her great inspiration, Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the "Mother of the Nation," President of the General Women's Union, Chair of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Chair of the Family Development Foundation. Sheikha Fatima is continuously inspired by her strength and immense interest in women's social and governmental affairs.
Sheikha Fatima bint Hazza Al Nahyan concluded her statement by saying that her father, Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Executive Council of Abu Dhabi, never stopped believing in and supporting her until she reached where she is now. He is one of the many male supporters of women in the UAE.
It is worth mentioning that the Arab London Foundation Award aims to highlight the successes of Arab women and honour distinguished women who have made a positive impact in the fields of education, literature, culture, media, entrepreneurship, science, community service, and more.
The Arab London Foundation launched the Arab Women's Award in 2014 in collaboration with the Mayor of London, government institutions, and British universities to show great appreciation for the achievements of Arab women worldwide.

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