Global Sustainability Network Marks 10th Anniversary As UAE Minister Unveils Freedom Pom Pom Initiative
Leaders, experts and international delegates gathered in Abu Dhabi as Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan joined a major event marking the 10th anniversary of the Global Sustainability Network, combining a high-level conference, the launch of a new initiative and a gala dinner programme.
The gathering at the Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal brought together policymakers, specialists and representatives from global institutions. The Global Sustainability Network used the occasion to unveil its "Freedom Pom Pom" initiative, which focuses on human dignity, ethical employment and protection of vulnerable communities, aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Sheikh Nahyan underlined that Global Sustainability Network efforts over ten years have supported the eighth UN Sustainable Development Goal, Decent Work and Economic Growth. Sheikh Nahyan said this goal offers a clear structure for inclusive growth, productive jobs and decent work, anchored in both practical and ethical standards for economies.
Ethical employment sat at the centre of Sheikh Nahyan’s remarks. Sheikh Nahyan stated that decent work requires fair wages, safe workplaces, genuine inclusion and protection from exploitation. Sheikh Nahyan added that the future of work should be driven not only by technology and innovation but also by shared human values and respect.
The conference programme examined links between several labour challenges. Sessions covered employment in conflict-affected areas, youth employment prospects, the influence of artificial intelligence on future jobs, efforts to tackle child labour and child marriage, media responsibility and ethical hiring practices, stressing that these issues are connected and demand joint responses from governments, employers and wider society.
On artificial intelligence, Sheikh Nahyan called for strong and responsible governance so new technologies support inclusion rather than deepen inequality. Sheikh Nahyan also urged development of a human-centred, evidence-based media environment, built around social purpose, so that information channels encourage ethical employment and fair treatment across different sectors.
Global Sustainability Network partners launch Freedom Pom Pom initiative
Sheikh Nahyan voiced firm backing for the Global Sustainability Network principle that people, especially those most at risk, should remain central to policies, technologies and institutions. Sheikh Nahyan welcomed the launch of "Freedom Pom Pom" with Hearts On A Mission and expressed hope that the partnership would deliver measurable benefits as implementation progresses.
Sheikh Nahyan highlighted that President His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan is committed to human values, respect for rights and dignity for everyone in the UAE. Sheikh Nahyan said the country continues to build a social model based on compassion, equal opportunity and shared responsibility across communities and sectors.
The agenda before the gala featured panel discussions with international speakers, government officials, civil society representatives and global organisations. The evening programme included a performance by 12-year-old singer-songwriter True El Deeb, who presented an original song honouring the UAE and donated its copyright. Sheikh Nahyan congratulated Global Sustainability Network co-founders Bishop Alastair Redfern and Raza Jafar, while Maren Krass of Hearts On A Mission presented Sheikh Nahyan with a commemorative memento acknowledging support for humanitarian and development work.
With inputs from WAM
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