TRENDS Research & Advisory affirmed that knowledge is the driving force behind positive change and that objective, academic dialogue is the best path to formulating effective policies to confront the significant challenges facing the world.

This statement came in a keynote speech delivered by Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS, during the Global GPF Forum, whose first edition was launched in the Gulf region at the Abu Dhabi Energy Center in the presence of Sheikha Dr. Shamma bint Mohammed bin Khalid Al Nahyan, Chairperson of the Sheikh Al Nahyan Cultural and Educational Institutions and President of GPF Global Abu Dhabi 2025, along with several senior officials and international experts.

Dr. Al-Ali noted that holding the forum in Abu Dhabi underscores the UAE’s position as a center for dialogue and global innovation. He emphasized that the UAE’s ambitious Net Zero 2050 Strategy has made the nation an international role model in climate action and the knowledge-based economy.

He also praised the historic UAE Agreement issued during COP28, which mobilized international efforts from 198 countries and set the world on the right path toward climate action. He stressed the need to address global challenges such as energy security and digital transformation with a spirit of partnership and collective responsibility rather than a logic of competition.

Dr. Al-Ali concluded his speech by emphasizing TRENDS’ commitment to being an active participant in global platforms through research production, event organization, and collaborative networks. He expressed his hope that these discussions would yield practical insights that would help build a more sustainable and prosperous world.

TRENDS also actively participated in the Global GPF 2025 International Festival, one of the leading international events promoting climate action.

Researcher Abrar Al-Ali from the TRENDS Dubai office served as a festival emcee. At the same time, researcher Latifa Al-Junaibi moderated a session discussing the future of sustainable cities and the importance of innovation in environmentally friendly infrastructure.

Researcher Najla Al-Midfa also moderated a panel discussion that brought together experts and leaders to explore ways to accelerate the green transition through public-private sector cooperation across energy, agriculture, technology, and finance.

Sheikha Dr. Shamma bint Mohammed bin Khalid Al Nahyan, President of the GPF Festival, honored TRENDS, represented by its president, in appreciation of its partnership in supporting the festival.