UAE seeks to be among world's leaders in science, technology and Innovation

The UAE has confirmed the continuation of its Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) policy to achieve its strategy of making the country one of the world's leading investors in technology development by the Golden Jubilee of the Union in 2021.

This announcement came during the UAE’s statement at the meetings of the Second Committee of the United Nations, UN, General Assembly on an item regarding information and communication technology related to development.

The UAE, which has become a leading example in various forms of technological development and was ranked first in the Arab world in the "Networked Readiness Index, NRI, 2016" of the World Economic Forum, recognises the fact that cyberspace is an important part of politics, the economy and culture.

Statistics from the International Telecommunication Union, ITU, also pointed out that the UAE has the highest rates of Internet access to information and communication technology in the world, regardless of user age groups.

The statement gave an example of this fact with regards to the participation of most members of the UAE Cabinet on social media, as well as the strong and distinguished presence of government institutions on the Internet to reach out to all members of society while the country’s private sector and cultural institutions have benefitted from opportunities provided by entrepreneurs and investors, with the support of the government.

The statement also noted the country’s efforts to strengthen its ownership and promote the use of technological education, including the establishment of the Fourth Industrial Revolution Council and its investment in the development of a knowledge-based economy, which are the foundations of the country’s future non-oil economy.

The country has also launched over 100 initiatives in the sectors of education, health, energy, transport, aerospace, water, solar energy, intellectual property and biotechnology research, the statement added.

The statement ended by stressing the importance of continuing international discussions and multilateral co-operation on information and communication technology, which includes the creation of laws and principles governing this area, to minimise any negative consequences and begin implementing the goals of the "2030 Vision."

The statement said the Council of Ministers communicated with all of society through mass and social media and furthered opportunities with the private sector and entrepreneurs. A council for the fourth industrial revolution had been established, seeking to build relations between public and private institutions for technological diplomacy.

''Such efforts reflected the UAE’s commitment to modernity, openness, tolerance and the participation of all people in ICTs,'' it added.

The UAE also participated in numerous forums and meetings that addressed the future of the Internet and emphasised the importance of international cooperation for ICTs for development. In that regard, the United Arab Emirates also sought to strengthen multilateral cooperation and the creation of effective laws and regulations.

During the meetings, speakers highlighted the continuing digital divide and need for international investment in capacity-building and improved Internet access, especially in developing countries.