The 13th Middle East and North Africa Senior Budget Officials (MENA SBO) meeting of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is being held at the UAE Ministry of Finance. Decision-makers from throughout the region are gathered for the two-day conference to share information and skills and talk about budget-related issues.
This meeting is a key platform for financial decision-makers, especially senior budget officials, to discuss key public financial management issues, enhance the efficiency of public spending, and adapt to regional and global economic challenges and opportunities.
According to His Excellency Mohamed bin Hadi Al Hussaini, Minister of State for Financial Affairs, the leadership of the UAE is eager to strengthen the country’s position by hosting significant regional and international events, the outcomes of which have an impact on nations in the region and around the world, improve the country’s economic development, and place the UAE among the most effective nations in terms of financial and economic policies. In order to create a robust national economy, he continued, the government is keen on maintaining a conservative and sensible spending policy. He also mentioned the use of public financial management systems during the development process to meet goals for public policy.
He added: “The topics on the meeting’s agenda will enrich the UAE’s fiscal policy, which is one of the cornerstones for boosting investor confidence. The country’s fiscal policy plays a key role in balanced development, and the adoption of laws that attract investment, capital, human and technological expertise and knowledge from around the world, as well as in supporting diverse sources of income.”
His Excellency Younis Haji Al Khoori, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Finance, delivered the opening remarks for the regional meeting. He said: “The significance of this meeting stems from its role in enhancing joint and constructive cooperation between the UAE, the wider MENA region, and the OECD, in areas of common interest. The meeting’s discussions will provide participants with insights that help them find solutions to challenges related to financial management issues. This meeting is held in-person, in Dubai, after being held virtually for years, which enables participants to interact, exchange opinions and ideas, and share best practices live.”
Jón Blöndal, Head of Public Management and Budgeting Division, Public Governance Directorate, OECD, said: “Strong public financial management systems are crucial to socio-economic development, now more than ever, given the changes our countries are experiencing and the opportunities ahead. Hosted by the UAE Ministry of Finance, the meeting is timely due to the environments we are witnessing.”
