ABU DHABI — On May 20, 2026, inside the Abu Dhabi Energy Centre, a Dubai‑based Filipina community leader stepped forward as one of only 15 individuals handpicked to sign the UAE's first National Pledge and Commitment before President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Josie Conlu, founder of Infinite Communities and the organiser behind Kalayaan—the largest Philippine Independence Day celebration outside the Philippines—was the sole Filipino and the only Filipina among the distinguished signatories. The ceremony, led by Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, marked the formal launch of a nationwide initiative inviting citizens and residents to affirm their loyalty, service, responsibility, social cohesion, and confidence in the UAE's future.
The invitation, issued by the Office of the Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, described the chosen signatories as VVIPs. Conlu was recognised for her "standing, contribution, and example" as a community figure in the UAE—one of only a handful of expatriates extended the rare honour of signing first, ahead of a wider nationwide campaign. Speaking to Expat Media after the event, Conlu described the recognition as deeply meaningful. "I am deeply honored to be chosen as one of the first 15 VVIPs to sign the National Pledge and Commitment, a recognition of my contribution and service to the community in the UAE. This moment inspires me even more to continue uniting and uplifting Filipinos while supporting the values of tolerance, loyalty, and coexistence in the UAE," she said.
Fifteen Years of Service, Crystallised in a Single Signature
Conlu's presence at the ceremony was not accidental. For over 15 years, she has been at the forefront of serving the Filipino and wider expatriate communities in Dubai, earning recognition as the community's most familiar and influential personality. Known for her warmth, generosity, and infectious positivity, she is also an award‑winning community organiser, a dedicated youth mentor, and an advocate for small and medium enterprises. Through her flagship platform, Love Josie, she connects communities, fosters engagement, and celebrates Filipino culture across the UAE.
Her community work extends deep into both the Filipino diaspora and the Emirati institutional landscape. During her pioneering tenure as Project Manager for Emirates Loves under the Dubai Government Media Office, Conlu helped build community platforms with a 14‑country reach and over 10 million followers. She has previously been conferred the Dakilang Bayani Award by the Philippine Consulate General in Dubai and is listed among the 100 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf. More recently, she served as a panelist selecting finalists for the Emerging Global Filipino Icon 2026 awards, further cementing her role as a gatekeeper of Filipino excellence abroad.
The signing ceremony itself was steeped in symbolism. Conlu held up the bilingual pledge document—titled Ahd wa Wa'd, meaning Pledge and Commitment—and placed her signature on the historic parchment, a miniature UAE flag resting beside it. Sheikh Nahyan, addressing the gathering, said the initiative sends a powerful global message about the UAE's unity. "This initiative will send a powerful message to the whole world that we live in a strong, resilient nation blessed with wise leadership and united people and a cohesive society," he said. The ministry added that Conlu's inclusion reflected her standing and example in the wider UAE community, noting that by signing first, she would "help open the way for people across the UAE to participate in a common act of loyalty and national belonging."
Kalayaan 2026: The Celebration That Keeps Giving Back
Conlu's recognition arrives just weeks before Kalayaan 2026, the annual Philippine Independence Day celebration she helps organise, returns to the Dubai World Trade Centre on June 7. The event, which drew approximately 30,000 attendees in 2025 and has reached over 40,000 in previous years, transforms Zabeel Halls into a vibrant showcase of Filipino culture, entertainment, creativity, food, music, and community pride—all with free admission for the public. This year's edition promises upgraded production, increased entertainment segments, and a special fashion show headlined by UAE‑based Filipino content creators.
Beyond Kalayaan, Conlu also organises Shukran, the annual Filipino Thanksgiving event honouring the UAE as a host nation, and leads Infinite Communities, a platform spanning 14 countries. She has described her journey in the UAE as one defined by purpose and connection. "I chose to stay in the UAE because it gave me purpose beyond just work. It gave me a community and a chance to serve others. It became home because this is where I built meaningful connections and found who I am meant to be," she told Gulf News. For Conlu, bayanihan—the Filipino value of collective help and unity—means showing up when it matters most, organising support, guiding fellow Filipinos abroad, and ensuring that no one feels alone.
The recognition drew immediate praise from fellow Filipinos. "Your dedication and commitment are truly inspiring, Love, Josie! Congratulations on this outstanding achievement and representing the Filipino community in the UAE's National Pledge signing ceremony," said Sabreen Apostol. Lou Olvido Parroco added: "You model and carry the commitment of the hundreds of Filipinos here in the UAE." For the hundreds of thousands of Filipinos who call the Emirates home, Conlu's signature on the National Pledge is more than a personal honour—it is a testament to the respect and recognition the Filipino community has earned in its adopted homeland.
