Dr. Ahmed Al Banna, UAE Ambassador to India, on Wednesday met with Shripad Yesso Naik, Indian Minister of State, to personally deliver an invitation to attend the Global Dialogue for Happiness, which will be held in Dubai between 10th-13th February 2018, as a key speaker.

The UAE Ambassador also presented Naik, who is the Minister of State at the Ministry of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy, with another invitation for India to join the International Happiness Alliance, which will be announced at the World Government Summit, also running from 10th-13th of February.

Dr. Al Banna said that the Global Dialogue for Happiness will bring together more than 500 participants from around the world to discuss the importance of happiness and prosperity and the role of governments in building happy and positive societies.

Global Dialogue will also bring together international experts and decision-makers to discuss key themes that affect the happiness and well-being of people, including governments and public policies, effective steps that can achieve happiness, and the latest scientific developments in the field of happiness and well-being.

The Ambassador also discussed the UAE's invitation to India for it to join the founding meeting of the International Happiness Alliance, an initiative which will mobilise members of interested nations to play an active role in dialogue to promote happiness as a comprehensive global goal.

Al Banna went on to say that the concept of achieving happiness for people is gaining worldwide support, with an increasing core belief in the essential role that government work plays in creating healthy and positive societies.

The Indian Minister expressed his thanks for the invitation, noting his country's interest in participating. Naik also highlighted the role of governments in helping people achieve happiness, including the provision of quality education and healthcare.

"To achieve happiness, people want to feel safe, secure, and have decent job opportunities and housing," he said, adding, "Such initiatives are very important and provide a valuable opportunity to exchange views with world leaders working to bring prosperity to their countries."