Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy Hosts Inaugural Conference on Middle East’s New Regionalism
Abu Dhabi, July 4 2023: Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy (AGDA) co-organised the inaugural Conference on ‘New Regionalism in the Middle East’ to analyse ongoing de-escalation processes, promote dialogue, and facilitate the exchange of knowledge within the region.
The event was co-organised with the TRENDS Research and Advisory and the Moshe Dayan Center for Middle Eastern and African Studies (MDC) at Tel Aviv University. Additionally, B’huth, Dubai Public Policy Research Centre, and Emirates Policy Center (EPC) served as knowledge partners for the conference, which was held from June 19 to June 20, 2023, at the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy in Abu Dhabi.
H.E. Noura bint MohammedAl Kaabi, Minister of State, delivered the opening remarks, highlighting the changing security landscape, diplomatic dynamics, and geopolitical factors that influence regional cooperation.
Scheduled as a two-day workshop, the conference delved into four major topics on current and future trends shaping the evolving regional agenda. By convening prominent scholars, policymakers, and experts from nearly a dozen countries, the event facilitated constructive discussions and advanced the understanding of regional cooperation in the Middle East.
His Excellency Nickolay Mladenov, Director General of AGDA, said: “The conference initiates a process, wherein researchers and professionals can work together to evaluate, measure, and shape the trajectory of regional cooperation. With the exchange of ideas among nearly 40 regional experts, we anticipate significant contributions to our joint endeavours and agenda aimed at peace and prosperity.”
He added: “Our objective is to assess the progress, development, and challenges of the new regional agenda while establishing indicators and benchmarks for an annual evaluation process.”
In his welcoming remarks, Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS Research and Advisory, expressed his appreciation for cooperation with Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy and Moshe Dayan Center for Middle Eastern and African Studies in organizing this important conference.
Dr. Al-Ali noted that the world is witnessing important and profound developments in the region, explaining that there are indeed prospects for positive change brought about by the Abraham Accords. This should be strengthened to help achieve the goals of creating a new Middle East that is characterized by peace, stability, constructive cooperation, and common prosperity, he noted.
Prof. Uzi Rabi, PhD., Director of Moshe Dayan Center for Middle Eastern and African Studies & Head of the Program for Regional Cooperation at Tel Aviv University, said: “The Abraham Accords have become a part of the regional reality. They have enabled many paths for cooperation and have led to a new state of mind for multiple actors in the region. The Accords have led to important contributions on economy, technology, energy, and infrastructure.”
The first session on ‘Regional De-Escalation in an Era of Renewed Great Power Competition’ delved into the evolving security landscape, diplomatic dynamics, and geopolitical factors influencing regional cooperation.
The second panel deliberated ‘Reimagining Regional Networks & Building Greater Connectivity’, engaging in discussions on economy, technology, globalisation, and regionalisation, as well as the role of people, cultures, and societies in a changing region.
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