ABU DHABI, 16th October, 2023 (WAM) — The Department of Community Development – Abu Dhabi (DCD) received 305 idea submissions during the second edition of the “Wyakom” initiative, a remarkable 161% increase in participants compared to the previous edition.
Wyakom is an innovative digital platform that aims to enhance community engagement and encourage them to propose innovative solutions to prominent social challenges.
For the 2023 edition, which is held in collaboration with the Family Development Foundation, Wyakom invited the public to provide innovative solutions to challenges faced by older people across three main pillars: financial, social and emotional well-being.
Shaikha Alhosani, Executive Director of the Social Monitoring and Innovation Sector at DCD, said that the solutions shared were diverse in their presentation and content and supported promoting a healthy, vibrant and safe standard of living for the elders.
She added that the increased participation in the second edition highlights the importance of the initiative as a platform that is from the community for the community. Its success also reflects the department’s commitment to listening to members of society, learning about their aspirations and needs, and ensuring consistent and effective communication with individuals.
Alhosani continued, “The department will announce a committee of social sector experts and specialists to evaluate all the solutions. In the coming days, the solutions will be evaluated, and 10 of the best will be selected for the final stage according to several criteria, which include technical feasibility, financial feasibility, estimated time to implement a pilot project, problem-solution fit, relevance to the social sector, impact, innovation, and sustainability.
The winning solutions will be honoured, and incentive rewards will be given to the top three in a ceremony organised by the department. Moreover, a practical plan will be created to implement the proposed solutions in cooperation with the emirate’s relevant authorities from the government, private and third sectors.
