TRENDS Research & Advisory participated in the first edition of the Global South Economic Forum 2025, hosted in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

This participation reflected TRENDS’ position as a leading research center committed to supporting development and international cooperation. The invitation to participate came from the Centre of Geoeconomics for the Global South (COGGS) and the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy (AGDA).

The forum brought together a distinguished group of policymakers, diplomats, experts, and global thought leaders to discuss the challenges and opportunity related to bridging the estimated $4 trillion annual gap in sustainable development financing in developing nations.

A Catalyst force

Sultan Al-Rubaei, Senior Researcher and Director of the TRENDS International Training Institute, delivered a keynote address during the fifth session of the forum titled: “The UAE’s Role as a Catalyst for North–South Connectivity and South–South Cooperation.”

In his address, Al-Rubaei highlighted the importance of soft power and its influence through knowledge, innovation, and strategic engagement. He noted that soft power builds trust across borders and facilitates cooperation beyond politics.  He explained that the UAE managed to position itself as a key global connector, not only due to its geographic location and active diplomacy but also through its investments in education, scientific research, humanitarian aid, and international forums.

Achievements

Al-Rubaei highlighted the UAE’s accomplishments in this arena, citing launching the Emirates Mars Mission, and hosting of COP28 and the World Government Summit, in addition to the country’s humanitarian efforts in more than 140 countries around the world.

He shed light on the role of TRENDS Research & Advisory, particularly through the TRENDS International Training Institute, in advancing capacity-building and developing knowledge partnerships with top-tier universities, research centers, and diplomatic academies around the world. He noted that TRENDS offers high-quality educational programs designed for young leaders and professionals from the Global South.

Al-Rubaei highlighted the experience of the TRENDS International Training Institute in delivering high-impact training programs in partnership with prominent global institutions, such as Johns Hopkins University. These programs have created valuable opportunities for international researchers and students to engage with the Middle East and gain deeper insights into its issues.

Recommendations

In his assessment of the UAE’s progress in this domain, Al-Rubaei affirmed the country’s remarkable achievements in developing world-class logistical and commercial infrastructure, through major projects such as Jebel Ali Port, the national railway network (Etihad Rail), and the global expansion of ADNOC.

He also stressed the need to further advance inclusivity by expanding partnerships with African, Latin American, and smaller developing countries in the fields of research, education, and policymaking. Al-Rubaei called for an expanded digital transformation, one that goes beyond technology to include digital diplomacy and the reshaping of Global South narratives in ways that reflect its realities and challenge old stereotypes. He underscored the importance of strengthening knowledge systems through sustained investment in long-term programs that enable researchers, journalists, and young professionals in countries of the Global South to develop local solutions to global challenges.

Inspiration

Al-Rubaei concluded his remarks by affirming that the most powerful form of influence is not domination but inspiration. He stressed that the UAE’s strength lies in its ability to inspire others by promoting cooperation, justice, and the pursuit of shared prosperity. This, he noted, is what will ensure the continued relevance and impact of the UAE’s soft power in shaping the global future.

The session featured an elite group of international experts and officials, including Mr. Mohammed Baharoon, Director General of Dubai Public Policy Research Centre (B’huth); Dr Ahmed El Safty, Economic Advisor, ECSSR, UAE; Ms. Niamh McBurney, Associate Director, MENA, Control Risks, Dubai; Dr Hou Xiaochen, Programme Manager, Centre for BRICS Studies, Fudan University, China. The session was moderated by Salman Anees Soz, Assistant Professor at the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy and Advisor to the World Bank.

Meetings

On the sidelines of the forum, the TRENDS delegation met with a number of personalities and experts and explored with them ways for collaboration in research and training.