At Trends and the International Institute for Cultural Diplomacy Conference Prospects and implications for cooperation between the UAE and Central Asia

Trends Research and Advisory and the International Institute for Cultural Diplomacy organized a joint conference entitled "Modern Diplomacy in the Era of Globalization: New Prospects and Implications for Cooperation between the UAE and Central Asia." The conference convened on Monday at Trends Conference Hall in Abu Dhabi, with the participation of diplomats, researchers and experts.

The participants stressed the importance of strengthening cooperation between the UAE and Central Asia countries in various fields.

They also called for innovative approaches to diplomacy that leverage technology and promote participation in parallel diplomacy.

The conference stressed the importance of cultural diplomacy in building bridges of understanding between countries and peoples, and made several recommendations that would advance cooperation between these countries in various fields, most notably, the establishment of new mechanisms for cooperation between the UAE and Central Asian countries in the fields of education and cultural exchange.

The conference was opened by Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS Research and Advisory, who welcomed the audience and stressed the significance of cooperation between the Arabian Gulf region and the Central Asia in light of the rapid unfolding changes in the world.

Dr. Al-Ali indicated that these two regions have great potential for cooperation and are strategically located at the heart of global trade routes, which has historically enhanced trade exchange and cultural exchanges between them.

He added that both regions are rich in natural resources, have thriving economies, and the majority of their populations are young and eager to contribute to the global stage. Dr. Al-Ali referred to opportunities for cooperation in the areas of economic diversification, technological innovation, human capital development, and regional security. He said that  the UAE's experience in infrastructure development, renewable energy, and logistics can be useful in supporting the efforts of Central Asian countries to diversify their economies and open new horizons for growth.

The CEO of TRENDS stressed the importance of adopting innovative methods of diplomacy that take advantage of technology and promote participation in parallel diplomacy, taking into consideration the best possible ways to harness the power of technology.

Dr. Al-Ali said that cultural diplomacy is based on promoting cultural dialogue between countries and peoples. It has proven to be effective in building bridges of understanding and establishing a basis for lasting partnerships that serve the peoples of these countries and achieve their aspirations for the future.

He stressed that this conference serves as a valuable platform to explore concrete and real ways of cooperation and search for effective solutions to address the potential challenges posed by globalization. He indicated that by promoting open dialogue, adopting innovative approaches, and prioritizing common interests, we can unleash the enormous potential of cooperation between the UAE and Central Asia.

In his opening remarks, His Excellency Yousef Essa Al Sabri, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the International Institute for Cultural Diplomacy, praised the fruitful cooperation between Trends Research and Advisory and the Institute. He indicated that the conference shall open new horizons for dialogue and exchange of views between the Emirati and Asian parties, and bring together the intellectual, political and economic elites of the UAE and Asia.

He explained that the Institute shall cooperate with TRENDS to enhance mutual efforts in the fields of: higher education, scientific research and vocational training, and encourage cooperation between universities and scientific research centers on both sides. This in addition to the exchange of expertise and experiences. He stressed the importance of activating the role of cultural diplomacy as an important tool in dialogue and building successful international relations.

 Mr. Mohamed Abdel Rahman, Member of the Board of Directors of the International Institute for Cultural Diplomacy expressed his aspiration for solid cooperation in the future, in coordination with Central Asian countries, noting that cultural diplomacy and Dialogue is the best solution for understanding.  He said that the UAE has been at the forefront of efforts to strengthen relations between the two regions. This falls in in line with the historical legacy of spreading tolerance and achieving peace since the era of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

The opening session was moderated by TRENDS researcher Alanood AlHosani, who delivered the welcoming remarks and referred to the main themes and objectives of the symposium.

Challenges and opportunities

The conference convened its first panel on "The Role of Diplomacy in an Interconnected and Competitive World: Challenges and Opportunities", moderated by researcher Ms. Alyazia AlHosani, Director of Media Communication Department at TRENDS. She stressed that in light of navigating through an increasingly intertwined and complex global landscape, the importance of diplomacy has become quite clear. She said that with countries and regions closely linked at the economic, political and even social levels, the need to enhance dialogue, build confidence and create Common ground is vital to address common challenges and promote collective interests.

Alyazia Al Hosani indicated that this interdependence also poses great challenges. It is imperative to explore effective diplomatic strategies to address these challenges and uncover the enormous potential for cooperation.

The session included interventions by H.E. Madiyar Menilbekov, Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the UAE, H.E. Bahodur Sharifi Mahmudzoda, Ambassador of the Republic of Tajikistan to the UAE, and Farrukh Zakirov, Head of the Department of Cooperation with South Asia, Near East, Middle East and Africa at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

The statements stressed the importance of diplomacy in an interdependent and competitive world, and expressed the need to adopt a comprehensive diplomatic approach that takes into account different interests and needs. They stressed the importance of cultural diplomacy in supporting stability, promoting understanding between peoples, and building bridges of communication between countries.

Diplomacy and Artificial Intelligence

The second panel discussion addressed the issue of "The Future of Diplomacy in a New Global Landscape: The Impact of Artificial Intelligence and Modern Media", and was moderated by researcher at Trends Zayed Al Dhaheri. He explained that the panel shall include statements from by Mohammed Murad Al Balushi, UAE Ambassador to Azerbaijan (recorded video), Dr. Saeed Al Qamzi, UAE Ambassador to the Republic of Uzbekistan (live online), Dr. Awad Al Masabi – Cultural Advisor, and Dr. Mohammed Saeed Al Kindi, former Minister of Environment and Water of the United Arab Emirates.

The panel witnessed a rich discussion between the speakers and the audience, where ideas were exchanged on the role of artificial intelligence in data analysis and information collection to serve diplomatic work. The discussion covered the impact of modern media, the importance of personal diplomacy in light of the increasing reliance on technology, and the challenges facing diplomacy in light of the rapid global changes.

The Speakers stressed the importance of artificial intelligence to enhance communication between countries and improve the efficiency of diplomatic work. In this regard, they referred to the importance of effective communication with the public through various digital platforms.

They also stressed the importance of cultural diplomacy in building relations between countries, and stressed the need for international cooperation to address these challenges.

Innovative strategies

The third panel discussion focused on the theme "Promoting Peace, Dialogue, Education and Cultural Exchange in Today's World: Modern Methodologies and Innovative Strategies". The panel was moderated by researcher at Trends, Gina Serhal, who explained that the panel includes interventions from H.E. Sirdarmamet Garagayev, Ambassador of Turkmenistan to the UAE, and Mr. Afgan Shahmarov, Counsellor at the embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the UAE. The interventions stressed the importance of the role of education in promoting a culture of peace and tolerance, and the need to exchange expertise and experiences among countries to enhance dialogue and understanding, in addition to strengthening international cooperation to face common global challenges. The speakers also stressed the role of cultural exchange in building bridges of communication between peoples, focusing on the role of youth and the need to support their relevant initiatives. They stressed the significant role of the media in spreading awareness about human values.

Round table:

This was followed by an ambassadorial roundtable which focused on "UAE-Central Asian Relations: Enhancing Diplomatic Engagement and Strengthening Cooperation". It was moderated by Dr. Serhat Çubukçuoğlu, Senior Researcher in Strategic Studies, TRENDS Research and Advisory. The participants included the ambassadors of Central Asian countries and experts. They stressed the importance of strengthening relations between the UAE and Central Asia, especially in light of the rapid developments in the world. They stressed the need to enhance cooperation in various fields, and referred to the great opportunities to enhance trade and investment cooperation between the UAE and Central Asian countries, especially in light of the many promising resource sectors on both sides.