The Social Services Department in Sharjah recently organized the inaugural “Future Partnerships Forum,” attended by 70 participants. This significant event, held on July 23-24 at the Sharjah Research, Technology, and Innovation Complex, aims to foster institutional cooperation with strategic, supervisory, and enabling partners. The forum serves as a vital platform for discussing and enhancing the quality of institutional performance and exploring innovative ways to improve partnership experiences.
Main Objectives of the Forum
The forum was structured around four principal themes. Participants identified key strengths that enhance effective collaboration between the department and its partners. They also engaged in discussions concerning challenges and existing practices that could be improved to elevate the quality of collaboration. Future opportunities for expanding partnerships aligned with the department’s vision and community needs were also a focal point. Additionally, the participants assessed potential threats and external factors that might influence the sustainability of cooperation.
Overview of Social Services Department
The first day of the forum began with an extensive presentation providing insight into the Social Services Department. This presentation detailed the department’s services and areas of intervention, highlighting its strategic vision aimed at improving the quality of life for all community members, particularly those in greatest need. It also emphasized the department’s pivotal roles in society through specialized programs focused on care, protection, social security, and community services.
Partnership Management Policy
Dr. Sherif Abu Shadi, an advisor at the Social Services Department, delivered a detailed presentation on the “Partnership Management Policy.” This framework guides the department’s relationships with partner organizations. Dr. Abu Shadi outlined the principles underlying this policy, stressing equitable partnerships and maximizing the roles of all parties to serve common goals. The policy’s main objectives focus on building effective and sustainable partnerships that enhance social services and yield the desired social impact, particularly in the areas of protection, care, and social empowerment.
Building Effective Partnerships
Aliya Al-Suqai, the head of the department’s Public Relations Division, shared insights into the systems and mechanisms that facilitate the establishment of quality, sustainable partnerships with governmental and private entities. She clarified that these partnerships are rooted in understanding and institutional integration, ultimately aiming to enhance the efficiency and quality of social services for all community segments. Al-Suqai emphasized that real success is not measured merely by the signing of agreements but by their real-world activation through collaborative community initiatives that result in meaningful impacts.
Future of Cooperative Efforts
During the forum, Khawla Abdullah Al Ali, the Director of the Government Communication Office at the department, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to collaborative work with diverse partners. She described the event as a genuine opportunity to discuss current realities and anticipate future developments that serve the community and foster sustainable social development goals. Al Ali noted that the department is dedicated to promoting a culture of institutional collaboration founded on transparency and integration. The forum also provided a strategic venue to evaluate performance, share experiences, and inspire joint initiatives that uplift community service.
The event witnessed participation from approximately 70 representatives from 31 different organizations, indicating a strong interest in collaborative approaches to service development. The Social Services Department hopes that the insights gained from this forum will lead to more integrated future directions, reinforcing partnerships as essential components in enhancing services and achieving the intended social impact.