Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qassimi, Supreme Council Member, Ruler of Sharjah and President of American University of Sharjah (AUS), the Second Sharjah Human Resources Conference was held at AUS today, December 11, 2013.

The conference was inaugurated by His Excellency Sheikh Abdullah Bin Salem Bin Sultan Al Qassimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah. The opening ceremony included a documentary about the conference, which focused on the characteristics of the national workforce and the importance of qualifying and employing this workforce in various fields. The opening ceremony was attended by government officials, academics and members of the public.

Speaking on the occasion, His Excellency Humaid Al Qutami, UAE Minister of Education, appreciated the efforts of the Human Resources Directorate of the Government of Sharjah. In his remarks, he stressed the importance of linking academic specializations and course offerings with the demands of the marketplace.

Tariq Bin Khadim, Chairman of the Human Resources Directorate, welcomed the guests, and expressed the importance of this conference and its role in supporting a national workforce and encouraging the private sector to accommodate this workforce. "We aim through this conference to support the national efforts of both government and private sectors in promoting the presence of the national human workforce in the economic work system and activating its constructive and developmental role."

Dr. Thomas Hochstettler, Acting Chancellor of AUS, also welcomed the guests to the event and pointed out that hosting such events at AUS highlights the close relationship between universities and public and private sector institutions. "We are pleased that American University of Sharjah is hosting an important conference organized by the public sector. In fact, this event supports the university's strategic initiatives and helps us realize the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qassimi, Supreme Council Member, Ruler of Sharjah and President of American University of Sharjah," he said.

"AUS has always considered it a crucial part of its mission to respond effectively to the demands and challenges faced by the nation. We try our very best, therefore, to cooperate with governmental and private sectors to meet their needs and those of the broader marketplace with regards to qualified human resources," he added.

The event also included an exhibition that showcased a number of institutions from the government and private sectors.

The conference, which will run over two days, will feature over 30 experts speaking on a variety of topics including the development, qualification and employment of human resources.