Philippines and UAE Strengthen Governance Ties Through Forum

The Philippines and UAE strengthen ties through the Government Experience Exchange Forum in Manila, focusing on innovation, governance, and future-ready cooperation.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. welcomed a high-level delegation from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to Manila this week. The meeting took place during the Government Experience Exchange Forum, a joint event between both nations.

The forum focused on sharing best practices in governance, innovation, and public service. It also showed how the UAE and the Philippines are working together to create smarter, future-ready governments.

This event was more than a diplomatic meeting. It was an example of how countries can learn from each other, exchange knowledge, and deliver better services to their citizens.

President Marcos Welcomes the UAE Delegation

President Marcos expressed his gratitude to the UAE for its continuous support to the Filipino people, especially to the large community of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) living and working in the Emirates.

“It is my pleasure to welcome Abdulla Nasser Lootah and the UAE delegation at the conclusion of the Government Experience Exchange Forum,” he said. “Through sharing experiences and cooperation, we can drive real change for our people.”

His message reflected the importance of this partnership, which is not only about government strategies but also about supporting people and improving lives.

Who Led the UAE Delegation

The UAE delegation was led by Abdulla Nasser Lootah, Assistant Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Competitiveness and Experience Exchange. He was joined by Mohamed Obaid Salem, UAE Ambassador to the Philippines, and senior officials from the Government Experience Exchange Office.

Their presence showed the UAE’s strong interest in building knowledge-based partnerships and helping other nations through governance models that have worked successfully at home.

UAE’s Commitment to Knowledge Sharing

Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, UAE Minister of Cabinet Affairs, explained why knowledge exchange is central to the UAE’s global vision.

“Promoting government knowledge and enhancing readiness for the future through experience exchange is a cornerstone of the UAE’s approach,” he said.

He also added that these initiatives bring “mutual benefits” for both nations, making their partnership stronger.

This shows that the UAE wants to be more than a trade partner. It also wants to share its experience in digital government, innovation, and excellence with countries like the Philippines.

First Lady Highlights Cooperation

Philippine First Lady Louise Araneta Marcos also praised the growing cooperation with the UAE. She highlighted the joint work in government innovation, youth empowerment, and leadership development.

“This visit reflects the deep historical ties between our two nations and embodies our shared vision to empower human resources, improve performance, and enhance wellbeing,” she said.

Her remarks showed that this cooperation is not just about politics. It is about empowering people, improving skills, and preparing for the future.

Key Attendees from the Philippines

The Manila forum was attended by many top Philippine officials, such as:

• Amenah Pangandaman, Secretary of the Department of Budget and Management
• Henry R. Aguda, Secretary of the Department of Information and Communications Technology
• Rosemarie Edillo, Undersecretary at the National Economic and Development Authority
• Michael Aguinaldo, Chairperson of the Philippine Competition Commission

These leaders showed that the Philippines is committed to learning from the UAE and using global practices to improve governance at home.

Key Attendees from the UAE

The UAE also sent senior officials from the Prime Minister’s Office and related agencies. They included:

• Mohammed Al Taher, Director of Strategy and Policy
• Fahad AlSuwaidi, Advisor on Government Performance
• Amer Abdulraouf, Executive Director of Special Projects at the Dubai Future Foundation

Together, they shared insights on strategy, innovation, and digital transformation, areas where the UAE has become a global leader.

Abdulla Nasser Lootah on the Forum’s Impact

Speaking at the forum, Abdulla Nasser Lootah described the event as a new milestone in Philippines-UAE relations.

“It provides an opportunity to enrich practices, explore modernisation models, and exchange innovative solutions that advance government work and shape a prosperous future,” he said.

He also noted the importance of continuous dialogue, especially as the world faces new challenges and rapid technological change.

Strategic Pillars of Cooperation

The forum outlined five main areas where both nations will work together:

1. Strategy and Innovation

Creating future-focused plans that boost economic growth, government agility, and national resilience.

2. Government Performance and Excellence

Promoting leadership and accountability in government institutions to improve service quality and efficiency.

3. Competitiveness and Statistics

Building data-driven systems that help governments make better decisions and track national progress.

4. Government Services

Designing citizen-centered models to improve service delivery and satisfaction.

5. Artificial Intelligence and Future Foresight

Exploring how AI and advanced technologies can transform governance, improve efficiency, and prepare workers for future jobs.

These pillars highlight a clear roadmap for cooperation between the UAE and the Philippines.

The Roots of Partnership

This cooperation builds on the Government Experience Exchange Program launched in February 2025.

The program focuses on:

• Innovation in government institutions
• Governance practices and leadership development
• Budget management
• Knowledge-sharing across ministries

It shows how both countries are committed to long-term collaboration in governance reform.

Shared Vision for the Future

The UAE and the Philippines both want to build future-ready governments. This means governments that are more digital, more efficient, and more focused on the needs of citizens.

For the UAE, this is part of its global strategy to lead in governance innovation and knowledge-sharing. For the Philippines, it supports national goals in digital transformation and economic resilience.

Both nations agreed that this partnership is not just about modernising institutions. It is about delivering real benefits for people.

As President Marcos said, this partnership is “a true model of how countries can learn from one another to build smarter, future-ready governments.”

Why This Matters

This collaboration matters for several reasons:

• It improves ties between the Philippines and the UAE.
• It helps the Philippines learn from the UAE’s world-class governance practices.
• It gives the UAE a chance to expand its role as a global knowledge leader.
• It creates better opportunities for Filipino workers in the UAE by strengthening diplomatic ties.
• It supports both countries in becoming more competitive and innovative.