A platform for cooperation

Abdullah Salem Al Dhaheri, UAE Ambassador to Indonesia and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), said Expo 2020 Dubai is a key international platform underscoring the values of solidarity, cooperation and innovation.

In an interview with the Emirates News Agency (WAM), he stressed Expo 2020 Dubai is a crucial milestone in the country’s development, noting the world is gathering at this significant international event, which coincides with the country’s Golden Jubilee, and exploring the inspiring experience of the UAE.

He added Expo 2020 Dubai is a key platform for promoting cooperation between countries to ensure the connection of minds to shape the future, as well as to exchange expertise and enhance collective action to achieve sustainable and balanced development.

Expo 2020 Dubai will help draft a roadmap for the main economic, development and cultural recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, which involves preparing to engage in the digital economy, Al Dhaheri further added. The event supports efforts aimed at strengthening the role of the innovative economy and cultural and creative movement in empowering talents, he noted.

He then pointed out that Expo 2020 Dubai, as the largest international event in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia, showcases the cultures, civilisations and history of this region to drive human innovation and collective action based on the values of compassion, peace and coexistence.

Speaking about the role of Expo 2020 Dubai in preparing future leaders, Al Dhaheri stressed the international event is a great opportunity to motivate and inspire youth and equip them with the necessary skills to succeed. He added that the “Youth Connect” forum is one of the leading initiatives of the event and connects youth and empowers them to perform a pivotal role in shaping a bright future.

On climate change, which is a crucial topic at Expo 2020 Dubai, especially with the selection of the UAE to host COP28, he affirmed the UAE plays an influential role in addressing climate change, adding that the country has launched international initiatives aimed at achieving sustainability.

Indonesia is participating in the event through a large pavilion that promotes diversity, innovation and opportunities. It showcases Indonesia’s contributions to shaping a better future, he further said, noting Expo 2020 Dubai coincides with significant developments in Emirati-Indonesian ties. Both sides are working together to forge a comprehensive strategic partnership in economic and commercial areas.

Indonesia’s participation in the international event will help increase trade exchange between the two friendly countries, which exceeded $3 billion in 2020, Al Dhaheri said in conclusion.

Cybersecurity: The Israel National Cyber Directorate led an unprecedented international drill on Tuesday 16th November, in Dubai, simulating a multinational cyber attack on the aviation industry. The event was held in the Israeli pavilion at World Expo Dubai 2020, in partnership with the Cybersecurity Council of the United Arab Emirates. Yigal Unna, Director General of the Israel National Cyber Directorate, and Dr Mohammed Al Kuwaiti, Managing Director of the National Data Centre, were in attendance.

Participating in the event were representatives from airports, airlines, aircraft manufacturers, civilian aviation authorities, cyber authorities and cybersecurity companies from various countries, including; Israel, the United States, Germany, Greece, Morocco, Bahrain and the UAE. This was the first time that representatives from a number of countries gathered to simulate a cyber attack of this kind and worked together on how to handle it.

According to Tamir Goren, Director of Special Technologies in the Technology Unit in the Israel National Cyber Directorate and a former pilot, “International organisation and collaboration on this issue is necessary, as over the past decade, we have seen an upswing in the number of attempted attacks on the aviation sector around the world at different levels of sophistication. Aviation has become more digitally advanced, and communications between various threats has significantly increased the possibility of attacks. There have not yet been any attacks that have damaged aviation safety, nevertheless, the aviation sector and cyber authorities are intensifying efforts in this field in order to ensure the continued safety of aviation and functional continuity. The Israel National Cyber Directorate and the Civil Aviation Authority are leading these efforts in Israel.”

Showcasing educational expertise: University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD), the first international Australian university in the UAE, is set to participate on the global stage at expo 2020 Dubai across key educational programs and through a fruitful partnership with the Australia Pavilion.

From October to December this year, expo 2020 Dubai will conduct focused sessions and talks on varied subjects led by experts from the education sector on themes such as educational barriers, innovation and the future of work. UOWD will be supporting the Australian pavilion and participating at expo 2020 through talks, activations and activities during the entire duration of expo.

In alignment with expo 2020 Dubai’s theme - “Connecting Minds, Creating the Futures”, UOWD’s academics will be part of key talks throughout the six-month event, helping to promote activities at the Australia Pavilion and see 150 university students participate in various internship opportunities across the global event.

Professor Mohamed Salem, President of UOWD, said: “With the outstanding support from the Australian Pavilion, we are delighted to have our academics and thought leaders showcase the university’s commitment to education and contribute to the UAE’s future generations. World expos in the past have brought together key thinkers and leaders from across countries and industries, in the spirit of community, collaboration and creativity - helping to solve some of the world’s most pressing problems.

We are proud to participate in this landmark event and help contribute by offering internship opportunities for our students at such a monumental event, strengthening their professional skills and helping them prepare for a real work environment”.

In November, UOWD’s Associate Dean Research and an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Engineering & Information Sciences, Dr May ElBarachi, will take part in a talk centered around smart cities where she will share her knowledge and experience on urban development in alignment with Dubai’s ambitious growth plans such as 2040 Master Plan and how education can play a key role to future-proofing the nation.

Focusing on women in business, leadership and inspiring female entrepreneurs, UOWD’s Dean, Faculty of Business, Prof Payyazhi Jayashree, will also engage in a series of conversations during an education workshop as part of the World Majlis series at the Women’s Pavilion.

As part of Tolerance and Inclusion Week which runs from 14 - 20 November 2021, UOWD’s Head of School of Humanities, Social Sciences and Health, Dr Feras Hamza, will host a public lecture on how fostering a greater common understanding enables more tolerant and inclusive societies through relationships with the media and storytelling.

UOWD will also be heavily involved with activities taking place at the Australia Pavilion including expo’s “Technological Thursday” event series and enabling internship opportunities for over hundreds of students in multiple roles spanning administration, finance, guest experience and hosts. The opportunities for these students by UOWD at the world’s largest event will enable them to receive on the job experience and being part of Dubai’s history.

WAM