Sheikh Zayed’s Legacy Inspires Call For Global Peace And Coexistence At BRIDGE Summit 2025

At the BRIDGE Summit 2025, Dr. Ali Al Nuaimi highlighted the late Sheikh Zayed’s vision for nation-building. He urged media leaders to view the UAE through its people and values, not just its skyline. Al Nuaimi, Chairman of the UAE Federal National Council’s Defense Affairs, Interior & Foreign Affairs Committee, emphasised that the UAE's success is a narrative worth sharing globally.

Al Nuaimi reflected on his generation's humble beginnings, crediting Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan for prioritising investment in people. He recalled how Sheikh Zayed encouraged families to educate their daughters, challenging traditional norms and paving the way for today's Emirati women leaders. "Empowerment of women is a path started by Sheikh Zayed," he stressed.

The UAE's identity as a global model of coexistence was a central theme in Al Nuaimi’s address. He noted that Sheikh Zayed viewed every community as a partner in nation-building, a belief that remains integral to the country's social fabric. "Everyone in the UAE is welcome to live, work and fulfil their dreams," he said.

With over 200 nationalities residing in the UAE, diversity is seen as a strategic advantage. Al Nuaimi explained that this ethos is embedded through education, religious narratives, laws, and leadership engagement. This creates a society where respect is ingrained in people's DNA.

Al Nuaimi warned about groups using religion for political agendas, stating that such narratives threaten societies globally. The UAE prioritises coexistence and tolerance, making it a target for extremist organisations. He emphasised promoting peace and acceptance as key values.

Turning to geopolitics, Al Nuaimi highlighted Africa's role in future global stability. By 2050, half of the world's youth will be African. The UAE is now Africa's largest investor and humanitarian provider, aiming to build infrastructure and create jobs for future generations.

A Call for Peaceful Narratives

Al Nuaimi appealed to content creators to champion peace instead of focusing solely on breaking news. "The world needs champions of peace," he said. He concluded by urging reflection on Emirati values: "We have to learn how to live together in peace and harmony."

The speech underscored Sheikh Zayed’s legacy of unity and progress through inclusivity and respect. It called for continued efforts towards peaceful coexistence both within the UAE and globally.

With inputs from WAM