Abu Dhabi, UAE: The Emirates Centre for Strategic Studies and Research (ECSSR) and The Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy (AGDA), is currently hosting a series of discussions at the Hili Forum, focusing on global geopolitics and geoeconomics. The forum has gathered 40 international thought leaders and 350 participants to address the evolving global landscape.

Yesterday’s Geopolitics sessions explored profound shifts in global power dynamics, examining how intensified competition among major powers and the rise of medium power influences impact ongoing conflicts and political polarisation. The forum discussed how instability presents opportunities for growth, resilience, and forging innovative partnerships in a multipolar world.

The Geoeconomics discussions tackled the challenges of global economic fragmentation and protectionism. Experts shared strategies to navigate the shifting economic landscape, highlighting how regional and global trade dynamics are evolving due to these changes.

The Hili Forum underscores the importance of strategic dialogue in navigating today’s complex geopolitical, geoeconomical and geotechnological landscape. By bringing together leading experts and policymakers, it aims to not only understand the complexities of global shifts, but to also explore actionable strategies for fostering international cooperation and stability. The insights garnered from these sessions will be instrumental in shaping a more resilient and interconnected global community.

H.E. Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, said during the Hili Forum, “While globalisation remains a key driver of economic growth, the challenges of economic fragmentation require strategic mitigation through balanced partnerships. The UAE has consistently prioritised global cooperation, not only by building bridges between nations through our trade networks but by supporting multilateral economic systems. As a key international logistics hub and a champion of trade as a driver of long-term, sustainable growth, the UAE will continue to pursue policies that enhance trade with countries in every continent.”

During the forum, Dr. Mohammed Ibrahim Al Dhaheri, Deputy Director-General of AGDA, moderated a special session that focused on the rise of medium powers in a multipolar world, Commenting on the first day he stated: “Our focus on geopolitics and geoeconomics highlights the major recent global shifts and new power dynamics and analyses current economic fragmentation and protectionism amidst globalisation challenges. The Hili Forum serves as a critical platform for experts to convert global disruptions into avenues for strategic cooperation and growth. This platform underscores the UAE’s unwavering commitment to forging partnerships that drive stability, economic progress, and a sustainable future for all.”

Obaid Al Zaabi, Director of Strategic Studies and Research Division, ECSSR, added: “The Hili Forum has highlighted the importance of strategic dialogue in navigating today’s complex geopolitical, geoeconomical and geotechnological landscape. By bringing together leading experts and policymakers, we aim to not only understand the complexities of global shifts, but also to explore actionable strategies for fostering international cooperation and stability. The insights garnered from these sessions will be instrumental in shaping a more resilient and interconnected global community.”

The forum’s plenaries featured high-level speakers such as H.E. Carl Bildt, former Prime Minister of Sweden, H.E. Nabil Fahmy, former Foreign Minister of Egypt, H.E. Nasser Judeh, former Foreign Affairs Minister of Jordan, H.E. Nasser Al Kidwa, former Foreign Affairs Minister of the Palestinian National Authority, H.E. Amb. Zhang Yiming, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the UAE, H.E. Sidney Leon Romeiro, Ambassador of the Federative Republic of Brazil to the UAE, H.E. Dr. Abdulnasser Jamal Alshaali, UAE Ambassador to the Republic of India and a member of AGDA’s Board of Trustees, and H.E. Ambassador Majid Al-Suwaidi, Director-General and Special Representative of the UAE COP28 Presidency, alongside distinguished AGDA and ECSSR management and faculty members and other notable experts. These discussions fostered cooperation in tackling contemporary global challenges, with sessions covering topics from governance to energy transition and economic security.

The two-day Hili Forum event, hosted at The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort in Abu Dhabi, has brought together international thought leaders, experts, diplomats and respected academics to engage in discussions, panels and breakout sessions concentrating on a number of critical issues and challenges that are currently affecting the world. The talks are aimed at bringing an enlightening viewpoint to three overarching pillars in efforts to understand the evolving global landscape of Geopolitics, Geoeconomics, and Geotech.

About ECSSR:

Emirates Center for Strategic Studies and Research is the leading think tank in the UAE, supporting policy and decision making with strategic assessments and analysis of emerging global trends, while functioning as a forum for candid debate and discussions. Founded in 1994, ECSSR has been at the forefront of strategic insights and  policy  solutions  to  inform  the  decision-making  of  relevant stakeholders and the interested public. Today, building on ECSSR’s strengths  in  traditional  geopolitics  and  security  programs,  we continue to broaden our focus with initiatives and new programs tackling global challenges and key issues, from energy security and climate change, to AI and health.

About AGDA:

The Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy is a globally recognised diplomatic centre of excellence in Abu Dhabi. It delivers accredited academic programmes and high-impact executive training to develop future diplomats, as well as the government and business leaders of tomorrow. AGDA brings together an intellectual community from the world of diplomacy, academia and research. As a respected and evolving regional think tank, AGDA produces research that advances knowledge and capabilities relevant to the UAE’s foreign policy objectives. The Academy is a producer of leading resources, including indices and publications.

For more information about Hili Forum or to register, please visit https://hiliforum.ae/

For any media queries related to Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy, you may reach to:
Imam Asalie
E: imam.asalie@viola.ae

Sandy Karout
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