–Dr. Mohammed Al-Ali: Tolerance is Essential for Building Stable and Prosperous Societies

TRENDS Research & Advisory participated as a knowledge partner in the 2nd International Dialogue of Civilizations and Tolerance Conference. Under the patronage and in the presence of H.E. Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence,

 The event, held under the theme “Empowering Youth for a Tolerant Future”, was organized by the Emirates Scholar Center for Research and Studies (ESRC), in partnership with the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence, at Abu Dhabi Energy Center and will continue until February 21, 2025.

In his keynote speech at the opening session—attended by H.E. Shaykh Abdallah bin Bayyah, Chairman of the UAE Fatwa Council and Head of the Abu Dhabi Forum for Peace, H.E. Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed Belhaif Al Nuaimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Consultative Council, along with a distinguished audience of scholars, diplomats, academics, researchers, media professionals, and university students—Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS Research & Advisory, expressed his deep appreciation to H.E. Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan for his continuous efforts in promoting tolerance and peace at both local and international levels.

Dr. Al-Ali also commended the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence and ESRC for organizing the conference, emphasizing TRENDS’ pride in being a knowledge partner for this significant global event, which reflects the strong partnership between TRENDS and the Ministry in advancing dialogue and coexistence.

Dr. Al-Ali underscored that tolerance is not just a slogan or a moral virtue, but a strategic necessity for building stable and prosperous societies.

He pointed out that today’s world is at a critical crossroads—while globalization and technology have brought nations closer together, ideological and cultural divides are deepening. This paradox, he explained, places a responsibility on all of us to find sustainable solutions to counter hate speech and polarization by promoting a culture of dialogue and openness.

Dr. Al-Ali emphasized that youth are the key to building a more inclusive and tolerant future. He highlighted the importance of equipping young people with intellectual tools and leadership skills to confront intolerance and extremism wherever they exist.

“Our responsibility is to create platforms for expression, spaces for innovation, and opportunities for leadership, so that young people can become champions of tolerance and pioneers of positive change,” he stated.

Dr. Al-Ali outlined TRENDS’ dual approach to fostering a culture of tolerance: countering extremist ideologies by publishing enlightened intellectual works in multiple languages to deconstruct narratives that incite hatred and rejection of others; and encouraging constructive intellectual dialogue by organizing global events that promote coexistence and tolerance, such as the “Islam and Human Fraternity” Conference, which TRENDS co-organized with the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence and the University Platform for Research on Islam (PLURIEL), in the presence of H.E. Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan.

In his concluding remarks, Dr. Al-Ali stressed that tolerance must go beyond words and speeches—it must become a tangible reality reflected in policies, education, media, and daily behavior.

He called for collective action to build a world that embraces understanding and acceptance, stating that this conference is not just an intellectual gathering, but a launchpad for renewed global efforts to strengthen dialogue and peace.

 Knowledge Pavilion

On the other hand, H.E. Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, accompanied by H.E. Shaykh Abdallah bin Bayyah, Chairman of the UAE Fatwa Council and Head of the Abu Dhabi Forum for Peace, visited the TRENDS Knowledge Pavilion, held on the sidelines of the conference.

During their visit, they explored TRENDS’ latest research publications, which highlight the importance of intercultural dialogue and showcase intellectual initiatives aimed at fostering mutual understanding between different cultures and societies.

As a gesture of appreciation, both dignitaries were presented with copies of TRENDS’ latest publications.