Abdullah Bin Zayed Chairs EHCD Council Meeting To Endorse Family Strategy And Initiatives

H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, led the Education, Human Development, and Community Development Council meeting in Abu Dhabi. H.H. Sheikha Mariam bint Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice Chairperson of the Council, was also present. The Council approved the Ministry of Family's new strategy and examined initiatives under the Emirati Family Growth agenda.

The Emirati Family Growth agenda is a comprehensive approach to family development in the UAE. It focuses on demographic concerns and broader developmental goals. H.H. Sheikh Abdullah emphasised that strong families are essential for a thriving society and economy. "We are not chasing numbers; we are building a foundation that nurtures confident and capable generations ready to shape the country’s future," he stated.

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H.H. Sheikh Abdullah highlighted the importance of empowering Emirati families as a national priority. He described it as a strategic investment in the UAE's future and sustainable development. "The family is the foundation of society and the primary source of national values," he said, stressing the need for data-driven policies and realistic programmes to support family stability.

The meeting discussed progress on various fronts, including policy development, social interventions, and reproductive health initiatives. The UAE Genome Programme was highlighted as a key tool for early genetic condition detection, supporting safe conception and healthy family growth.

H.H. Sheikha Mariam bint Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan reiterated that Emirati families are central to national stability and prosperity. "The UAE places high importance on the family," she said, emphasising an inclusive framework that supports youth through family formation and parenting while balancing personal and professional life.

Sana bint Mohammed Suhail, Minister of Family, presented a comprehensive strategy for 2025–2027 aimed at promoting family stability and wellbeing. This strategy focuses on understanding family needs and involves stakeholders in shared responsibility efforts across sectors like education, healthcare, housing, employment, and social services.

Strategic Initiatives for Youth

The Council's discussions included updates on initiatives supporting youth in marriage and parenthood while promoting long-term wellbeing. The strategy targets priority social groups such as senior citizens, people with special needs, and at-risk children to ensure their integration into society.

H.H. Sheikh Abdullah stressed leadership's commitment to enabling youth to establish stable families through incentives in marriage, healthcare, education, and social wellbeing. He called for accelerated action to positively impact marriage rates, fertility rates, quality of life, and children's health.

Commitment to National Goals

The meeting gathered ministers and senior representatives from federal and local government entities to discuss collaborative efforts supporting demographic balance and human development goals. Participants included Abdulrahman Bin Mohamed Al Owais (Minister of Health), Shamma bint Sohail Al Mazrui (Minister of Community Empowerment), Sarah bint Youssef Al Amiri (Minister of Education), among others.

Sana bint Mohammed Suhail highlighted reproductive health as crucial for family growth strategies. She noted national synergies through programmes like the UAE Genome Programme that aid in early genetic condition detection for safe conception.

The session concluded with renewed momentum towards translating vision into action through measurable improvements in family wellbeing. Participants underscored accelerating priority initiatives under the Emirati Family Growth agenda supported by integrated federal-local efforts across demographic spheres.

With inputs from WAM