emirates7 - A delegation from the Department of Community Development - Abu Dhabi (DCD) traveled to New Zealand to explore best practices for enhancing community quality of life.

The visit focused on learning from New Zealand's experiences and initiatives related to the quality-of-life framework endorsed by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

The delegation, led by Dr. Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Chairman of the DCD, included Dr. Layla Abdulaziz Al Hyas, Executive Director of the Community Development Sector; Shaikha Alhosani, Executive Director of the Social Monitoring and Innovation Sector; Mazen Jaber Aldahmani, Executive Director of Financial and Administrative Affairs; and other senior leaders from various Abu Dhabi government entities.

During the trip, the delegation met with representatives from key New Zealand institutions to learn about the New Zealand Living Standards Framework (LSF). This framework helps government agencies identify and prioritize factors affecting quality of life, guiding decision-making and supporting initiatives to improve living standards and community well-being. The LSF is based on four main pillars: financial and physical capital, human capability, the natural environment, and social cohesion.

The delegation also examined how New Zealand integrates social priorities into public budget planning using advanced impact-analysis tools to ensure informed decisions and effective measurement of key indicators.

Additionally, they explored New Zealand’s integrated data system, which supports both government and researchers in data analysis, providing essential information for decision-makers to meet quality-of-life objectives and implement effective strategies.

The visit included discussions on New Zealand’s social and economic framework, which aligns with community needs and sets long-term well-being goals, ensuring that data and metrics are accessible to all individuals and communities.