Sharjah Tatweer Forum (Tatweer) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

The MoU is part of Sharjah's ambitious initiative to build UAE nationals' skills and it was signed by Tatweer's chairman, Hussein Al Mahmoudi and UNDP's permanent representative in the UAE Dr Khaled Aloush.

Under the terms of the MoU, the UN will provide consultations, technical assistance and institutional support for Tatweer especially in the implementation and evaluation of joint partnerships for current and future projects between the public and private sectors in the Sharjah, said an official spokesman.

In addition, the UNDP will offer different activities and programmes aimed at developing the skills of a pool of emerging young leaders in Sharjah.

Under the same terms, the UNDP will also provide networking opportunities for forum's members with economic and social institutions under its umbrella, while Tatweer will help the UN benefit from its wide ranging networks that include governmental institutions, private businesses and social communities in Sharjah.

The two parties will also organise events, conferences, workshops and specialised gatherings, which will discuss and highlight the latest developments and best practices of interest to both parties especially in the field of co-operation between the government and private sectors.

'We are pleased to sign this MoU with the UNDP's representative, as this agreement will help us benefit enormously from the UNDP's international expertise and its available capabilities,' said Al Mahmoudi.

'Through this agreement with Sharjah Tatweer Forum we aim to encourage the sustainable economic and social development of Sharjah. We intend to achieve this by facilitating the roles of both public and private sectors and developing local leaders, capacity building and scientific capabilities.  We hope that this agreement will open new horizons of collaboration and networking for all parties,' said Dr Aloush.- TradeArabia News Service