The Mohamed bin Zayed Council session examined the lessons of the Founding Father on cooperation.

ATK.AI 05.03.2026 09:31
ABU DHABI, March 5, 2026 (WAM) -- The Mohamed bin Zayed Majlis held a session exploring the enduring legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The session focused on the philosophy of collaboration, dialogue, and inclusive leadership. Titled "Lessons on Collaboration from the Founding Father," the session took place at the Majlis venue located within the Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi and was attended by several senior officials and guests, including Mr. Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Zayed for Good Foundation. Contributions were made by Mr. Zaki Nusseibeh, Cultural Advisor to the President of the United Arab Emirates and Rector of the United Arab Emirates University, as well as Dr. Anja Merz, Academic Director of Negotiation at Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi. The session examined how Sheikh Zayed's approach to consultation, trust-building, and reconciliation shaped the foundations of the UAE and the lessons it offers for today's leaders and negotiators. The session was moderated by Researcher Najla Al Midfa from Trends Research and Consulting. Drawing on his extensive experience working with the Founding Father, Mr. Zaki Nusseibeh shared personal anecdotes regarding Sheikh Zayed's role in laying the foundations of the country's international relations. He recalled that Sheikh Zayed pursued balanced partnerships based on common interests, mutual respect, and humanitarian values rather than personal ties; this approach helped secure regional stability, establish lasting international relations, and bolster the UAE's credibility on the global stage. Dr. Anja Merz highlighted Sheikh Zayed's commitment to win-win collaboration, presenting historical examples that demonstrated his emphasis on relationship-building, patience, and long-term value creation. She showcased the Majlis as a living model for dialogue, inclusivity, and joint problem-solving rooted in the UAE's cultural traditions. Further insights were provided in a pre-recorded segment featuring Mr. Zaki Nusseibeh and Professor Horacio Falcão, Professor of Management Practice at INSEAD. Professor Falcão emphasized Sheikh Zayed's patience and skill in guiding dialogue towards reconciliation. He described the Majlis as a "school of negotiation" shaped by the Founding Father's ability to listen, manage disputes, and promote collaboration, guided by values derived from Islam that emphasize justice, unity, and peace. The Lessons on Collaboration from the Founding Father will be broadcast on Thursday, March 5, at 5:00 PM on Abu Dhabi TV and the Mohamed bin Zayed Majlis YouTube channel (youtube.com/@MajlisMohamedbinZayed). (Source: WAM.ae)