(MENAFN - Emirates News Agency (WAM)) Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, welcomed Standard '&' Poor's Leaders Forum held today at Intercontinental Hotel Abu Dhabi.
"Your forum is both important and well-timed for advancing investment opportunities in this region and around the world. I am therefore grateful that you have assembled today here in Abu Dhabi to think deeply about the most urgent economic and financial issues that may affect our region in the coming year", he added.
He noted that the forum celebrate the accomplishments of the remarkable array of outstanding global leaders who are here as speakers and role models.
Sheikh Nahyan said that able, dedicated leaders and persons of character and integrity can make a difference.
"We all appreciate, I'm sure, S'&'P's commitment to the Middle East's finance community. And since we all desire S'&'P's highest rating, I am also sure that you will make the most of today's events," he added.
Addressing the forum leaders, he underlined that they were not effective leaders in their investment fields only, but also mentors and role models who encourage many, many men and women to develop and employ leadership skills themselves.
"We celebrate Abu Dhabi and its place in the world economy. We celebrate the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, and His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and appreciate their tireless work for progress and prosperity," Sheikh Nahyan said.
"We are greatly inspired with their vision for Abu Dhabi and the UAE. Under the enlightened leadership of the President, the UAE is an integral part of the global economy," he added.
Sheikh Nahyan said the globalisation represents both opportunities and challenges as it offers great promise for improving the quality of life in all regions of the globe.
"As global leaders, it is your collective responsibility to see that your initiatives and practices will not only be profitable but also produce equitable benefits of globalisation for all regions of the world," he added.
The event brought together business leaders, global influencers and finance professionals, who focus on the financial community's critical role in driving sustainable economic development in the Middle East.
