H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and Chairman of the Education and Human Resources Council, affirmed that the development of education is a priority for the UAE National Vision 2021.

H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed's remarks came during his chairmanship of the council's 16th meeting last Friday, where he congratulated students, teachers and admin staff in the education sector at the start of the 2017-2018 academic year.

"The development of the educational system requires the concerted efforts of everyone to achieve what the nation aspires to prepare qualified generations that can withstand the challenges of the future," he said.

His Highness the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation also praised the UAE leadership's decision to unify educational systems, and apply the UAE School Model across the nation.

During the meeting, Najla bint Mohammed Al Awar, Minister of Community Development reviewed the outcomes of a study on the integration of "stakeholders" in public education.

Dr. Ahmad bin Abdulla Humaid Belhoul AlFalasi, Minister of State for Higher Education, showcased a detailed presentation on educational opportunities in higher education available to UAE citizens and high school graduates.

Dr. AlFalasi highlighted the state's keenness to provide educational opportunities to all citizens and enable them to meet the requirements of university studies by providing them with academic opportunities that suit their abilities and contribute to the development of their skills and knowledge.

The Minister of State for Higher Education also reviewed developments in the Ministry of Education's scholarship programme, as well as the upgrade of standards in line with the UAE's approach to obtain sustainable development, reach wider horizons, and welcome the growth of national cadres capable of leading the country's future development.

The meeting was attended by Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansouri, Minister of Economy, Dr. Abdul Rahman bin Mohammad bin Nasser Al Owais, Minister of Health and Prevention, Saqr bin Ghobash Saeed Ghobash, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation, Hussain bin Ibrahim Al Hammadi, Minister of Education, Jameela bint Salem Al Muhairi, Minister of State for Public Education, Shamma bint Sohail Faris AlMazrui, Minister of State for Youth Affairs, Dr. Abdulla Al Karam, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Director General of the Knowledge and Human Development Authority.