Addis ababa: The Emirates Centre for Strategic Studies and Research (ECSSR) and the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy (AGDA), in partnership with the Institute of Foreign Affairs - Ethiopia, are gearing up to launch the second edition of the Hili Regional Dialogue in Ethiopia's capital from June 25-26, 2026.
According to Emirates News Agency, this year's dialogue, themed 'UAE-Africa Dialogue: Advancing Shared Futures', will convene a distinguished group of officials, experts, policymakers, think tank representatives, and stakeholders from both the public and private sectors across the United Arab Emirates and several African nations. The initiative aims to expand strategic dialogue avenues between the UAE and Africa, recognizing the growing importance of their partnership amidst the continent's rapid economic and technological transformations.
The Hili Regional Dialogue seeks to offer a platform for comprehensive discussions on partnership opportunities between the UAE and African countries. It is designed to develop practical insights supporting long-term cooperation and ensuring African perspectives are pivotal in shaping the future of economic and development relations between the two regions.
Dr. Sultan Mohammed Al Nuaimi, Director General of ECSSR, emphasized the significance of launching the dialogue in Addis Ababa as a critical milestone in strengthening strategic dialogue with vital global regions. He highlighted Africa's increasing importance in development, economy, investment, and connectivity.
Nikolay Mladenov, Director General of AGDA, noted the dialogue's role in building stronger UAE-Africa ties, addressing shared priorities amidst global transformations in economy, trade, technology, and sustainability. The partnership between AGDA and ECSSR in organizing the dialogue underscores a shared commitment to integrating specialized knowledge, diplomatic expertise, and policymaking.
Dr. Mohammed Ibrahim Al Dhaheri, Deputy Director General of AGDA, stressed the dialogue's role in fostering constructive dialogue and enhancing capabilities to assess regional and international shifts. He highlighted the dialogue as a valuable space for exchanging expertise and developing practical cooperation approaches in priority areas.
Dr. Ebtesam Al Teneiji, Deputy Director General of ECSSR, articulated the dialogue's dual role as a cooperation discussion platform and a producer of strategic knowledge on UAE-Africa relations. She emphasized its importance in understanding African priorities within local and regional contexts, enabling more effective strategies for future cooperation.
The dialogue's program includes panel discussions on economic shifts, new trade partnerships, the role of infrastructure and ports, emerging technologies, sustainable investment in agriculture and renewable energy, and the Hili Youth Conversation, promoting youth involvement in the UAE-Africa partnership's future.
Cooperation with the Institute of Foreign Affairs - Ethiopia highlights the dialogue's commitment to building knowledge and institutional partnerships with key African organizations, ensuring local perspectives are central to discussions about the UAE-Africa partnership's future.
The second edition builds on the inaugural edition held in Rio de Janeiro in 2025, reflecting the dialogue's goal of fostering strategic thinking between the UAE and critical global regions. It aims to deepen discussions on issues influencing the future of regional and international partnerships, concluding with outcomes that strengthen UAE-Africa cooperation and promote sustainable development.