Mohamed Bin Zayed University To Host Citizenship And Identity Conference In April 2025

The Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities (MBZUH) is set to host a significant conference on Citizenship, Identity, and Shared Values of Coexistence. This event will take place at The St. Regis Abu Dhabi from 15th to 16th April 2025. It aims to bring together local and international experts and scholars to discuss cultural, intellectual, and philosophical development in the UAE.

Dr Khalifa Al Dhaheri, Chancellor of MBZUH, stated that the conference is integral to the university's initiatives. He mentioned it seeks to enhance community engagement programmes and expand intellectual activities regionally and internationally. "The conference is part of the university’s initiatives to enhance its community engagement programmes, broaden the scope of its intellectual and academic activities to include regional and international participation, and enhance research on citizenship, identity, tolerance and coexistence that will valuable and beneficial for social development," he said.

The conference will feature three sessions covering various topics related to national identity, citizenship, community solidarity, and sustainable value development. These discussions align with the UAE's vision of preserving its cultural heritage's authenticity while safeguarding national identity across generations.

One session titled Citizenship in Contemporary Reality will delve into cultural and religious topics. Discussions will include Citizenship and Religious Thought: The Debate between Authenticity and Modernisation; Religious Fundamentalism and Partisanship; Globalisation's Impact on National Identity; Cultural and Ethnic Pluralism; and Citizenship: From Knowledge to Behaviour.

The final session will address future challenges under the theme Citizenship and the Challenges of the Future: Opportunities and Hopes. Four working papers will be presented here. Topics include Promoting Citizenship Awareness: Initiatives and Policies, Socialisation's Impact on Citizenship Education: Experiences and Models, The Role of Religious Institutions in Promoting Values of Citizenship and Belonging, as well as Citizenship in the Digital Space: Problems and Challenges.

Dr Al Dhaheri highlighted that these conferences provide a platform for dialogue among scholars. He noted that they allow experts to exchange opinions, experiences, expertise, cross-pollinate ideas, develop visions, proposals, and recommendations. "By organising these conferences, the university is providing a platform for scholars and experts to engage in dialogue, exchange opinions, experiences, expertise, cross-pollinate their ideas, develop visions, proposals and recommendations that can lead to the achievement of the desired outcomes," he added.

The event represents MBZUH's commitment to fostering understanding on issues crucial for social development. It aims to promote harmony through scholarly discussions that contribute valuable insights into citizenship education.

With inputs from WAM