Expo 2020 Dubai Convenes World Majlis To Stimulate Global Conversation For Positive Change

Expo 2020 Dubai’s new World Majlis series is bringing together change-makers and aspiring leaders from around the globe to stimulate a powerful dialogue on how we can create a legacy of meaningful impact that reflects the World Expo’s theme of ‘Connecting minds, Creating the Future’.

The World Majlis session, held at Manarat Al Saadiyat in Abu Dhabi, gathered thought leaders from various government, professional, academic and cultural backgrounds for an in-depth discussion about the lessons and values of the UAE’s Founding Father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and his vision for a sustainable future.In line with Expo 2020’s theme, and underpinned by its key subthemes of Opportunity, Mobility and Sustainability, the World Majlis has been launched as a thematic dialogue programme to facilitate meaningful global conversations and forge connections between people and new ideas, which may not have otherwise occurred.

The initiative is deeply rooted in the Emirati and Arab tradition of the majlis – a highly valued meeting space where people gather to gain different perspectives and share informed opinions to help shape decisions on subjects that matter to their communities.

Monday’s World Majlis, titled ‘Sustainability Through New Eyes’, was chaired by Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director General of Dubai Expo 2020 Bureau. The session comprised 17 thought leaders, as well as 14 students and two professors from local and international universities.

Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy said: “Through the World Majlis, Expo 2020 Dubai wants to create a global dialogue by gathering people with diverse perspectives to engage in meaningful conversations that encourage them to look differently at challenges and create a real impact. Today, more than ever, we need to place humanity at the heart of our future. In doing so, we bring to life important subjects of global relevance.

“From the outset, Expo 2020 has been about so much more than the six months of the Expo; our aim is to support the UAE’s long-term strategic vision and the UAE Centennial 2071 plan. The World Majlis is aligned with this objective to inform a strong legacy by inspiring positive impact, throughout our journey to 2020 and beyond.”

The World Majlis sessions are bringing together current and future thought leaders from a range of backgrounds including government, technology, science, art, culture, media and literature.

Within each session, participants address a number of topical issues. During this week’s World Majlis, those topics included how industry can mitigate its environmental impact while pursuing economic growth; how consumers can be transformed into responsible citizens by changing the way we think about consumption; and how the power of art and culture can help shift the focus of conversations about sustainability from loss to opportunity.