Misk Academy Launches Program to Develop Leadership Skills

Misk Academy Launches Program to Develop Leadership Skills
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Misk Academy Launches Program to Develop Leadership Skills

Misk Academy Launches Program to Develop Leadership Skills

Misk Academy, which is affiliated with the Mohammed bin Salman Charity Organization (MiSK Charity), signed an agreement with General Electric (GE) in the domain of leadership skills development among high Saudi officials.

The agreement was recently signed by Omar Najjar, CEO of MiSK, and Hisham Albahkali, CEO of GE in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.

The initiative aims to benefit from the expertise of one of the leading leadership academies in the world to support and improve the skills of Saudi leaders and develop authentic ways of working, thinking, and behaving that would improve the performance of civil and government institutions to achieve the Saudi Vision 2030. This is considered one of the first steps in the collaboration, with Misk Academy and GE launching the Accelerated Leadership Program for a group of major Saudi leaders who have high capabilities in both the public and private sectors for them to benefit from the program that will be held virtually in the GE Leadership Academy in Crotonville, New York.

The initiative was inaugurated by a virtual session of a chosen group of Saudi leaders in joint coordination between the Academy and GE.

In its academy in Crotonville, GE sheds light on the most modern leadership styles, instills its ideal behaviors, and shares ideas with the most influential intellectuals in academia and business. It organizes transformative educational experiences to inspire the leaders of today and prepare the leaders of tomorrow to plan additional programs in coordination between the two.

Omar Najjar told Asharq Al-Awsat, “We are happy to collaborate with GE in the domain of leadership development, considering that one of the distinguishing features of our leadership programs is to enable participants to develop an action-oriented leadership style that is appropriate to the volume and nature of Saudi’s goals and its particular challenges. We are certain that working closely with GE experts in Crotonville will enable participants to implement what they have learned in this transformative experience on the ground and in their work”.

In that regard, Hisham Albahkali emphasized the importance of the collaboration with Misk Academy and supporting the work that they do to enable Saudis to contribute to the aims of Saudi Vision 2030. “We are pleased to welcome talented Saudi leaders in the future in Crotonville and look forward to not only training programs but also to learn from them in a collaborative environment," Albahkali said.

MiSK Academy is working on developing a set of programs to develop and mold the skills of leaders in both the civil and government sectors. It also offers several programs that provide citizens with future skills to enter the job market.



Qatar Considers Shura Council Appointments Instead of Elections

Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. (QNA)
Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. (QNA)
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Qatar Considers Shura Council Appointments Instead of Elections

Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. (QNA)
Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. (QNA)

Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani has directed the referral of proposed constitutional amendments, including the return to appointing members of the Shura Council, to the Council for consideration.

Speaking at the opening of the Shura Council's fourth ordinary session on Tuesday, Sheikh Tamim said: “Based on my responsibility and duty towards my country and my people for the good of the present and the future, I considered that these amendments fulfill the supreme interest of the state and promote the values of justice and equality in rights and duties among members of Qatari society.”

“I have directed that the draft constitutional and legislative amendments, including a return to the system for appointing members of the Shura Council, are to be referred to your esteemed Council for necessary action in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution,” he added.

“The Council of Ministers will take necessary measures on proposed amendments to laws and other legislative instruments in accordance with the law,” he said, reminding that the Shura Council is not a representative parliament in a democratic system, and its status and powers will not be affected whether its members are chosen by election or appointment.

The proposed amendments will be put to a public vote and will shift from an electoral system back to appointments.

Sheikh Tamim added that “there are many ways to consult with the Qatari people” and acknowledged that competition among Shura Council candidates occurs within families and tribes, affecting local traditions and social cohesion.

On October 1, 2021, Qatar conducted its first legislative elections since the Shura Council was established in 1972.

The Shura Council is the country’s legislative body. It discusses matters referred by the cabinet, including proposed laws and state policies, reviews the national budget, and asks ministers questions for clarification.

The Council can also make recommendations to the government on public policies. However, it does not have authority over defense, security, economic, or investment matters.