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The event, held at the Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal, was attended by international leaders, policymakers, experts and representatives of global institutions.
The occasion also witnessed the launch of GSN’s new initiative, Freedom Pom Pom, aimed at promoting human dignity, ethical employment and the protection of vulnerable communities in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
In his address, Sheikh Nahyan said music and the arts serve as a universal language that strengthens understanding among people and advances values including peace, tolerance and harmony. He noted that hosting international artistic talent in Abu Dhabi reflects the UAE’s commitment to these principles.
He emphassed that President His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan is firmly committed to promoting human values, respect for human rights and dignity for all those living in the UAE, adding that the country is pursuing a societal model based on compassion, equal opportunity and social responsibility.
Sheikh Nahyan praised the GSN’s achievements over the past decade, highlighting its support for the eighth UN Sustainable Development Goal — Decent Work and Economic Growth. He said the goal provides a practical and ethical framework for inclusive growth, productive employment and decent work for all.
He noted that the conference themes — including employment in conflict-affected contexts, youth employment, the impact of AI on the future of work, combating child labour and child marriage, media responsibility and ethical employment practices — are interconnected challenges requiring coordinated action by governments, communities, employers, educational institutions and the media.
On artificial intelligence, Sheikh Nahyan stressed the need for responsible governance of emerging technologies so they promote inclusion rather than deepen inequality. He also called for an ethical, evidence-based and human-centred media ecosystem aligned with social purpose.
He affirmed that achieving Sustainable Development Goal Eight depends on ethical employment built on fair wages, safe working conditions, inclusion, respect for human dignity and non-exploitative practices, adding that the future of work must be shaped by values as well as innovation.
Sheikh Nahyan expressed strong support for GSN’s principle of placing people — especially the most vulnerable — at the centre of policies, technologies and institutions. He welcomed the launch of Freedom Pom Pom in partnership with Hearts On A Mission and expressed hope it would deliver tangible impact.
Sheikh Nahyan congratulated GSN co-founders Bishop Alastair Redfern and Raza Jafar on a decade of achievement and urged continued efforts to advance human welfare and dignity.
The programme preceding the gala featured panel discussions with international speakers, government officials, civil society figures and representatives of international organisations.
The evening also included a performance by 12-year-old singer-songwriter True El Deeb, who presented an original song in tribute to the UAE and donated its copyright on the occasion.
Maren Krass, founder of Hearts On A Mission, presented a commemorative memento to Sheikh Nahyan to mark the launch of the initiative, in recognition of his support for humanitarian and development causes.
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