H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and Chairman of the Education and Human Resources Council (EHRC) presided over the virtual council meeting held via video conferencing. During the meeting, Sheikh Abdullah lauded the nursing cadres and their role played during the Covid-19 pandemic. He highlighted their selfless services, sacrifices and devotion to the country, being a key frontline worker. H.H. noted that their continuous efforts deserves appreciation and support.  

“Nursing cadres are an integral part of the UAE’s health system, and we have a duty to provide them with a supportive environment, development opportunities and plans aimed at reinforcing their efficiency, as well as to highlight their contributions to drafting health plans, achieving national priorities and ensuring an ideal and flexible response to health crises and emergencies,” Sheikh Abdullah said.

Abdulrahman bin Mohamed Al Owais, Minister of Health and Prevention, presented the “National Strategy for Nursing and Midwifery Professions-Roadmap for 2025”. It showcases country’s readiness to adopt the most relevant and leading regional and global practices to bolster the healthcare system.

The country’s brand new strategy encourages more citizens to pursue the nursing and midwifery profession, promote related academic programmes, and raise the quality of these services across the country through five strategic pillars. These pillars are: governance and effective legislation, a comprehensive labour administration system for the nursing and midwifery profession, high-quality health and nursing services, improving the quality and innovation in education and professional development, and scientific research and evidence-based practice.

Hussain Ibrahim Al Hammadi, Minister of Education, presented the latest developments in education system amid the Covid-19 pandemic. He also highlighted the procedures and controls in place for governing attendance of students, teachers and administrative staff at public and private schools, nurseries, and universities.

Shamma Al Mazrui, Minister of State for Youth Affairs, suggested that a new criteria must be adopted for the requirements of accepting scholarships programmes, according to the best international standards.

The council also discussed the significance of broadening the room for scholarship destinations, fields, specialisations and languages, to help expand the knowledge gained by Emirati students.

The meeting was attended by Abdul Rahman bin Mohammad bin Nasser Al Owais, Minister of Health and Prevention, Hussain bin Ibrahim Al Hammadi, Minister of Education, Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Youth, Jameela Al Muheiri, Minister of State for Public Education, Nasser bin Thani Al Hamli, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation, Hessa Essa Buhumaid, Minister of Community Development, Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy, Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of State for Entrepreneurship and SMEs, Zaki Nusseibeh, Minister of State, and United Arab Emirates University Chancellor, Shamma bint Suhail Faris Al Mazrui, Minister of State for Youth Affairs, and Sarah bint Yousif Al Amiri, Minister of State for Advanced Sciences, Secretary General of the Council.

Other attendees of the meeting were: Sara Awad Issa Musallam, Chairperson of the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge, Dr Abdulla Al Karam, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Director General of the Knowledge and Human Development Authority - Dubai, Dr. Muhadditha Yahya Al Hashimi, Chairperson of Sharjah Private Education Authority, and Muhamed Khalifa Al Nuaimi, Director of Education Affairs Office at the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Court.

 WAM