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ABU DHABI/WAM
Emirates Centre for Strategic Studies and Research (ECSSR) and Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy (AGDA) launched the inaugural “Hili Forum”, marking a significant addition to the UAE’s strategic dialogue landscape.
The flagship forum will take place from September 16 to 17 2024 at the St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort in Abu Dhabi.
Addressing pivotal global issues, with particular focus on the Middle East, the theme for 2024 is “Emerging Global (Dis)order: Redefine, Reshape, Rebuild”.
Over the course of two days, thought leaders, international experts, diplomats and academics will engage in strategic dialogue on the critical challenges and transformations reshaping the world.
The 2024 Hili Forum will explore three thematic pillars, critical to understanding the evolving global landscape, which include Geopolitics: Examining major geopolitical shifts and the emergence of new power dynamics; Geoeconomics: Analysing economic fragmentation and protectionism amidst globalisation challenges; Geotech: Exploring the impacts of transformative technologies on global power, security, and competitiveness.
High-profile keynote addresses and a ministerial keynote will open proceedings, setting the scene for the discussions ahead. Providing diverse perspectives on global and regional issues, 16 in-depth sessions will then unpack the complex factors driving pivotal issues, while a dynamic format offers a range of ways to engage, from interactive panel discussions to concurrent breakout sessions.
Hili Forum also presents the latest research, analysis and trends in geopolitics, geoeconomics, and geotech, in addition to offering strategic policy recommendations, based on the Forum’s analyses and discussions.
Looking ahead to an invaluable opportunity to share knowledge and perspectives at Hili Forum, Dr. Sultan Al Nuaimi, ECSSR Director-General, said, “This forum serves as a testament to the effective strategic partnerships forged and exemplified by the genuine collaboration between the ECSSR and Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy. The UAE, with its long-standing history in the region, has always been a crossroads for civilizations, trade, and the exchange of knowledge.
“The Forum’s name emphasises the reality that challenges are shared, and collective action—through the exchange of ideas, opinions, and recommendations—has become essential for thinkers and experts. This collaboration is crucial for achieving sustainable peace and security, which, in turn, drives development and serves the interests of nations and peoples.”
Nickolay Mladenov, AGDA Director-General, highlighted the significance of the forum as a platform for global engagement and strategic dialogue. He said, “The Hili Forum presents a unique platform for global and regional voices to engage in meaningful dialogue on the most pressing issues of our time. It offers an opportunity to connect with thought leaders and decision-makers, fostering collaboration and innovation as we collectively navigate the challenges and opportunities shaping the future. I look forward to the exchange of diverse perspectives that will not only deepen our understanding but also guide actionable solutions for a more stable, prosperous, and secure world.”
Named after the historically significant Hili region in Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, the Forum honours the area’s legacy as a crossroads of cultural and knowledge exchange dating back to the Bronze and Iron Ages. Drawing on this legacy, Hili Forum brings together thought leaders and experts from all over the world for a broad spectrum of perspectives on the critical issues facing the world today.