Sustainability should start with community welfare, according to Sharjah ruler Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi.
Sheikh Sultan said that with societal well-being sustained, everything else will follow suit because “it will foster a sustainability mindset in every individual”.
His views were expressed in a viewpoint he gave recently to the global research and advisory company Oxford Business Group (OBG) in which he outlined Sharjah’s bid to create a robust economy that will act as a driver of societal and cultural development.
He said several considerations needed to be taken into account when analysing an economy’s strength and staying power, including its ability to help all segments of society realise their ambitions.
“We aim to create an economy that not only builds markets, but a complete nation; one that advances society along with every individual member,” he told OBG.
“Our goal is to build an economy that continually enhances Sharjah’s image as a home for its citizens, residents and investors.”
Social development and the part it will play in ensuring future economic growth is sustainable was another topical issue explored by Sheikh Sultan (pictured above).
“The purpose of development is not to burden the government, companies or organisations, but to provide a platform for long-term, profitable investment to nurture people’s skills, experiences, culture and creative capabilities,” he said.
“The true nature of development creates value in our work and makes life meaningful.”
Sheikh Sultan also said that he understood the challenges faced by individuals and businesses, adding that efforts were under way to strengthen key supporting infrastructure, services and legislation.
“It is said that economic practices should meet conditions for the sustainability of resources, the climate, the environment and businesses. We believe that the transition towards sustainability should start with community welfare. With societal well-being sustained, everything else will follow suit because it will foster a sustainability mindset in every individual.”
Oxford Business Group is a global research and advisory company with a presence in over 30 countries.
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