International HR strategists convene in UAE to discuss challenges to sustainable growth

Government officials, organisational leaders and human resource development strategists from different parts of the world will meet in Dubai this week to discuss the human capital landscape across the globe and particularly in the Middle East. 

The first International Human Resources Conference and Exhibition (IHRC 2011), organised by the UAE Federal Authority for Government Human Resources from Jan. 19 to 20, aims to evaluate emerging trends in managing talent and explore ways to positively link human capital to social and economic development. 

Over 300 HR practitioners and experts from the US, UK and Australia, among others, will attend the conference held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai. 

“As an organisation created with an eye on the future, the Federal Authority of Human Resources is proud to host the International Human Resources Conference and Exhibition, held under the theme "Human Resources: the Sustainable Capital for the New Era.” The presence of accomplished speakers at the conference will help bring human capital development, labour, population policies and employment opportunities to the centre of the dialogue,” Dr Abdul Rahman Al-Awar, Director-General of the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources and Head of the IHRC 2011 Steering Committee told a press conference in Dubai today. 

“The importance of human talent in shaping the future of the UAE has been clearly emphasised in the UAE Vision 2021, articulated by our leaders with the objective of making the UAE one of the best countries in the world,” added Dr Al-Awar. 

Dr. Al Awar said that the main topics of the conference will focus on human and knowledge capital development, latest developments relevant to HR as well as current trends and strategies concerning the Gulf region.   

Lieutenant General Dhahi Khalfan Tamim, Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police will be a keynote speaker at the conference. The regional and international experts addressing the conference will highlight the best means to develop, manage and retain talent as the most resilient and sustainable capital for the future. 

The conference is being supported by the Dubai School of Government and the International Public Management Association for Human Resources (IPMA-HR). ENOC is the platinum sponsor of the event, aimed to provide a strong platform for HR practitioners and experts across the region to network and interact with policy-makers and leaders in government. 

Topics discussed at the conference will include Current Challenges and Pathways to Sustainable Progress; Building HR Research and Education Capacity; HR Development and Planning; HR Management; Strategic Knowledge and Talent Management; HR and the Private Sector; and HR and the International Sector. 

The exhibition held alongside the conference will showcase advanced HR technology and specialised services, providing participating companies with a unique opportunity to directly link with the government representatives and industry leaders attending IHRC. 

IHRC 2011 seeks to position the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources as a vehicle of positive change, leading proactive initiatives to empower workforces and equip organisations with cutting edge human capital. The Authority is entrusted with developing the competencies and calibre of over 85,000 people working in the public sector, the largest employer of nationals in the GCC. 

Dr Khalid Othman Al-Yahya, Professor and Director for the Governance and Public Management Programme at the Dubai School of Government, briefed the media on the conference topics and speakers. 

“IHRC will look at all aspects of managing knowledge and talent, including education, training, legislation, capacity-building, public and private sector organisations and the international job market. While there may be local specificities in terms of demographics, economy and strategies, the overall HR challenges and solutions facing the world present wide scope for knowledge-sharing,” commented Dr Al-Yahya. 

“As a leading public sector organisation with a dynamic learning and development environment, ENOC is delighted to support the International Human Resources Conference and Exhibition. It also underlines our commitment to the vision of our leadership and to the development of a local workforce of international class,” said Khalid Hadi, Director, Brand & Corporate Communications, ENOC.