The 3rd International Dialogue of Civilizations and Tolerance Conference 2026 Opens in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi – Under the theme “The Impact of New Media and AI on Family and Community,” the 3rd International Dialogue of Civilizations and Tolerance Conference 2026 officially commenced today in Abu Dhabi, bringing together an international gathering of government officials, decision-makers, academics, religious leaders, media professionals, and experts from around the world.

The conference is hosted by Emirates Scholar Center for Research and Studies and the Abrahamic Family House, in partnership with Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities as the Knowledge Partner and the Abu Dhabi Convention and Exhibition Bureau as the Destination Partner. The event reflects the United Arab Emirates’ commitment to advancing intercultural dialogue and promoting a global culture of understanding and coexistence.

The conference embodies the UAE’s vision of strengthening civilizational dialogue as a bridge between peoples and cultures, while highlighting the role of new media and artificial intelligence in serving humanity and building more aware, cohesive, and sustainable societies. It also supports intellectual and knowledge-based initiatives that contribute to shaping a future founded on innovation, openness, and mutual understanding among civilizations.

The conference was officially inaugurated by H.E. Dr. Abdulla Belhaif Al Nuaimi, Chancellor of Emirates Scholar Center for Research and Studies, who stated:

“Instilling societal values and fostering dialogue within the family is a fundamental contribution to strengthening social cohesion and building more stable and understanding communities”.

In his keynote address, H.E. Dr. Khalifa Al Dhaheri, Chancellor of Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities, emphasized that:

“This conference comes at a pivotal global moment marked by unprecedented digital transformation, making the need for inspiring dialogue that strengthens human understanding more urgent than ever. The world is experiencing a profound shift in which human awareness, patterns of thinking, and social relationships are being reshaped by new media and artificial intelligence. This places upon us a shared responsibility to ensure that humanity remains at the center and ultimate purpose of this progress”.

He further explained: “Universities and academic institutions play a pivotal role in preparing generations equipped with sound critical thinking skills and capable of engaging with digital transformations without compromising values and identity. In doing so, they draw inspiration from the UAE model, which is founded upon tolerance, coexistence, and investment in people as the cornerstone of development and stability.”

For his part, Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, Chief Executive Officer of TRENDS Group, stated:

“The convening of our conference coincides with the UAE’s celebration of the ‘Year of the Family 2026’, reaffirming a fundamental truth: the family will always remain the primary institution for building human character, regardless of how technology evolves or tools change”.

The opening ceremony also featured keynote addresses by Elder Adelson de Paula Parrella, Member of the Middle East/Africa North Area Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and His Holiness Brahmavihari Swamiji, Head of BAPS Hindu Mandir Abu Dhabi, alongside several distinguished dignitaries, senior officials, and international leaders. The conference welcomed more than 4,500 participants representing over 120 countries.

During the opening ceremony, the organizers announced the recipients of the 2026 Tolerance Awards, presented annually to honor individuals and institutions that advance the values of tolerance and dialogue.

The Person of Tolerance Award 2026 was presented to H.E. Dr. Khalifa Al Dhaheri, Chancellor of Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to promoting a culture of human dialogue, strengthening bridges between cultures, and advancing civilizational communication at both regional and international levels.

The Organization of Tolerance Award 2026 was presented to BAPS Hindu Mandir Abu Dhabi in recognition of its outstanding role in promoting the values of tolerance, peaceful coexistence, and interfaith and intercultural dialogue. The award also acknowledges its contributions to strengthening mutual understanding and mutual respect among diverse communities, reflecting the UAE’s vision of fostering a culture of peace, diversity, and human harmony. The award was received by His Holiness Brahmavihari Swamiji, Head of the Mandir.

Commenting on the conference theme, Dr. Firas Habbal, President of Emirates Scholar Center for Research and Studies, stated:

“Artificial intelligence is becoming the new educator of future generations through new media platforms. If we fail to equip our children with the awareness needed to understand the nature of this transformation, they risk becoming mere echoes of algorithmic data designed to target their instincts rather than their minds”.

The conference features three main platforms: Proud of UAE, AI and Media, and Family and Community.

The main opening panel was held within the Proud of UAE Platform under the title “Civilizational Dialogue in the Age of New Media and AI” focusing on the theme “Soft Power and Global Peacebuilding: Digital Tolerance and Interfaith Narratives”

The session featured H.E. Eng. Sheikha Al Hosani, Executive Director of the Social Monitoring and Innovation Sector at the Department of Community Development; H.E. Ewan MacLeod Jones, President of Intercultural Dialogue for Peace at UNESCO; and H.E. Lorenzo Fanara, Ambassador of Italy to the UAE. The discussion was moderated by Dr. Fawaz Habbal, Director-General of the Emirates Scholar Center for Research and Studies.

Speakers emphasized that new media and artificial intelligence have become central forces in shaping societal awareness and highlighted the importance of leveraging these technologies to strengthen dialogue within families and communities while promoting responsible, knowledge-based discourse founded on mutual respect. Participants also called for stronger partnerships among educational, media, and community institutions to prepare generations capable of effective communication and positive engagement with rapid digital transformations.

Throughout the day, the conference hosted a series of specialized panel discussions and roundtable sessions exploring issues related to family and community, as well as the role of new media and artificial intelligence in enhancing social engagement and public awareness. The first day also featured cultural and artistic activities, in addition to the signing of memoranda of understanding and cooperation agreements among academic, research, and international institutions aimed at strengthening knowledge partnerships and expanding avenues for collaboration in civilizational dialogue and community development.

The roundtables served as platforms for exchanging expertise and best practices among participants from different countries, focusing on how emerging technologies can contribute to family stability and social cohesion while helping societies positively navigate accelerating global transformations.The conference will continue over three days with a comprehensive program of dialogue sessions and specialized activities involving leading experts, academics, and decision-makers from around the world. Through these discussions, the conference seeks to generate practical insights and innovative initiatives that promote intercultural understanding, strengthen the role of family and community in addressing contemporary challenges, and contribute to building a more balanced and humane future amid the rapid transformations shaping the modern world