Majlis Mohamed bin Zayed explores Founding Father’s lessons

Session titled ‘The Founding Father’s lessons on cooperation’

Titled “The Founding Father’s Lessons on Cooperation,” the session was held at the Majlis venue in Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi. It was attended by Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Zayed for Good Foundation, along with several senior officials and guests.

Experts discuss Sheikh Zayed’s leadership approach

The session featured contributions from Zaki Nusseibeh, Cultural Adviser to the UAE President and Chancellor of United Arab Emirates University, and Anja Merz.

Speakers examined how Sheikh Zayed’s approach to consultation, trust building, and consensus helped shape the foundations of the UAE and continues to offer valuable lessons for leaders and negotiators today. The session was moderated by Najla Al Midfa.

Reflections on Sheikh Zayed’s role in international relations

Drawing on his extensive experience working with the UAE’s Founding Father, Zaki Nusseibeh shared personal memories of Sheikh Zayed’s role in establishing the UAE’s international relations during its formative years. He explained that Sheikh Zayed pursued balanced partnerships based on shared interests, mutual respect, and humanitarian values rather than personal ties alone.

This approach, he noted, helped strengthen regional stability, build lasting international relationships, and enhance the UAE’s credibility on the global stage.

Cooperation, Dialogue and the Majlis tradition

Dr Anja Merz highlighted Sheikh Zayed’s commitment to win-win cooperation, citing historical examples that demonstrated his emphasis on relationship-building, patience, and long-term value creation. She also described the Majlis as a living model of dialogue, inclusion, and shared problem-solving rooted in the UAE’s cultural traditions.

Pre-Recorded segment on negotiation and consensus

Additional insights were shared through a pre-recorded segment featuring Zaki Nusseibeh and Horacio Falcão. They highlighted Sheikh Zayed’s patience and skill in guiding dialogue toward consensus.

Professor Falcão described the Majlis as a “school of negotiation” that helped shape the Founding Father’s ability to listen, manage disagreement, and promote cooperation, guided by Islamic values that emphasise justice, unity, and peace.

Broadcast details

The session “The Founding Father’s Lessons on Cooperation” will be broadcast on Thursday, 5 March at 5pm on Abu Dhabi TV and the Majlis Mohamed bin Zayed YouTube channel.