Mohamed Bin Zayed University Organises Philosophical Forum On Citizenship And Human Existence

A philosophical forum titled "Citizenship and the Other: Philosophy of Human Existence" was organised by the Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities and the House of Philosophy. Held in Fujairah on 11th-12th December, it gathered prominent thinkers and scholars from both the UAE and abroad to delve into critical issues surrounding citizenship, identity, and human coexistence.

Dr. Khalifa Mubarak Al Dhaheri, Chancellor of Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities, and Professor Dr. Ahmed Barqawi, Dean of the House of Philosophy, delivered keynote speeches at the event's opening. They highlighted the crucial role of philosophical dialogue in addressing modern challenges and its importance in understanding identity and community life today.

The forum spanned two days with five thematic sessions. The first session focused on "The Other in Contemporary Philosophy," followed by discussions on citizenship, identity, and nation-states. A special session was dedicated to students, exploring youth perspectives on citizenship values and embracing diversity. This reflects the UAE's dedication to empowering young people as a foundation for dialogue.

On the second day, discussions began with a session on citizenship and societal pluralism. The final panel critically examined how extremist movements misuse concepts of citizenship and identity to create divisions. These sessions aimed to foster a deeper understanding of these complex issues among participants.

Dr. Al Dhaheri stressed that this forum showcases the university's commitment to its cultural mission within society. "The partnership with the House of Philosophy reflects our ongoing efforts to implement our cooperation agreement, supporting philosophical studies and strengthening their presence in educational institutions as part of our broader development and modernisation goals," he added.

Ahmed Al Sammahi, Director of the House of Philosophy, emphasised the careful selection of topics for these collaborative events. "Our fundamental objective is to produce substantive philosophical and ethical scholarship that demonstrates to the world that dialogue represents the optimal path for building bridges with others," he noted.

This forum not only facilitated intellectual exchange but also reinforced the importance of philosophy in addressing contemporary societal issues. By engaging with diverse perspectives, it aimed to promote understanding and cooperation across different communities.

With inputs from WAM