Abu Dhabi: Wars will transform from "wars among nations" to "wars within nations" triggered by the problem of identity and instability, said Abdullah Hussain Al Sahlawi, executive director at the Emirates Centre for Strategic Studies and Research (ECSSR).
Al Sahlawi was speaking on behalf of Dr Jamal Sanad Al Suwaidi, director general at the ECSSR during his closing remarks at the ECSSR 16th Annual Conference which concluded yesterday.
No dilemmas can be resolved unless countries combine economic stability and national reforms, he said. "The establishment of smart cities will allow authorities to predict human level disasters from happening," added the ECCSR executive director.
As part of his speech, Al Sahlawi offered a framework which he said the GCC countries should work on achieving through proper planning and structures. This included political participation which, he said, "is an integral part called for by people".
Dialogue
In addition to increasing the level of local flexibility, there must be open dialogues with the West and East in the GCC region and formulation of strategic outlines on local and regional levels. He also pointed to secure economic, intellectual and cultural exposure, in order for the regional group to become similar to the European Union (EU).
Al Sahlawi also talked about the resolution of all kinds of commercial conflicts; integration of all GCC countries alike; revisiting the issue of conflict over national sovereignty; and finally offering Emiratis priority in the labour market.
