Under the title “Lessons from the Founding Father’s Thoughts on Collaboration,” a session organized by the Mohammed bin Zayed Council was attended by His Highness Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the Zayed Foundation for Charity and Humanitarian Works. This event aimed to explore the principles of cooperation laid out by the late Sheikh Zayed, providing valuable insights into fostering trust and mutual interests.
Exploring the Founder’s Vision
During the session held at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, prominent speakers included His Excellency Zaki Nusseibeh, Cultural Adviser to the President and Chancellor of the UAE University, and Dr. Anya Mirz, Academic Director of Negotiation at Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi. Together, they delved into the collaborative mindset of the Founding Father, emphasizing trust-building, effective communication channels, and aligning shared interests.
Key Phases of Trust-Building
The discussion illuminated Sheikh Zayed’s three-phase approach to collaboration. The first phase centers on effective communication and dialogue, setting the stage for the second phase—creating value through shared interests and collective benefits. Finally, the third phase emphasizes decision-making flexibility, where diverse opinions are evaluated to select the best course of action based on defined criteria and values.
Leadership Qualities of Sheikh Zayed
Both speakers highlighted the personal qualities of Sheikh Zayed that fostered successful collaboration, such as integrity, wisdom, patience, and adaptability. They recounted stories from his humanitarian legacy and his influential role in establishing the United Arab Emirates. His Excellency Zaki Nusseibeh remarked that Sheikh Zayed’s ability to listen and treat everyone as national partners—with transparency and sincerity—built solid foundations for unity and enhanced international relations for the UAE.
Insights on Cooperative Approaches
Dr. Anya provided a detailed overview of Sheikh Zayed’s collaboration model, which was vital for the UAE’s development and the establishment of strong partnerships with nations worldwide. She noted that his personal traits, such as humility combined with self-confidence, played a critical role in his success. His balanced demeanor during challenging situations earned him the respect and trust of others, enabling him to bring people together effectively.
A video clip featuring Professor Horacio Falco, a management practices expert from INSEAD, was presented during the session. The event was moderated by Najla Al-Madfa, a researcher at Trends Research and Advisory Center. Attendees also participated in interactive discussions, posing questions that deepened their understanding of the concepts shared by the speakers.