H.E. Atifete Jahjaga stresses that investing in research is an urgent necessity amid political and technological transformations. Her Excellency Atifete Jahjaga, former President of the Republic of Kosovo, affirmed that knowledge and intellectual dialogue constitute the proper foundation for addressing rapidly evolving global challenges. She stressed that investing in research and empowering think tanks has become an urgent necessity amid the accelerating political and technological transformations shaping today’s world.

These insights were shared during a dialogue session hosted by TRENDS Research & Advisory at its headquarters in Abu Dhabi, on the sidelines of her participation in the Global Tolerance and Human Fraternity Conference, in which TRENDS is a strategic partner. Her Excellency explained that think tanks play a pivotal role in disseminating knowledge, anticipating the future, and providing evidence-based insights that support decision-makers, thereby contributing to the consolidation of coexistence and human peace. She emphasized that global challenges cannot be addressed without knowledge-based dialogue and mutual understanding among people and cultures. She highlighted the importance of strengthening international cooperation among research and intellectual institutions, considering cross-border partnerships a key pillar in addressing global crises. She also praised TRENDS Research & Advisory’s initiatives, expressing her aspiration to open avenues for research cooperation, including the establishment of a research office in Kosovo to support strategic studies, strengthen cultural diplomacy, and build bridges of understanding among nations. Her Excellency commended the human values embedded in the Global Tolerance and Human Fraternity Conference, describing it as a vital international platform for promoting a culture of coexistence and dialogue. She lauded the role of the UAE in advancing values of tolerance and human peace, and in hosting intellectual and research initiatives aimed at enhancing global stability.

Reflecting on her leadership experience, the former president noted that she was the first woman to serve as President of Kosovo and the youngest head of state in the world at 35. She stated that women’s access to leadership positions reflects societal progress and the capacity to achieve justice and equality. She noted that during her presidency, she was keen to engage directly with citizens, listen to their concerns, and support them on the ground, despite the significant challenges she faced as a woman in a high leadership position. She affirmed that determination, competence, and knowledge were decisive factors in overcoming those challenges. For his part, Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS Research and Advisory, welcomed Her Excellency Atifete Jahjaga, the fourth President of the Republic of Kosovo, emphasizing TRENDS’ commitment to enhancing global knowledge dialogue and engaging with inspiring leadership experiences that have contributed to peacebuilding and the consolidation of tolerance values.

Al-Ali expressed his gratitude to Her Excellency for accepting the invitation from “TRENDS” and participating in the “Global Conference on Tolerance and Human Fraternity,” praising her intellectual contributions and leadership role in supporting peace issues, women’s empowerment, and fostering a culture of dialogue among nations. Al-Ali added that TRENDS continues, through its research programs and international partnerships, to play an active role in promoting global dialogue based on knowledge, and providing strategic studies and insights that support decision-makers in facing complex and accelerating challenges. He noted that “TRENDS” operates from a firm belief in the importance of scientific research and future forecasting as primary tools for building more balanced and sustainable policies, stressing that the Center seeks to solidify its position as an international platform for intellectual dialogue and a bridge for communication between cultures, thereby contributing to global stability and the promotion of tolerance and human fraternity values. He also welcomed future cooperation between TRENDS and representative institutions in Kosovo. He noted that TRENDS’ experience is grounded in a firm belief in the importance of scientific research and strategic foresight as essential tools for building more balanced and sustainable policies. He emphasized that the Center seeks to consolidate its position as an international platform for intellectual dialogue and a bridge between cultures, contributing to global stability and the promotion of values of tolerance and human fraternity. He also welcomed future cooperation between TRENDS and institutions represented in Kosovo. The dialogue session was attended by a distinguished group of TRENDS researchers and experts, who exchanged views on the role of research and strategic foresight in building proactive, evidence-based public policies.