UAE named world's second most trusting country in gov't
Credibility towards a government official or regulator on the up, according to 2018 Edelman Trust Barometer
The UAE is the world’s second most trusting country in government after China, according to the 2018 Edelman Trust Barometer.
Credibility towards a government official or regulator increased 11 points among the informed public and 7 points among the general population, a statement said.
The study said the results underscore the powerful impact of initiatives like the “Year of Giving,” the UAE’s national focus for 2017, in uniting the country behind a common purpose and elevating trust levels.
The initiative brought government entities, private sector players, NGOs and the community together, to ramp up the UAE’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts in serving the nation.
“The 2018 Edelman Trust Barometer results come as no surprise in the UAE,” said Tod Donhauser, CEO, UAE. “Last year, the nation’s leaders announced key long-term strategic decisions designed to ensure the UAE’s economic sustainability and the continued prosperity of its people; including the appointment of a minister of Artificial Intelligence and another for food security.
"The UAE also made significant strides in developing its education sector - from the launch of the National Strategy for Higher Education 2030, to the introduction of moral education. Undoubtedly, steps such as these have contributed to strengthening trust in the country and its leadership.”
According to the survey, the UAE general population’s trust in media recovered, rising 12 points, after having declined sharply in the previous year.
Simultaneously, journalists’ credibility increased 17 points; the single highest positive increase associated with a spokesperson in the country.
“These results point to the effectiveness of the UAE government’s numerous initiatives in combating fake news, such as raising awareness among the youth and enforcing responsible and ethical reporting standards,” said Donhauser. “If anything, this year’s Trust Barometer results suggest that the government’s efforts to protect the public from fake news, are paying dividend.”
Credibility of a CEO as a spokesperson also rose in the UAE, with two-thirds of the general population saying business leaders should take the lead on change rather than waiting for government to drive it. This echoes the global trend, as 84 percent of respondents said they expect CEOs to inform and shape ongoing conversations and policy and debates on one or more issues.
“Globally, business leaders are in the spotlight this year,” said Donhauser. “The results tell us that a perceived apathy on the part of business executives will no longer be accepted. Simply put, silence has become a tax on truth.”
He added: “With rising credibility, CEO’s have an opportunity to play a bigger role that extends beyond business. Ultimately, business leaders must be bolder and more ambitious in shaping the UAE’s future, hand in hand with the government and in line with its long-term vision.”
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