Photo Credit : WAM
The third edition of the International Dialogue of Civilisations and Tolerance Conference 2026 officially opened in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday, gathering policymakers, academics, religious leaders, media professionals and experts from more than 120 countries to discuss the growing influence of new media and artificial intelligence on families and communities.
Held under the theme “The Impact of New Media and AI on Family and Community,” the three-day conference is organised by the Emirates Scholar Centre for Research and Studies and the Abrahamic Family House, with Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities serving as the knowledge partner and the Abu Dhabi Convention and Exhibition Bureau as the destination partner.
The conference seeks to strengthen intercultural dialogue while examining how emerging technologies and digital platforms can be used to promote social cohesion, mutual understanding and sustainable development.
Opening the event, Dr. Abdulla Belhaif Al Nuaimi highlighted the importance of family dialogue and shared societal values in building stronger and more cohesive communities.
In his keynote address, Dr. Khalifa Al Dhaheri said the rapid pace of digital transformation has increased the need for meaningful dialogue that keeps technological advancement focused on human well-being. He stressed the role of universities in preparing future generations with critical thinking skills while preserving cultural values and identity.
The event also coincides with the UAE’s Year of the Family 2026, a theme highlighted by Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, who described the family as the cornerstone of society despite accelerating technological change.
Among the distinguished speakers were Elder Adelson de Paula Parrella and Brahmavihari Swamiji, alongside senior officials and international leaders from across the world. More than 4,500 participants are attending the conference.
During the opening ceremony, organisers announced the winners of the 2026 Tolerance Awards, which recognise outstanding contributions to dialogue, coexistence and mutual understanding. Dr. Khalifa Al Dhaheri received the Person of Tolerance Award 2026 for his efforts in advancing intercultural communication and human dialogue, while the BAPS Hindu Mandir Abu Dhabi received the Organisation of Tolerance Award 2026 for promoting interfaith and intercultural engagement.
Addressing the conference, Dr. Firas Habbal warned of the growing influence of AI-driven media on younger generations, stressing the need to equip children with the awareness and critical thinking skills necessary to navigate the digital age responsibly.
The conference programme features three dedicated platforms: Proud of UAE, AI and Media, and Family and Community. The opening panel, titled “Civilisational Dialogue in the Age of New Media and AI,” explored how digital technologies can be leveraged to support peacebuilding, tolerance and interfaith understanding worldwide.
Speakers called for stronger collaboration between educational institutions, media organisations and community groups to help future generations engage positively with rapid technological developments while preserving social values and cultural identity.
The conference will continue over the next three days with panel discussions, roundtable sessions and partnership initiatives focused on promoting intercultural understanding and addressing contemporary social challenges.
