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2/15/24, 2:58 PM WGS 2024: Dawoud Al Hajri underscores key axes influencing 'Cities of Opportunity', role of youth in shaping future
'Cities of Opportunity' session at the World Governments Summit (WGS) 2024,

held in Dubai.

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

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