In Its 2025 Cultural Season
The National Library and Archives Highlights the Importance of Social Innovation in Building Sustainable Societies
As part of its 2025 cultural season, and in coordination with the Institutional Innovation Committee, the National Library and Archives organized a seminar titled: “Social Innovation for Building Sustainable Societies”. The seminar aimed to promote individual initiatives and group practices that contribute to improving the quality of life, enhancing sustainable development, and creating a positive change in societies by finding and developing innovative solutions.
The seminar began with a talk by Dr. Shafea Al Neyadi, an expert in human development, who emphasized the importance of proper upbringing and sound education in preparing the younger generation to innovate. He stressed that innovation cannot flourish in an environment of intimidation; therefore, education must be grounded in values and ethics, alongside the freedom to ask questions and engage in dialogue, since these are gateways to knowledge and innovation. He warned that if we fail to listen to our children, they will turn instead to the internet and smart applications, which often lead to undesirable consequences. Dr. Al Neyadi also pointed out that adolescence consist of three stages: acceptance, resistance, and balance.
Dr. Al Neyadi noted that responding to our children’s questions with simple yes or no answers is not enough; instead, responses should be enriched with narratives, examples, experiences, and stories. He emphasized the importance of involving children in decision-making to help them develop their own character as a starting point for innovation. He also stressed that parents serve as a role model for their children in how they navigate life, and that family is not merely a shelter, but rather an intellectual and innovative environment where making mistakes is natural and essential to learning.
Dr. Shaikha Nasser Al Karbi, an Emirati researcher and Assistant Professor at Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities specialized in applied sociology, affirmed the importance of the seminar’s topic, describing it as a cornerstone of every contemporary development project. In her speech, she focused on social innovation in building sustainable societies, stemmed from the vision of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, which continues to guide the UAE toward sustainability. She also highlighted the concept of social innovation and its intellectual roots in Sheikh Zayed’s thought.
Dr. Al Karbi emphasized that the concept of social innovation appeared to reflect the societies’ ability to create new solution for chronic and complex social challenges. In the UAE, social innovation is intertwined with the character of the Founder and Builder, Sheikh Zayed, who’s vision was the foundation of this approach since the beginning of the establishment of the union. The late Sheikh Zayed believed that genuine development begins with building the human being, consistently affirming that the true wealth of any progressive nation lies in its educated citizens, and that the advancement of peoples and nations is measured by the level and spread of learning. His forward-thinking vision was clearly reflected in his pioneering social policies that were ahead of their time—from building schools and hospitals, providing housing and social care, and instilling the values of participation, consultation, and social justice in the governance of the UAE. The researcher emphasized that Sheikh Zayed’s vision continues to shape the journey of the United Arab Emirates, that witnesses progress and flourishes across all areas of life.
The seminar, held at Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Hall at the headquarters of the National Library and Archives, and attended by a large audience from the National Academy for Childhood Development, was moderated by Mr. Abdallah Al Bastaki, a member of the Institutional Innovation Committee at the National Library and Archives. The session witnessed great interaction from the audience. Both speakers at the seminar agreed that the family is the fertile ground for social innovation, and that its role is affirmed throughout UAE society as a fundamental pillar in building a strong and prosperous community.