Dubai, UAE- The Community Development Authority in Dubai (CDA) has concluded the inaugural edition of the “Social Services Equity Forum”, held under the theme “Older Adults: Pioneers of Values and Partners in Development”. The forum brought together leading international experts and specialists, representatives of government entities, and senior citizens and residents, reinforcing Dubai’s commitment to developing a more integrated and equitable social ecosystem and positioning senior citizens as active partners in development, in alignment with the objectives of the Dubai Social Agenda 33.
The forum witnessed the launch of the The Pledge of Senior’s Wellbeing in Social Services”, marking an important step towards strengthening the principles of equity and inclusion in the design and delivery of social services. The Pledge also aims to advance cooperation and integration among relevant entities, facilitate access to services, address diverse needs, and promote senior citizens’ independence and quality of life.
Hessa Buhumaid: People are at the Heart of Social Equity
Her Excellency Hessa bint Essa Buhumaid, Director General of the Community Development Authority in Dubai, affirmed that advancing social services requires moving beyond standardised service models towards more flexible solutions that respond to the needs and aspirations of community members, while strengthening their participation in identifying priorities and developing services that directly affect their lives.
Her Excellency said: “Senior citizens are an integral part of the story of Dubai and the UAE. Their wealth of experience, knowledge and values represents a valuable community asset whose impact extends across generations. We believe their role goes beyond receiving services; they are active partners in developing them and contributing their experience and knowledge towards building a more cohesive and sustainable society.”
She added: “The launch of the Pledge represents an important step towards strengthening integration among relevant entities and embedding the principles of equity in social services. It reflects our commitment to keeping pace with societal changes, anticipating future needs, and supporting Dubai’s vision of building an integrated social ecosystem that places people, their dignity and quality of life at the heart of its priorities.”
Research-Led Foundations for Community Dialogue
The forum was underpinned by research conducted by the CDA, entitled “Guardians of Cultural Memory: The Role of Storytelling and Intergenerational Dialogue in Transmitting Social Justice Values in UAE Society”. The study’s findings were presented at the 2026 Annual Conference of the International Association for Media and Communication Research (IAMCR), hosted by the University of Galway in Ireland.
Dr Maryam Othman, Chair of the Forum’s Organising Committee, presented the study’s key findings, highlighting the role of cultural memory and intergenerational dialogue in transmitting the values of equity, dignity and belonging, as well as the importance of drawing on senior citizens’ experiences to inform the development of social services and initiatives.
The study also highlighted the importance of involving senior citizens in service design and evaluation, drawing on their life experiences to foster understanding between generations, and recognising appreciation, participation and continued contribution as important dimensions of quality of life.
International Expertise and Inspiring Experiences
The forum featured contributions from a distinguished group of international experts. Professor Meredith Minkler, Professor Emerita at the University of California, Berkeley, joined virtually to discuss the importance of participatory research and the role of senior citizens in building fairer and more equitable communities.
Dr Rodrigo Serrat, Professor of Social Gerontology at the University of Barcelona, explored European experiences in advancing community participation among senior citizens, highlighting practices that support their continued contributions across different areas of life.
Mr Takeshi Yonemoto of Japan presented an inspiring experience entitled “Passion Never Retires”, highlighting the role of passion and hobbies in enriching people’s lives, promoting active engagement and sustaining community participation at every stage of life.
Dialogue to Advance Participation and Government Integration
The forum’s sessions addressed three key themes: senior citizens’ wellbeing, active participation in development, and the silver economy. These discussions reflected the importance of recognising senior citizens not only for their right to access services that respond to their needs and support their independence, but also for the knowledge, capabilities and contributions they continue to bring to society.
The programme also featured a session entitled “Dubai for Its Senior Citizens: Integrated Government Services that Advance Equity and Quality of Life”, with the participation of representatives from several government entities in Dubai. The session explored opportunities to strengthen coordination and integration among entities, streamline procedures and facilitate senior citizens’ access to services.
The dialogue sessions also provided a platform for listening to the experiences and aspirations of senior citizens and residents, and discussing ways to strengthen their participation in developing community initiatives and services.
Towards More Equitable and Sustainable Social Services
The forum’s discussions emphasised the importance of moving beyond viewing senior citizens solely as recipients of services towards recognising them as partners in their development, drawing on their experience and knowledge to shape solutions that are more responsive to the needs of society.
The launch of the Pledge, alongside the insights and experiences shared during the forum, highlights the importance of continued collaboration among relevant entities and strengthening participatory approaches to social service development. These efforts support the objectives of the Dubai Social Agenda 33 and reinforce Dubai’s position as a leading model in community development and quality of life.
SOURCE: MEDIA RELEASE / SUPPLIED CONTENT WITH IMAGES
