By: Sheikha Lubna Bint Khalid Al-Qasimi. Former Minister in the Government of United Arab Emirates, Former President of Zayed University, UAE. Leaders are known and remembered for years and possibly generations as they make a profound impact on their organizations, societies, or countries. Each has a different environment and history, but they all share in their longer term visions, and in their ability to see what the future can hold. They believe in a more optimistic future and get others to follow them, as they know leaders will bring them the happier, brighter future they aspire for. This longer term vision comes from knowing their organizations and societies well, and the potential they hold. Once selected, they also stay connected and engaged as they believe that no barriers should come between them and their constituencies, as they follow the implementation of their vision at each stage. For the U.A.E., no leader is remembered more fondly that the late Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, May his soul rest in peace. For his vision encompassed not only the whole society and all the Emirates of the UAE, but all of humankind. He was a remarkable leader who demonstrated the value of his vision and was thus acclaimed as an exceptional world-wide figure. The UAE today is blessed to compete among the top 10 most competitive nations worldwide due to the sound foundations laid at the establishment of the nation under Shaikh Zayed’s leadership. Shaikh Zayed was blessed with worldly wisdom that he used in his messages. “He who does not know his past cannot make the best of his present and future, for it is from the past that we learn.” Is but one of his famous sayings. And yes indeed, the UAE has learned from its past and is thriving today for the wisdom it embraces in our everyday life. Shaikh Zayed was born in 1918. He experienced poverty and the harsh environment that everyone lived in a century ago, an era when fishing boats roamed the Arabian Gulf, a time when pearl divers whispered a fond adieu to friends and family as they set sail to the unknown, back when daily staples were made mainly of dates and whateveravailable produce from simple farmsin scattered oases inland. As Sheikh Zayed grewup from children’s games into adulthood, he gazed at his surroundings and traveled across the rough terrains. As he met many people from all walks of life, he gained a deeper perception of the land and people. In the1930’s and later after WW2 in the late 50’s and 60’s a new history was in the making, as even though the economy went in decline initially due to the advent of cultured pearls, which ended the main trade in natural pearls from the Arabian Gulf, it was evident that Abu Dhabi held commercial quantities of black gold that can be produced, luring global corporations closer to undertake geological surveys and start the exploration process. Sheikh Zayed praised the almighty for the gift of oil; he was handed a key to growth and progress and realized it was time to convert the dry desert into a green heaven. He knew the opportunity for progress has come for Abu Dhabiwith the advent of oil, making it a regional power, but this wasn’t good enough. He took a bigger opportunity, and drew a bigger picture with the potential of a united federation with neighboring Emirates. December 2, 1971 was a day to be remembered, the unity of the seven emirates was declared, Sheikh Zayed stood proudly beside his brothers, rulers of the Emirates with eyes gazing up higher as the red, green, black and white flag wasraisedfor the first time to greet the passing clouds and cross the seven skies. And ever since then, not only Abu Dhabi but the whole of the UAE has developed swiftly. As we look around today, we can easily see Sheikh Zayed’s legacy across the country. He emphasized that “Past years have emphasized the importance of unity as a vital necessity to provide a better life for the people, to ensure stability in the country, and to realize the hopes and aspirations of our people.” Sheikh Zayed also emphasized the importance of building human capital, frequently stating that: “Wealth is not in money [by itself]. Wealth lies in [the capabilities of] the men [and women]. This is where true power lies, the power we value”. Therefore, he focused on education as a top priority for the UAE, raising new generations of educated Emiratis to serve their country. Zayed wisely managed the resources of the country and fully utilized it to the benefit of national growth. He had a vision for the entire society, young and old, men and women, who were provided equal opportunity in his vision. “Islam affords women their rightful status, and encourages them to work in all sectors, as long as they are afforded appropriate respect,” he said. Women were given responsibilities in key positions in government institutions and had integral roles in decision making. I was honored to be the first female Minister in the Federal Cabinet in 2004, and now the UAE has nine female cabinet ministers, and the speaker of the Federal National Council is the first woman in this capacity in the Arab world ever. Inspired by his vision, Her Highness Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, “Mother of the Nation”, urged Emirati women to pursue education and contribute alongside their brothers to turn the wheels of national development. “Women’s activities began in the early seventies with only four ladies,” Sheikha Fatima recalled, and this small group created the first women’s gathering under the name of the Abu Dhabi Women Development Association in 1973,” she said. She has also ensured equal opportunity for women of the UAE and paved the way for countless valuable contributions from Emirati women across all sectors of society. “The establishment of the women’s union with the unlimited support of Sheikh Zayed constituted one of the pillars of the federation, as well as a major turning point in the march of progress for women,” Her Highness added. Not only has Sheikh Zayed opened his heart to his citizens, but also to the larger worldwide community. The UAE became a symbol of respect and tolerance, home to over 200 nationalities of various backgrounds and faiths, where they live, thrive,and pursue happiness and prosperity within the national progress. Zayed said, “The land is God’s land, and the wealth is from Allah Almighty, so all are welcome to share [within the laws of the country]”. He also said:“To treat every person, no matter what his creed or race, as a special soul, is a mark of Islam.” Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan applied his tolerance, love for peace,and mediation ideals regionally within the Arabian Gulf region, and in the wider Arab world, where the UAE has traditionally sought to enhance cooperation and resolve disagreements through a calm pursuit of dialogue and understanding. He was instrumental in establishing the Arabian Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), a regional group that protects the interests of the six GCC nations, with its establishment declaration signed in 1980 in Abu Dhabi. He also made sure the UAE would increasingly shoulder its share of the international aid and development, and established in 1971 the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development. The UAE today has over forty funds and humanitarian organizations, and hosts a number of international aid and relief programs. It is also the number one country in relief and development aid worldwide by ratio to its gross domestic product (GDP). In 2004, on the 19th of Ramadan, a beautiful soul which left its mark on our mourning hearts returned to our Creator. Sheikh Zayed died and left behind a legacy as the Father of the Nation. He was succeeded as the UAE’s President and as Ruler of Abu Dhabi by his eldest son, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan in 2004. The principles and philosophy that he brought to government, however, remain at the core of the state, and in its policies today. His name is by now known to mankind for over a half-century, he is an everlasting inspiration to his people to reach higher heights, dream bigger dreams, and achieve greater pursuits. Perhaps the most important lesson we could learn is that a great leader never leaves a legacy of just followers, but rather more leaders. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan, a name that shall remain in our hearts today, tomorrow and for eternity. May His Soul Rest in Peace

By H.E. Mrs. Päivi Kaukoranta, Ambassador of Finland. I have assumed recently, in the beginning of October, my functions as the Ambassador of Finland to the Kingdom of the Netherlands and as Permanent Representative to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons. My responsibilities cover also the International Criminal Court and other Hague based institutions. It has been a flying start with a wealth of most interesting meetings and discussions. With a background in international law, last nine years as Director General for Legal Affairs at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, I am most happy to get an opportunity to serve my country in The Hague, in the legal capital of the World. My home country, Finland is a country with a population of 5,5 million contrary to the 17,1 million inhabitants of my new host country, the Netherlands. There are 18,1 inhabitants per square kilometer in Finland – in the Netherlands the density of population is 507 inhabitants per square kilometer. 75 % ofthe land area of Finland, which is about three times the land area of the Netherlands, is covered by forests.

  Despite of thesedifferences the Netherlands is for Finland a very close and like-minded partner in the European Union and more generally in international cooperation. The foreign policy of our two governments is practical and solution-oriented with its foundation on basic values.The Netherlands is also for us a benchmarking country for example when it comes to socio-political solutions and social innovations. With some essence of truth, we may call the Netherlands the most southern Nordic country.The Netherlands ranks as third in export from Finland and fifth as an import country. Our trade and economic relations are close even if the high volume of transit trade through the port of Rotterdam explains part of it. Maintaining and enhancing these good relations at all levels will naturally be high on the agenda of our Embassy. In the city of peace and justiceour tasks extend also to the established international institutions as well as to the more recent ones. International Criminal Court, Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons and other international and European institutions will deserve our constructive contribution – not least now when multilateral cooperation encounters particular challenges. Finland will hold the Presidency of the European Union in the second half of 2019. Our small but   efficient team at the Embassy will do its utmost to manage the tasks of the local Presidency. The Finnish expatriate community in the Netherlands amounts to ca. 5000 people. The Dutch-Finnish Society, Finnish Dutch Chamber of Commerce and Finnish Seamen’s Mission are trusted partners of the Embassy of Finland. The few weeks experience in The Hague has already been a testimony of the good reputation thereof – the host country, organisations and fellow diplomats have guaranteed a warm welcome to a newcomer. I am looking forward to continued good cooperation with all of you!      

By H.E. Mr. Per Thöresson, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Sweden in Germany.

On 1–5 April 2019, Sweden will be the official Partner Country at the Hannover Fair – Hannover Messe – the world’s largest trade fair for smart, connected industry. Sweden is the first Nordic country to have been invited to be Partner Country. This is of course a great honour, and a reflection of Sweden’s good reputation as an industrial nation. Somewhat tongue-in-cheek, Germany could be described as a big country with many successful medium-sized companies, while Sweden – like the Netherlands – is a comparatively small country with many large, global companies. To the average consumer, IKEA or H&M would perhaps spring to mind, but the fact is that Sweden has long been a breeding ground for successful industrial multinationals, like ABB, SKF and Ericsson, which have laid the foundations for the country’s modern economy. These three and many more are of course very much involved in preparations for next year’s Hannover Fair. But there is also growth from below. In recent years, Sweden has become a leading “tech hub” of Europe, with a flourishing start-up scene. Or did you know that, per capita, Stockholm has the largest number of “unicorns” – start-up companies valued at over $1 billion – after Silicon Valley? A great many Swedish start-ups will also be at the Hannover Fair, building international networks for the future. For Swedish companies, the key to success has been a capacity to innovate, combined with a positive approach to change, which has enabled long-established businesses to remain at the cutting edge for many decades. Sweden has a strongly export-driven economy that has always been dependent on how well our companies perform on world markets and manage to adapt to new global challenges. Swedes, moreover, tend to be forward-looking and keen to try new technology. In a sense, Sweden itself is something of a “test bed” for new, innovative solutions, before they are launched on global markets.

  This should be a major advantage in the industrial revolution we are all now in the midst of, in which innovative thinking and the ability to adapt and cooperate globally are more important than ever. The focus of the Swedish partnership in Hannover will therefore be on the factors crucial to our future as a modern industrial nation: co-creation and innovation. Under the motto of “Sweden Co-Lab”, we will present ourselves as an incubator for co-creation (Co) and innovation (Lab), and we hope to see a wide range of opportunities for collaboration and exchange of expertise among Swedish, German and international businesses and research institutions, as well as at the political level. In Sweden we often talk about the “triple helix” principle: the need for private companies, academia and government agencies to work together to achieve results. Already last year, in conjunction with Chancellor Angela Merkel’s visit to Prime Minister Stefan Löfven in Stockholm, our Governments signed up to a German–Swedish partnership for innovation. It covers four main areas: mobility, digitalisation, test beds and eHealth. These are four important sectors for the future, in which our countries complement each other well. To generalise a little, I would say that Swedish companies are often world leaders in new, innovative solutions, while their German counterparts are masters of process and quality. Combining these strengths would ensure new, competitive collaborations and business solutions in a sector that is changing at unprecedented speed. At the Hannover Fair, though, the whole world will be gathered. Of the 6,500 exhibitors, over 60 per cent will be from other countries. The potential for networking is enormous.

The Hannover Fair will provide considerable exposure for Sweden and Swedish companies, and offers a unique chance for Swedish industry to market itself, its products and its capabilities, as well as to find new business partners in Germany and worldwide. Watch out for press conferences organized by the representatives of the Hannover Messe, Swedish Embassies and Business Sweden all over the world during winter 2018/19 ahead of the fair. But the Hannover Fair will also be an opportunity to showcase Swedish music and culture, not least at the inaugural ceremony, which the German Chancellor and Swedish Prime Minister will be participating in the evening before the fair opens. The following day we look forward to opening, together with the Chancellor, the “Sweden Co-Lab Digital Factory”, as the Swedish pavilion will be called, to the estimated 220,000 visitors to the fair. We hope you will be among them!