By:Emmanuel Abi Couson
His Excellency the Secretary-General of the Abu Dhabi Peace Forum, Cheikh Al-Mahfoudh bin bayyah, said.the vision of the United Arab Emirates is to promote a culture of peace and tolerance in the world, through its pioneering role in promoting sustainable socio economic development.
His called on the world leaders to promote only issues that guarantees security, stability, developmental and economic prosperity for all as it was what prompted the UAE’s successful hosting of the World Climate Summit COP28 recently.
Cheikh Al-Mahfoudh bin Bayyah armed with the some outcomes of the Abu Dhabi Peace Forum’s was part of the activities that heralded the World Economic Forum 2024 in Davos, Switzerland.
One of such is ensuring the use of Executive Council 100 initiative strategy, which was launched by the World Economic Forum to enhance dialogue and understanding between the Islamic world and the West.
In this regard, Cheikh bin bayyah participated in a closed round-table chaired by the President and Founder of the Davos Forum, Mr. Klaus Schwab, with some participants,; aimed at examining the challenges of the modern world and explore the role of civil society in enhancing multilateral cooperation.
The second day witnessed the launch of the Davos Forum report: “Faith in Action” which was focused on the role of education and artificial intelligence in achieving sustainable peace.
In his speech on the occasion, the Secretary-General highlighted the role of religion in countering global challenges. He presented the role of the Abu Dhabi Peace Forum in developing concepts of artificial intelligence ethics, through its participation in the Rome and call for Artificial Intelligence Ethics in cooperation with international bodies such as the Pontifical Academy for Life in the Vatican.
He spoke on the the Forum’s role in establishing the first AI and Civil Society Commission which was launched in London in December 2023 to examine the role of ethics and governance in AI.
On the third day, it was dedicated for the “Fait in Action” theme with the participation of a number of prominent figures from different religious backgrounds and senior actors in civil society and His Excellency bin Bayyah spoke on the fundamental value of human dignity which is deeply rooted in the teachings of all religions, especially in the values of Islam and its sacred texts.
He brought the attention of the participants to the historic Abu Dhabi Declarations for Peace, such as the Marrakesh Declaration, the New Curiosities Declaration, the Declaration of Universal Citizenship, and the Declaration of Human Fraternity – to build an international system that preserves human dignity and protects it effectively; regardless of any religious, cultural, and racial differences.
It is noteworthy that the Davos Forum is one of the most important international forums for world leaders, decision-makers, most prominent businessmen, and thinkers. This edition has witnessed the participation of a large array of political leaders, thinkers, and businessmen.
