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On the First Day of its Participation at the World Economic Forum, TRENDS Hosts Two Panel Discussions on the Importance of Global Engagement and Peace Economies

22 Jan 2025

On the First Day of its Participation at the World Economic Forum, TRENDS Hosts Two Panel Discussions on the Importance of Global Engagement and Peace Economies

22 Jan 2025

H.E. Mohammad Al Gergawi Briefed on TRENDS’ Research Efforts at Davos

The World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos hosted an exceptional panel discussion featuring H.E. Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, and the delegation from TRENDS Research & Advisory participating in the forum.

The session highlighted the importance of active participation in international forums like the WEF, which serve as strategic platforms for knowledge exchange and building partnerships that enhance the UAE’s global standing.

Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS Research & Advisory, expressed his honor at meeting H.E. Al Gergawi and briefing him on TRENDS’ activities at the WEF, where the center is participating for the second consecutive year. He outlined the global scope and role of TRENDS’ research initiatives.

Dr. Al-Ali emphasized that TRENDS is working to solidify its position as a global research institution through collaborations with leading think tanks and research centers worldwide. These efforts aim to support international endeavors in developing more sustainable and inclusive strategies and policies.

He further highlighted TRENDS’ commitment to providing a global foresight perspective, stating that its presence at the WEF strengthens its visibility in international academic and research circles.

H.E. Al Gergawi praised TRENDS’ efforts, noting that the UAE’s strong presence at global economic forums like the WEF reflects the vision of the country’s wise leadership and its ongoing commitment to building a future economy driven by innovation and knowledge. He emphasized that such participation reinforces the UAE’s role as a global hub for strategic thinking and international cooperation.

The session concluded with a shared understanding that active participation in international platforms bolsters the role of scientific research and enhances the UAE’s position as a global partner in addressing worldwide challenges. It also underscores the nation’s leadership in building a resilient and sustainable economy.

As a gesture of appreciation, Dr. Al-Ali presented H.E. Al Gergawi with the TRENDS Research Medal as well as a selection of TRENDS’ latest publications, particularly those launched during the WEF in Davos.

The TRENDS’ delegation held meetings with several ministers, officials, and intellectuals at the Ice Village, Davos, explored with them opportunities for research collaboration and briefed them on TRENDS’ operations and its global network of offices.

Second Panel Discussion on the Economics of Peace

A Shift Toward Peace Yields Significant Economic Gains

As part of its activities alongside the WEF in Davos, TRENDS participated in a panel discussion titled “The Economics of Peace in the Middle East and the Global Arena: Strategies to Prevent Future Conflicts,” organized by the Inter Parliamentary Coalition for Global Ethics.

Dr. Mohammed Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS, emphasized the significance of the session’s theme, noting the increasing intensity of conflicts worldwide, particularly in the Middle East, which has experienced an unprecedented rise in armed conflicts in recent years.

He explained the profound economic repercussions of violence, including the erosion of economic development, heightened instability, and widening inequality, as well as significant harm to human capital. Dr. Al-Ali cited a recent survey by the WEF that identified armed conflicts as the greatest threat to economic growth in 2025.

Highlighting key data, Dr. Al-Ali pointed out a 25% increase in global political violence in 2024, with over 50 countries engaged in active conflicts. He noted that extreme poverty now affects 700 million people—8.5% of the global population—and that global inflation has risen to 5.8% due to disrupted supply chains, with oil prices up by 4.5% and natural gas by 64%. The economic losses in conflict zones have been staggering.

Dr. Al-Ali stressed that transitioning to a climate of peace offers substantial economic benefits, such as higher GDP growth, reduced inflation rates, and increased employment. He highlighted the positive impact of peace on sectors like tourism, trade, and infrastructure development, pointing out that the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries serve as a leading example, topping human development indices in the region.

He urged governments in the Middle East to prioritize peace in their policies, counter hate speech and extremism, and promote values of tolerance and coexistence. He also highlighted the importance of the Abraham Accords in building bridges of peace and called for investments in education as a tool for shaping future generations and fostering a culture of peace. He advocated for integrating peace economies into educational curricula to achieve sustainable economic collaboration.

Dr. Hamad Al-Kaabi: Peace as a Means to Stability and Sustainable Development

Dr. Hamad Al-Kaabi, CEO of Aletihad News Center and Editor-in-Chief of Al-Ittihad newspaper, participated in the panel, emphasizing the critical link between peace and economic stability. He noted that conflicts and wars not only worsen humanitarian conditions but also hinder economic development and obstruct the achievement of sustainable development goals.

Dr. Al-Kaabi explained that armed conflicts cause devastating damage to infrastructure, increase civilian suffering, and create long-term crises in affected communities. He stated, “Peace is not merely the absence of war; it is a state of prosperity characterized by justice and sustainable development. A stable environment attracts investments, creates jobs, and improves living standards.”

He further stressed that preventing conflicts is the most effective investment for achieving sustainable development, noting that the cost of prevention is far less than addressing the consequences of wars. Dr. Al-Kaabi called for international cooperation to support peacebuilding efforts through funding reconstruction projects, strengthening democratic institutions, and combating extremism and terrorism, which pose significant threats to global stability.

Addressing challenges in the Middle East, Dr. Al-Kaabi highlighted the importance of regional solutions in areas like water, energy, and agriculture. He stated, “Regional cooperation enhances security and stability and helps build resilient economies capable of withstanding shocks.”

He praised the Development Road project as a promising model of regional collaboration but noted that its success requires overcoming political disagreements, bridging ideological divides, securing adequate funding, and building institutional and human capacities.

Dr. Al-Kaabi concluded by emphasizing that investments in modern infrastructure are not merely economic initiatives but investments in a better future.

Experts and Researchers: Peace is an Economic and Human Necessity

The panel featured prominent experts and speakers who underscored the critical importance of achieving peace as both an economic and humanitarian necessity.

They emphasized that integrating concepts of peace and economic development into educational curricula is a key factor in building stable communities.

All participants agreed that peace is not just an end goal but a means to achieve sustainable development and comprehensive stability that benefits everyone.

The panel recommended enhancing regional cooperation to address shared challenges, supporting peace initiatives by funding reconstruction and development projects, investing in education to combat extremism and foster a culture of peace, and leveraging trade and technology as tools to build bridges of cooperation between nations.