As part of Trends Research and Advisory’s partnership with the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence, five experts and researchers from the Center participated in the "Roundtable" discussions on the importance of joint action to consolidate the values of common humanity and the Global Alliance for tolerance. The discussion was held at the conclusion of the Global Summit for Tolerance and Human Fraternity organized by the Ministry of Tolerance in cooperation with the Muslim Council of Elders in Abu Dhabi on February 6 and 7, 2024.
The "Roundtable" discussion, was opened by His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence. It was attended by more than 40 prominent UN experts, international figures and Emirati leaders. It dealt with ways to promote human values that ensure a better life for humanity in the near future. Researchers and experts from Trends presented scientific statements on the discussion topics. Dr. Fattouh Heikal, Scientific Advisor at Trends, stressed that consolidation of the values of tolerance and human fraternity is the key to achieving peace, stability and global prosperity. He indicated that the noble values and principles enshrined in the Human Fraternity Document signed in the UAE, are capable of achieving this goal if they are implemented properly. Dr. Heikal referred to a number of challenges facing the implementation of these values, most notably the extremist ideologies found in different cultures and religions, and the lack of awareness among many of the values and cultures of other societies. Dr. Heikal explained the experience of Trends Research and Advisory in refuting extremist ideas and addressing them in a constructive manner.
Hamad Al Hosani, a researcher at the Trends’ Department of Political Islam Studies, referred to the role of Trends in promoting dialogue between experts and academics of different nationalities to enhance common awareness among intellectual elites of their respective cultures. He referred to the recent conference convened by TRENDS in cooperation with the University Platform for the Study of Islam, in partnership with the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence. More than 80 academic and university researchers from 4 continents participated in this global event, which is the largest international academic conference to discuss the Document on Human Fraternity. Al Hosani indicated that the culture of tolerance and human fraternity does not date back to 2019, which witnessed the signing of the Human Fraternity Document, but is rooted in Emirati history.
Researcher Aisha Al-Rumaithi, Director of the Research and Advisory Department at Trends, referred to the importance of enhancing the role of scientific research in consolidating the values and principles contained in the Human Fraternity Document and raising public awareness about the document. She referred to the Tolerance and Coexistence Program, which is one of the most important research programs at the Center. The program focuses on the publication of studies by researchers from different cultures and religions. It emphasizes the importance of promoting peace and global tolerance. Researcher Sultan Al-Ali, Director of the Barometer Department at Trends, addressed the importance of public opinion polls in measuring the awareness of different societies and peoples of the values and principles contained in the Human Fraternity Document. He referred to a relevant research project carried out by TRENDS, in cooperation with the Arab Youth Center and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The project identifies the attitudes of Arab youth towards peace, stability and tolerance. It identifies the factors that enhance the positive attitude towards those values.
Dr. Serhat Çübokçoğlu, Senior Researcher at TRENDS, affirmed the Center's commitment to its important role of promoting tolerance and inclusiveness in contemporary societies. He stressed the pivotal role played by research and think tanks in anticipating events, and stressed the importance of conducting research and encouraging dialogue that promotes understanding, empathy and inclusiveness. He added that Trends’ mission goes beyond research and publication. The center seeks to achieve the goal of human fraternity through in-depth research on diverse societal issues, including diversity, inclusion and tolerance. Trends provide a platform for dialogue between different stakeholders, delivers insights that promote tolerance and coexistence, and build partnerships on a global scale.
Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of Trends Research and Advisory, praised the participation of TRENDS experts in the World Summit for Tolerance and Human Fraternity. He said that this participation reflects his firm belief in the importance of joint work to promote the values of tolerance and coexistence between different cultures. We are proud to have a group of researchers and experts at TRENDS who have extensive experience in the field of tolerance and coexistence. Dr. Al-Ali said that we are confident that their valuable contributions have enriched the conference discussions and helped achieve its goals."
Dr. Al-Ali added: "At TRENDS, we will continue to work to promote the values of tolerance and coexistence through our tailored programs and activities. We hope that our participation in the World Summit for Tolerance and Human Fraternity will be an affirmation of fruitful cooperation with various institutions that work to achieve the same goals."
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