Since its establishment, the Emirates Center for Strategic Studies and Research has carried out its mission to support national decision-making and serve both the UAE and GCC societies in a manner that is mindful of tradition, yet embraces modernity. The ECSSR has enriched the catalogue of Gulf, Arab and international research by exploring a broad range of topics and themes addressing local, regional and international issues through around 1,000 publications and 800 events. In the past 20 years, the Center has succeeded in fostering and applying the principles of excellence in the field of strategic research, securing itself notable status as a think-tank, locally, regionally and internationally, whilst also fulfilling its mission to invest in UAE human resources and community development. The ECSSR has enjoyed boundless support from the founder of the UAE Federation, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan (may God grant his soul peace) and H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE (may God bless him); and direct patronage and guidance from H.H. General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and President of ECSSR.

It is perhaps most appropriate to measure the value of these past twenty years according to the Center’s achievements in this time. Since its establishment the ECSSR has produced thousands of research papers, academic publications, policy papers and briefings, and has trained and qualified numerous Emirati researchers. The Center has contributed to fostering strategic thinking, disseminating knowledge, and raising public awareness, both locally and around the world, whilst also providing recommendations and guidance in relation to various potential challenges to national and regional security and stability. The products and contributions of the ECSSR have retained their relevance owing to the Center’s forward-looking approach which blends intelligence and creativity in the implementation of its activities.

On this occasion it is fitting to recall the words of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan (may God grant his soul peace): “The size of a nation should not be measured by its wealth, as money is merely a means to an end, and great objectives can only be achieved only through knowledge. It should therefore be measured according to that knowledge, and its capability to provide a decent life for its citizens. In the UAE, we are keenly aware of the value of knowledge and learned people, in all fields.”

In keeping with this theme, the activities of the ECSSR have remained fully focused on providing academic research and expertise in all the fields relevant to its objectives, sparing no effort in employing the latest and most advanced means to contribute to the development of the UAE in line with the vision of its President, H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan (may God bless him): “We should provide ourselves with modern sciences and far-reaching knowledge. We should seek knowledge with true enthusiasm and an honest desire to develop the ability to practice all kinds of useful work. This will enable the UAE to achieve a significant civilizational transformation in the third millennium.”

Excellence cannot be measured by words alone — the institutional excellence of the ECSSR is evident in deeds, facts and figures, manifested by accurate data illustrating its achievements in terms of academic activities, research, publications, and the training of UAE human resources. These activities are reflected on the ground, serving decision-makers and disseminating knowledge locally, regionally and internationally. All of you are witnesses to the achievements of ECSSR — substantial, objective efforts have been expended on the part of the media to cover the activities of the Center, providing a tangible record of how excellence has been accomplished.

H.H. General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and President of ECSSR, has emphasized the need to employ a clear strategy and approach, maintaining the capacity to assume responsibility and make decisions. The Center has always been committed to implementing this vision. H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed has said: “The UAE has reached its admirable status by relying on a clear strategy, a national work plan, and loyal citizens who take decisions and implement adopted strategies and plans in order to help their country achieve its objectives.”

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