CNN Exclusive: UAE's Minister for Happiness gives first interview

CNN’s Becky Anderson exclusively interviewed the UAE’s Minister of Happiness, Ohood Al Roumi this afternoon. Anderson spoke to Al Roumi, on Connect The World, about her job role and what she is trying to achieve in the UAE. Al Roumi said, “What we’re trying to achieve here is to create a real change, to create an authentic happiness for all the society.”
 
Transcript Highlights:
 
“What we’re trying to achieve here is to create a real change, to create an authentic happiness for all the society.”

“Happiness is a serious job for governments. I think the main job for the government is to create happiness. In 2011, the UN encouraged the member countries to look at happiness for a holistic approach for development.”

“For us in the UAE, happiness is very important.”

“The role of the government is to create an environment where people can flourish – can reach their potential – and choose to be happy.”

“I am a very happy and positive person and I choose to be happy every day because this is what pushes me alive. This is what motivates me, this is what gives a sense of purpose to my life, so I always choose to see the glass half full.”