Khalaf Al Habtoor, founder and chairman of the UAE-based Al Habtoor Group, was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the recent C3 US-Arab Summit during its annual one-day conference in the US city of New York.

In his keynote address "Democracy and Human Rights: Righting the Wrongs", Al Habtoor highlighted his distinctive view of an appropriate political partnership model for Eastern and Western nations that respect Arab traditions and celebrate the successes of governance instead of seeking to apply Western models as "one size fits all" solutions.

Drawing a contrast between Western models and the governing system that has led to astronomical growth in the UAE, Al Habtoor said: "Leaders in the democratic countries are locked away in their ivory towers, with thousands of guards keeping them from the people they are supposed to listen. In my country, I can meet the rulers any time I have a need and they will listen.”

"The leaders in the UAE are reachable and approachable, and they are interested in what their people have to say. Our rulers care about their people and the residents of the country. The leaders of the UAE care about all humanity, and not just in words, but also in actions,” he added, expanding on his view of how universal human rights can be better achieved.

The Lifetime Achievement award was made in recognition of Al Habtoor's long-term contribution to regional peace, prosperity, philanthropy and support towards building a better understanding between East and West.

The award was jointly presented by Dr John Duke Anthony, president and CEO, National Council on US Arab Relations and C3 Summit guest speaker and former US Congressman Paul Findley. – TradeArabia News Service