The Emirates Center for Strategic Studies and Research (ECSSR) and the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy (AGDA) have partnered to launch the inaugural Hili Forum. The flagship forum will take place from 16 to 17 September 2024 at The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort in Abu Dhabi.
Addressing pivotal global issues, with particular focus on the Middle East, the theme for 2024 is Emerging Global (Dis)order: Redefine, Reshape, Rebuild. Thought leaders, international experts, diplomats and academics will engage in strategic dialogue on global challenges and transformations. The 2024 Hili Forum will explore three areas titled: Geopolitics, Geoeconomics and Geotech.
High-profile keynote addresses and a ministerial keynote will open proceedings, prior to the discussions. Providing diverse perspectives on global and regional issues, 16 in-depth sessions will then take place, including interactive panel discussions and concurrent breakout sessions. Hili Forum will also present the latest research, analysis and trends in geopolitics, geoeconomics, and geotech, and offer strategic policy recommendations, based on the forum’s analyses and discussions.
His Excellency Dr Sultan Al-Nuaimi, Director General of ECSSR, said: “This forum serves as a testament to the effective strategic partnerships forged and exemplified by the genuine collaboration between the ECSSR and Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy. The UAE, with its long-standing history in the region, has always been a crossroads for civilizations, trade, and the exchange of knowledge.”
“The Forum’s name emphasises the reality that challenges are shared, and collective action—through the exchange of ideas, opinions, and recommendations—has become essential for thinkers and experts. This collaboration is crucial for achieving sustainable peace and security, which, in turn, drives development and serves the interests of nations and peoples.”
His Excellency Nickolay Mladenov, Director-General of AGDA, said: “The Hili Forum presents a unique platform for global and regional voices to engage in meaningful dialogue on the most pressing issues of our time. It offers an opportunity to connect with thought leaders and decision-makers, fostering collaboration and innovation as we collectively navigate the challenges and opportunities shaping the future. I look forward to the exchange of diverse perspectives that will not only deepen our understanding but also guide actionable solutions for a more stable, prosperous, and secure world.”
Named after the historically significant Hili region in Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, the Forum honours the area’s legacy as a crossroads of cultural and knowledge exchange dating back to the Bronze and Iron Ages. Hili Forum brings together global thought leaders and experts for a broad spectrum of perspectives on the critical issues facing the world.
