TRENDS Research and Advisory Participates in a Global Forum on Promoting a Culture of Peace through Diplomacy, Education and Arts

TRENDS Research and Advisory participated in the High-Level Forum for the Culture of Peace 2023, organized by the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance for Global Ethics at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. The forum theme is entitled "Promoting a Culture of Peace through Diplomacy, Education and Arts."

TRENDS was represented at the forum by Sultan Al Rubaei, Deputy Head of Research & Advisory and Nasser Mohammed Ahmed Al-Ali, Director of Human Resources at TRENDS.

Al Rubaie presented a working paper on behalf of TRENDS Research and Advisory entitled "The Abraham Accords” as a model for promoting a culture of peace and coexistence. He expressed TRENDS Center appreciation for participation alongside the Abraham Accords Alliance in this forum. This effort will develop a model for global best practices for resolving conflicts and establishing a culture of peace and coexistence.

Al-Rubaie said the Abraham Accords succeeded in alleviating tensions and strengthening cooperation by supporting economic growth. They provided opportunities for trade, technology transfer and investment. The Accords connected people through tourism and established cross-cultural friendships.

Al-Rubaie explained that the UAE is committed to a policy of peace, diplomacy, and tolerance in the region and beyond. Its promotion of interfaith dialogue and respect among diverse cultures is epitomized by the iconic “Abrahamic Family House” in Abu Dhabi encompassing a mosque, a church, a synagogue. As a forum for gathering and dialogue, the House welcomes people from all walks of life to exchange knowledge and practice faith.

He pointed to the role of arts and culture in general in consolidating a culture of peace. He explained that initiatives like the Louvre and Guggenheim Museums in Abu Dhabi promote global artistic and cultural exchange. Such initiatives emerge as powerful examples to bridge divides, foster understanding and build a foundation for lasting peace.

Such initiatives allow us to transcend misunderstandings of the recent past and encourage open conversations through conferences like today where leaders, scholars, and believers can engage in meaningful discussions.

In conclusion, Sultan Al-Rubaie stressed the need to prioritize diplomacy over conflict and showcase how dialogue can yield more positive outcomes than aggression. We must remember that tolerance is a strength and embracing diversity can lead to stability, prosperity and progress.

Al-Rubaie indicated that by taking Abraham Accords as an example, we should be hopeful for other conflicts: We should continue to express optimism that the UAE's approach can inspire resolution in other regions of the world.

He said that everyone should cooperate to consolidate dialogue and promote tolerance due to the importance of this in shaping a Middle East that has harmonious positions in every forum. It would encourage people to support similar efforts to achieve global peace and understanding.

Sultan Al Rubaei, Deputy Head of Research & Advisory and Nasser Mohammed Ahmed Al-Ali, Director of Human Resources at TRENDS participated in a roundtable discussion held at the United Nations as part of the proposal to adopt a global day of giving to achieve sustainable development goals of the United Nations General Assembly.

The discussion addressed an initiative presented by the St. Kitts and Nevis Mission to the United Nations, in partnership with the Esther Ajayi Foundation, the Israeli Heritage Foundation and My Way Organization. The initiatives proposed an international competition between the Commonwealth members on sustainable development goals and the art of giving.

Al-Rubaie stressed that the Abraham Accords helped ease tensions and strengthen cooperation between the countries of the Middle East, and this confirms to us the importance of continuing our tireless efforts, as is the case in this forum today, to ensure lasting peace.

At the end of his paper, Sultan Al-Rubaie stressed the need to prioritize diplomacy rather than fueling conflicts, and to enable dialogue that leads to positive results in avoiding aggression, stressing that tolerance is a source of strength, and that the adoption and enrichment of diversity can lead to stability, prosperity and progress.

He also stressed that by following the path of the Abraham Accords as an example, we must be optimistic about resolving other conflicts, noting that the approach initiated by the United Arab Emirates can inspire us in devising solutions to conflicts raging in other regions of the world.

He said that everyone should cooperate and work to consolidate dialogue and tolerance because of the importance of this in forming a harmonious Middle East in every platform and forum. Encourage peoples to support and promote similar efforts to achieve global peace and understanding.

TRENDS Research and Advisory represented by Naser Mohammed, Director of the HR Department at TRENDS and Sultan AlRubaei, Deputy Head of the Research and Advisory Sector at TRENDS, take part in a momentous roundtable dinner, hosted by The Israeli Heritage Fund Congregation Ayshel Avraham, bringing together luminaries from across the globe. The event celebrated the spirit of unity, respect, and common goals between different communities, particularly emphasizing the positive impact of the Abraham accords.

Nasser Al-Ali, stressed the importance of the role of culture and arts in understanding the other. It is the means that allows people to understand each other without the need for verbal exchanges. They can express their feelings and vision of the world. He stressed that art is a tool for unity between people of different religions, nationality and ethnic affiliation.  

The TRENDS delegation met at the sidelines of the forum with each of Eliezer Burak Sasso, a diplomat from Guatemala, Martin Olner, Vice President of the American Zionist Movement, and Abi Dayan, member of the Jewish-Muslim Leadership Council, head of the Jewish group in the European Council of Religious Leaders and Chief Rabbi of Geneva, Switzerland. The two sides discussed the role of cultural diplomacy in solving global problems.

The TRENDS delegation also met with Impana Sri, Communications Officer of Khoherent, Dr. Friger, Vice President of the Israel Heritage Fund, and Rabbi Katz, Founder of the Fund. They reviewed the significance of cultural diplomacy and art in peace making.