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Al Hajri emphasised how governments and local authorities are committed to

building a better future for coming generations, regardless of their background or
origin. Citing the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al

Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, he observed that
cities that have succeeded in capitalising on transformative opportunities are the

ones leading today's global landscape, and how the fundamental duty of
governments is to present such opportunities that foster the development of
individuals.

Opportunities

Speaking about examples of opportunities, Al Hajri stated, "Globally,

opportunities and governments' abilities to differentiate them are different. The
capacity to recognise these opportunities is one of the primary abilities that

leaders and governments need to possess. This way, numerous cities have
managed to turn enormous obstacles into disruptive breakthroughs and success
stories, serving as an inspiration to communities worldwide."

He cited the COVID-19 pandemic as an illustration of how people around the

globe recognised a problem and transformed this challenge into new
opportunities that fuelled economic growth. This facilitated the development of

technical infrastructure in all fields, such as business, government, education,
and health, to equip cities operationally and technologically for any challenges

that may arise in the future.

“Several cities have acknowledged the significance of youth and the opportunity
they have to shape the future and propel development. There can be no

sustained development of societies without active collaboration with the youth as
they hold the key to future and innovation. They have set ambitious goals for
their development and to weave their successes through an effective government

agenda. Today, as His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum,
Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, says, we have 200 million

Arab youths, which is 200 million times the positive energy," Al Hajri added.

Cities of Opportunity Framework

https://www.msn.com/en-ae/news/other/wgs-2024-dawoud-al-hajri-underscores-key-axes-influencing-
cities-of-opportunity-role-of-youth-in-shaping-future/ar-BB1igKIL