Mladenov: Global order faces difficult test, Gulf has pivotal role in strengthening stability

Abu Dhabi: His Excellency Nickolay Mladenov Director General of the Anwar Gargash Academy (AGDA) said that the global order is facing an unprecedented period of pressure and challenges, with successive conflicts and disruptions testing the world's ability to maintain stability and international cooperation. He said the world is gradually losing its ability to address conflicts through traditional diplomatic channels, noting that conflicts are no longer confined to their geographical boundaries, with their effects extending to the global economy, energy markets, supply chains and international trade. The remarks were made during his welcome address at the opening of the third edition of the annual Hili Forum , organised by the Emirates Center for Strategic Studies and Research and the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy under the theme, ‘Gulf at Crossroads: Conflict, Consequences and Course Correction’. The forum, being held in Abu Dhabi, brings together 75 speakers and 1,000 participants from 35 countries, including senior officials. Mladenov, who has worked on several international issues, including Gaza, said one of the greatest challenges is dealing with parties that lack mutual trust, making it more difficult to reach sustainable political solutions. “The world today lives in a highly interconnected environment, but at the same time, we are witnessing a decline in the levels of international cooperation needed to address escalating crises,” he said. The Gulf's role Mladenov said the Gulf holds an exceptional position on the international stage, making the region a central focus of discussions at this year's Hili Forum as participants seek to understand the challenges it faces and explore ways to address them. He said maintaining national reconciliation and strengthening stability are essential foundations for development and prosperity, adding that progress is not achieved through destabilisation, but through a combination of deterrence, diplomacy and cooperation. He also stressed the importance of patience and flexibility in building understanding and strengthening connections between different parties, helping address conflicts and develop long-term solutions. Building trust Mladenov said the UAE's experience provides a successful model for building trust and strengthening cooperation between institutions and partners, noting that prosperity cannot be achieved in an environment dominated by uncertainty or isolation. He said the main objective of the Hili Forum is to create space for frank dialogue about the different options available for the future and to test ideas and solutions that can strengthen stability and build more effective partnerships in the region and around the world. Dialogue amid global challenges Mladenov said the forum's sessions over the two days would seek to provide practical insights and ideas to address many of the questions facing the world amid current transformations. He noted that thousands of years ago, Hili was a centre for cultural exchange and the interaction of ideas and views among different peoples. Mladenov said this historical role carries an important message today about the importance of dialogue and communication in confronting division and shared challenges.