Dubai Peace Forum Statement 2026: Launch of Strategic Recommendations to Empower Youth and Anchor the Culture of Sustainable Coexistence
Dubai Peace Forum Statement 2026: Launch of Strategic Recommendations to Empower Youth and Anchor the Culture of Sustainable Coexistence
Dubai – Press Release for Immediate Distribution
Under the theme "Meeting for Peace," the Dubai Peace and Coexistence Forum 2026 concluded its proceedings under the honorable patronage and presence of Sheikha Dr. Afra bint Hasher Al Maktoum, announcing a package of qualitative initiatives to transform peace into an institutional culture and a sustainable, practical human practice.
The Emirate of Dubai hosted the forum's activities, which were organized as the fruit of a joint cooperation between the International Horizons of Peace Center and the International Commission for Peace and Security, in media and strategic partnership with Aida Media. The event witnessed high-level attendance consisting of an elite group of societal, cultural, diplomatic, intellectual, and academic figures, alongside representatives from international and humanitarian organizations. The program began with an official reception, playing the UAE national anthem, and reciting verses from the Holy Quran. Broadcaster Abdul Latif Al Qadi hosted the ceremony's segments with the participation of artist Waad Tariq Salah, while volunteers from the University of Sharjah scouts and the University of Sharjah young women's group participated in organizing and supervising the event.
As a culmination of these works, the forum concluded its activities by issuing the Dubai Statement for Peace and Peaceful Coexistence, which included a package of key recommendations aimed at transitioning peace from individual initiatives to sustainable institutional action. The forum began its statement by expressing gratitude and appreciation to the UAE leadership—led by President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, along with their brothers the Rulers of the UAE—in recognition of their continuous efforts to support global peace programs and initiatives both inside and outside the UAE.
Inspiring Leadership Remarks and Visions
In her opening speech, **Sheikha Dr. Afra bint Hasher Al Maktoum** emphasized that the world is facing intertwined political, economic, social, and intellectual challenges that make responsible dialogue among decision-makers, thinkers, and religious leaders a necessity for building bridges, closing distances, and anchoring respect for human dignity. She pointed out that peace begins from within the individual and extends to the family, society, and the nation, proposing the preparation of a prospective study on the future of peace, coexistence, and interfaith dialogue, leading to the establishment of a specialized observatory to monitor intellectual and social transformations and forecast future scenarios.
For her part, **Dr. Taghreed Zuhdi Mohammed**, Forum President, Founder and President of the International Horizons of Peace Center, reviewed the center's vision, stressing that creating sustainable humanitarian impact has become a necessity in light of rapid global transformations. She explained that the center works to support sustainable development goals by addressing societal gaps, promoting justice and human dignity, and empowering the most vulnerable groups.
In turn, **Consultant Dr. Ahmed Moussa**, President of the International Commission for Peace and Security and Secretary-General for Egyptian Affairs Abroad in the UAE, clarified that peace is not limited to the absence of conflict; rather, it is continuous developmental and moral building based on respecting others, accepting pluralism, justice, equal opportunities, and constructive international dialogue, calling for a transition from slogans of peace to practical policies and practices.
Panel Discussion: The Voice of Peace... A Legacy for Generations
The forum witnessed a main panel discussion titled "The Voice of Peace... A Legacy for Generations," moderated by broadcaster Abdul Latif Al Qadi (Consultant at Aida Media), Prof. Dr. Abdul Halim Mansour (Dean of the College of Sharia and Islamic Studies at Al Qasimia University), Father Tanios Gerges El Koboshi (Priest of the Arab Catholic Community in Dubai), and Dr. Abu Bakr Hussein (Secretary-General of the Global Peaceful Coexistence and Fraternity Award).
The session discussed ways to transform peace from principles and charters into a living legacy passed down through generations across four axes covering international diplomacy, intellectual and legal grounding, interfaith dialogue, and societal and developmental impact. It highlighted the role of parliamentary and popular diplomacy, as well as the responsibility of academic and religious institutions in building a contemporary discourse that promotes coexistence and dismantles hate speech and extremism.
Documentary Film and Humanitarian Artistic Segments
The forum's activities featured various artistic and cultural displays, most notably the screening of the documentary film *"Call of Peace,"* produced by Aida Media for Artistic Operations and Media Production, with a screenplay by writer Aida Abdel Hamid Al Qamsh, voiceover by broadcaster Marwa Al Sanhouri, and editing by Mohammed Nour. The film provided a visual treatment of peace from a humanitarian perspective, highlighting the legacy of the UAE’s founder, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and the visions and practices extended through the nation's journey to build bridges of affection globally.
The program also included the poem *"Enter in Peace,"* presented by poet and broadcaster Miqat Ibrahim Ahmed, and the *"Sprouts of Hope"* segment, during which student Layan Akram presented verses about peace and future aspirations. Additionally, Emirati tour guide Jumaan bin Saad delivered a humanitarian message about peace in sign language, affirming humanity's ability to overcome challenges and continue giving.
Conclusion and Honoring
Aida Abdel Hamid Ali Ahmed**, CEO of Aida Media, affirmed that the company's participation in managing and drafting the forum's media content and producing the film *Call of Peace* comes as an extension of its previous experiences in managing and covering major international gatherings. The event concluded with the honoring of speakers, partners, and figures who contributed to the success of the forum, alongside honoring the production crew of the film *Call of Peace* by Sheikha Dr. Afra bint Hasher Al Maktoum, Dr. Taghreed Zuhdi Mohammed, and Consultant Dr. Ahmed Moussa.
Pillars and Horizons of the Dubai Peace Statement: Institutional Partnerships, Youth Empowerment, and a Sustainable Knowledge Incubator
Extending from the forum's recommendations, the statement called for supporting and expanding the scope of the Global Peace, Fraternity, and Peaceful Coexistence Award, generalizing it to relevant authorities, while adopting sustainable field impact as a primary criterion for evaluating participating initiatives and works. To reinforce this direction, outcomes included:
* Launching a permanent digital platform for the International Horizons of Peace Center to document the experiences of award winners and connect them with supporting bodies and institutions, enabling ongoing communication, exchange of expertise, and benefit from successful experiences.
* Recruiting representatives from the Ministry of Tolerance, the Emirates Red Crescent, and the UAE Human Rights Association to join the award's Board of Trustees to strengthen institutional partnership and integrate efforts in peace, humanitarian work, and human rights.
* Establishing two categories: *"Ambassadors of Peaceful Coexistence"* and *"Youth Ambassadors for Peaceful Coexistence,"* to engage new generations in countering hate speech and extremist ideas while promoting values of dialogue, tolerance, and fraternity.
* Issuing an annual report by the International Horizons of Peace Center as an index for peace and peaceful coexistence, addressing the latest developments, experiences, and related initiatives locally and globally.
* Transforming the award from a traditional honorary framework into a training and knowledge incubator by organizing a series of training sessions involving various parties and experts according to practical and technical methodologies aimed at capacity building and enhancing the sustainable impact of initiatives.
Dubai – Press Release for Immediate Distribution
Under the theme "Meeting for Peace," the Dubai Peace and Coexistence Forum 2026 concluded its proceedings under the honorable patronage and presence of Sheikha Dr. Afra bint Hasher Al Maktoum, announcing a package of qualitative initiatives to transform peace into an institutional culture and a sustainable, practical human practice.
The Emirate of Dubai hosted the forum's activities, which were organized as the fruit of a joint cooperation between the International Horizons of Peace Center and the International Commission for Peace and Security, in media and strategic partnership with Aida Media. The event witnessed high-level attendance consisting of an elite group of societal, cultural, diplomatic, intellectual, and academic figures, alongside representatives from international and humanitarian organizations. The program began with an official reception, playing the UAE national anthem, and reciting verses from the Holy Quran. Broadcaster Abdul Latif Al Qadi hosted the ceremony's segments with the participation of artist Waad Tariq Salah, while volunteers from the University of Sharjah scouts and the University of Sharjah young women's group participated in organizing and supervising the event.
As a culmination of these works, the forum concluded its activities by issuing the Dubai Statement for Peace and Peaceful Coexistence, which included a package of key recommendations aimed at transitioning peace from individual initiatives to sustainable institutional action. The forum began its statement by expressing gratitude and appreciation to the UAE leadership—led by President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, along with their brothers the Rulers of the UAE—in recognition of their continuous efforts to support global peace programs and initiatives both inside and outside the UAE.
Inspiring Leadership Remarks and Visions
In her opening speech, **Sheikha Dr. Afra bint Hasher Al Maktoum** emphasized that the world is facing intertwined political, economic, social, and intellectual challenges that make responsible dialogue among decision-makers, thinkers, and religious leaders a necessity for building bridges, closing distances, and anchoring respect for human dignity. She pointed out that peace begins from within the individual and extends to the family, society, and the nation, proposing the preparation of a prospective study on the future of peace, coexistence, and interfaith dialogue, leading to the establishment of a specialized observatory to monitor intellectual and social transformations and forecast future scenarios.
For her part, **Dr. Taghreed Zuhdi Mohammed**, Forum President, Founder and President of the International Horizons of Peace Center, reviewed the center's vision, stressing that creating sustainable humanitarian impact has become a necessity in light of rapid global transformations. She explained that the center works to support sustainable development goals by addressing societal gaps, promoting justice and human dignity, and empowering the most vulnerable groups.
In turn, **Consultant Dr. Ahmed Moussa**, President of the International Commission for Peace and Security and Secretary-General for Egyptian Affairs Abroad in the UAE, clarified that peace is not limited to the absence of conflict; rather, it is continuous developmental and moral building based on respecting others, accepting pluralism, justice, equal opportunities, and constructive international dialogue, calling for a transition from slogans of peace to practical policies and practices.
Panel Discussion: The Voice of Peace... A Legacy for Generations
The forum witnessed a main panel discussion titled "The Voice of Peace... A Legacy for Generations," moderated by broadcaster Abdul Latif Al Qadi (Consultant at Aida Media), Prof. Dr. Abdul Halim Mansour (Dean of the College of Sharia and Islamic Studies at Al Qasimia University), Father Tanios Gerges El Koboshi (Priest of the Arab Catholic Community in Dubai), and Dr. Abu Bakr Hussein (Secretary-General of the Global Peaceful Coexistence and Fraternity Award).
The session discussed ways to transform peace from principles and charters into a living legacy passed down through generations across four axes covering international diplomacy, intellectual and legal grounding, interfaith dialogue, and societal and developmental impact. It highlighted the role of parliamentary and popular diplomacy, as well as the responsibility of academic and religious institutions in building a contemporary discourse that promotes coexistence and dismantles hate speech and extremism.
Documentary Film and Humanitarian Artistic Segments
The forum's activities featured various artistic and cultural displays, most notably the screening of the documentary film *"Call of Peace,"* produced by Aida Media for Artistic Operations and Media Production, with a screenplay by writer Aida Abdel Hamid Al Qamsh, voiceover by broadcaster Marwa Al Sanhouri, and editing by Mohammed Nour. The film provided a visual treatment of peace from a humanitarian perspective, highlighting the legacy of the UAE’s founder, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and the visions and practices extended through the nation's journey to build bridges of affection globally.
The program also included the poem *"Enter in Peace,"* presented by poet and broadcaster Miqat Ibrahim Ahmed, and the *"Sprouts of Hope"* segment, during which student Layan Akram presented verses about peace and future aspirations. Additionally, Emirati tour guide Jumaan bin Saad delivered a humanitarian message about peace in sign language, affirming humanity's ability to overcome challenges and continue giving.
Conclusion and Honoring
Aida Abdel Hamid Ali Ahmed**, CEO of Aida Media, affirmed that the company's participation in managing and drafting the forum's media content and producing the film *Call of Peace* comes as an extension of its previous experiences in managing and covering major international gatherings. The event concluded with the honoring of speakers, partners, and figures who contributed to the success of the forum, alongside honoring the production crew of the film *Call of Peace* by Sheikha Dr. Afra bint Hasher Al Maktoum, Dr. Taghreed Zuhdi Mohammed, and Consultant Dr. Ahmed Moussa.
Pillars and Horizons of the Dubai Peace Statement: Institutional Partnerships, Youth Empowerment, and a Sustainable Knowledge Incubator
Extending from the forum's recommendations, the statement called for supporting and expanding the scope of the Global Peace, Fraternity, and Peaceful Coexistence Award, generalizing it to relevant authorities, while adopting sustainable field impact as a primary criterion for evaluating participating initiatives and works. To reinforce this direction, outcomes included:
* Launching a permanent digital platform for the International Horizons of Peace Center to document the experiences of award winners and connect them with supporting bodies and institutions, enabling ongoing communication, exchange of expertise, and benefit from successful experiences.
* Recruiting representatives from the Ministry of Tolerance, the Emirates Red Crescent, and the UAE Human Rights Association to join the award's Board of Trustees to strengthen institutional partnership and integrate efforts in peace, humanitarian work, and human rights.
* Establishing two categories: *"Ambassadors of Peaceful Coexistence"* and *"Youth Ambassadors for Peaceful Coexistence,"* to engage new generations in countering hate speech and extremist ideas while promoting values of dialogue, tolerance, and fraternity.
* Issuing an annual report by the International Horizons of Peace Center as an index for peace and peaceful coexistence, addressing the latest developments, experiences, and related initiatives locally and globally.
* Transforming the award from a traditional honorary framework into a training and knowledge incubator by organizing a series of training sessions involving various parties and experts according to practical and technical methodologies aimed at capacity building and enhancing the sustainable impact of initiatives.
