Sharjah24: The Sharjah Social Services Department, in partnership with the Emirates Strategic Planning and Foresight Future Association, held a workshop titled "Strategic Planning for Public Benefit Associations in Sharjah" at Centro Sharjah Hotel. This workshop is part of a series of training sessions organised by the department to share knowledge among public benefit associations.

Dr. Abdul Quddus Al Obaidly, President of the Emirates Strategic Planning and Foresight Future Association, led the workshop. He discussed various topics, including the importance of strategic planning for public benefit associations, strategic planning methods, components of strategy, inputs for strategic plans, leadership directions for the Emirate of Sharjah, basic principles of planning, and methods for futures studies in public benefit associations. Additionally, he compared strategic planning and futures studies.

During the meeting, Al Obaidli shared his experiences in planning for the Emirates Intellectual Property Association and highlighted its achievements at local, regional, and international levels due to strategic planning and futures studies. The association's contributions include participation in events, provision of training courses, enhancement of the country's global ranking in intellectual property, review and development of intellectual property legislation, participation in regional and international forums, and signing of memoranda of understanding.

Al Obaidli emphasised that the workshop aims to instill strategic planning as a culture and practice in public benefit associations. He stressed the importance of aligning with the leadership directions of the Emirate of Sharjah, reflecting the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah and Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah and chairperson of the Supreme Council of Family Affairs (SCFA). The leadership’s vision covers various sectors, including education, family, society, religion, health, economy, environment, culture, and sports, with over 40 public benefit associations focusing on these areas. He also underscored the significance of strategic planning in driving development and advancing public benefit associations towards achieving developmental goals, in line with the vision of Sharjah’s leadership.

Abdul Quddus highlighted the diverse roles played by the Emirates Association for Strategic Planning in promoting the culture of strategic planning and providing support in areas related to realising the UAE's vision. The association is recognised for excellence and contributes to measuring strategic maturity and enhancing future readiness.



Social Work Development: 
Kholoud Al Nuaimi, Director of the Social Work Licensing and Development at the Sharjah Social Services Department, stressed the importance of bolstering the department's efforts to advance and regulate the operations of associations and non-profit institutions in the emirate. She praised the collaboration with the Emirates Strategic Planning and Foresight Future Association in organising this workshop.

She highlighted that these endeavours are part of a broader initiative to offer a range of training sessions and workshops facilitated by the department. These initiatives aim to transfer knowledge and enhance capacities within the realm of social services, ultimately elevating the performance of public benefit associations and institutions across Sharjah.

Al Nuaimi indicated that the Social Services Department will host various workshops and specialized lectures targeting the skill development of association leaders and civil institution managers. This will empower associations to strengthen their capabilities and enhance their effectiveness in achieving their objectives through these educational platforms.

Moreover, she underscored the department's authority to oversee the operations of these associations within the emirate, issuing licenses through the Licensing and Social Work Development Department to enable social activities. This regulatory framework aims to improve governance in civil society within Sharjah, enhance the quality of social services, and foster collaboration and synergy among diverse entities in the social sector.

It's noteworthy that there are approximately 45 associations and civil institutions in Sharjah, all officially registered with the Ministry of Community Development after meeting stipulated criteria.