BLOG: The NEP Experience

December 9–11, 2024 | Abu Dhabi

For the first time in NEP, experts have the opportunity to personalize their learning experience through Skillset Electives—customized workshops designed to align with their expertise and interests. In Module 3, this approach was reflected in advanced skill-building sessions, covering writing, financial acumen, and behavioral insights.

The first day, hosted at NYU Abu Dhabi, centered on the art of effective writing. Marion Wrenn, Executive Director of Writing at NYUAD, led experts through interactive workshops on crafting op-eds and white papers, equipping them with the skills to communicate complex ideas with clarity and persuasive impact. These sessions emphasized the importance of framing arguments to influence public discourse and policy decisions. In the evening, the cohort transitioned to the Exploration of Behavioral Insights, a session led by Rasha Attar, Adam Jones, and Chiara Cappellini of the Behavioral Science Group at the Presidential Court. This session delved into practical applications of behavioral science, highlighting how evidence-based approaches can address societal challenges and inform effective public policy.

The second day, held at the Emirates Foundation, shifted focus to leadership psychology. H.E. Maqsoud Kruse, Chairperson of the National Human Rights Institution, opened the day with a session on the psychology of leadership, offering insights into resilience and ethical decision-making. The morning transitioned into a comprehensive Finance Lab conducted by Prof. Sujata Madan of McGill University, who guided experts through financial modeling, feasibility studies, and resource management strategies. The day closed with a continuation of the Exploration of Behavioral Insights series, offering experts a deeper understanding of behavior-driven strategies for achieving national impact.

The final day combined practical business skills with inspiring perspectives on community engagement. Thomas Dembinski, Senior Executive at NYUAD, facilitated a session on business writing, focusing on clarity and professionalism in professional communications. This was followed by a panel on volunteering and community services, featuring Mohamed Al Abbasi, Masoud Al Hosani, and Hussain Al Balooshi, who discussed how volunteerism fosters social cohesion and drives meaningful development. In a session moderated by Rasha Attar on nudging for impact, H.E. Khulood Al Nowais, Chief Strategy and Sustainability Officer at Emirates Foundation, and Shaista Asif, Group Chief Executive Officer, PureHealth, demonstrated how behavioral interventions can be leveraged to promote health and food security. The module concluded with reflections from Dr. Mohamed AlAmeri and Khalid Al Naqbi, NEP 4.0 experts, who shared how the lessons from Module 3 will shape their contributions to the UAE’s strategic priorities.