TRENDS Research and Advisory stressed the significance of achieving peace in the Middle East, given the positive economic impact on this region.

Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of Trends Research and Advisory delivered his remarks on the subject at the annual meeting of the Greece House Davos Foundation 2024, which is held as part of the activities of the World Economic Forum in “Davos”. The annual meeting kicked off in Switzerland, and lasts for five days.

“Achieving peace in the Middle East shall boost trade and investment in the region, create new jobs, attract foreign direct investment, and promote innovation and economic growth,” he said in a panel discussion entitled ““The Economics of Peace in the Middle East: A best practices model for Education on the culture of Peace and SDGs.”

Dr. Mohammed Al-Ali pointed out that the scale of destruction caused by the Gaza war, on the Palestinian and Israeli sides, is a harsh reminder of the heavy toll of protracted conflicts. It shows that the risks to the stability and economy of the region will remain great in light of the continued failure to reach a lasting settlement in the region.

The direct costs of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict have been estimated at more than a trillion dollars since the conflict began seventy years ago. These costs include the loss of human life, property and infrastructure. The indirect economic and investment losses as a result of this war are estimated at about one trillion dollars.”

“If the direct benefits to both sides, along with the financial gains from the growth of economic activity as a result of further regional integration, are accounted for, the opportunity cost for peace is prohibitive, reaching nearly $1.7 trillion, at 2023 prices, within ten years,” he said.

Dr. Al-Ali pointed out that the “Abraham Accords” laid new and strong foundation for the economics of peace and cooperation in the Middle East. They contributed to the achievement of some positive results already, such as the Economic Corridor project and the prosperity project.

Dr. Al-Ali referred to the role of think tanks and scientific research in promoting a culture of peace and sustainability. He spoke about Trends Centre’s research and knowledge output that enhances cooperation and spread a culture of dialogue, understanding and peaceful coexistence in a way that ensures peace and stability.

Dr. Al-Ali welcomed the cooperation between Trends Research and Advisory and the Greece House Davos. He attended the annual meeting of the Foundation, which brought together a group of global leaders and experts.

The culture of peace is an engine of growth

The discussion was attended by a group of intellectuals and pioneers in the fields of politics, religion and education, including Ms. Shoshana Nicole Beckermann, Director of the Parliamentary Alliance for Global Ethics, Imam Muhammad Al-Tawhidi, Vice President of the International Islamic Council of Imams, Rabbi Yitzhak Dayan, Member of the Executive Council representing the United Nations and the Conference of European Rabbis, Mr. Martin Olner, President of the Institute for a Culture of Peace, and David Lega, Member of the European Parliament.

The five speakers mentioned the importance of promoting a culture of peace in the region as a driver of economic and social development. The speakers stressed the need to integrate the principles of sustainable peace and the Sustainable Development Goals into education curricula at all levels. They also stressed the vital role of religious institutions in consolidating the values of tolerance and understanding between religions and cultures.

Experts, thinkers and pioneers indicated that stability and security provide a conducive environment for economic growth, while conflicts lead to a decline in development rates and an increase in poverty levels. The contributors stressed the need to include the concepts of peace, human rights and sustainable development goals in educational curricula. They referred to the need to enhance critical thinking skills, in addition to the need to promote dialogue and understanding between different religions and cultures in the region. These measures represent an effective weapon to combat intolerance and hatred. They stressed the indispensable role of think tanks, scientific research institutions and communities in spreading a culture of peace and enhancing engagement and inclusive participation in resolving outstanding issues and disputes.