Abu Dhabi: With the debut of Behavioral Exchange (BX2025) in the MENA region just days away, the UAE has announced a compelling programme of speakers and sessions that will bring together more than 500 global and regional leaders to explore how behavioral science is transforming policy and society.
According to Emirates News Agency, the event will take place from 30th April to 1st May under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes' Families Affairs. The conference is organized by the Behavioral Science Group (BSG), a unit within the UAE Government's Office of Development Affairs, in collaboration with the Behavioral Insights Team (BIT) and the Centre for Behavioral Institutional Design (C-BID) at New York University Abu Dhabi.
The agenda includes a keynote address by Shamma bint Suhail Al Mazrouei, Minister of Community Development, alongside high-level sessions exploring the societal and policy dimensions of behavioral science. Notably, Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, President and CEO of the UAE Independent Climate Change Accelerators, will participate in a session on large-scale climate action, examining the role of individual behavior in climate transformation.
Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy, is set to discuss the application of social norms research in advancing national policy. Additionally, Hajer Al Thehli, Secretary-General of the Council for Education, Human Development, and Community, will address the role of behavioral insights in enhancing parental engagement in education. Dr. Najwa Al Aaraj, CEO of the Technology Innovation Institute, will contribute to a session on human behavior and policy design in the era of artificial intelligence.
Dr. Tareq Ahmed Al Ameri, Director of the Office of Development and Fallen Heroes Affairs at the Presidential Court, emphasized the significance of hosting this global conference in Abu Dhabi, marking it as the first of its kind in the Middle East. He highlighted the event's role in convening a distinguished group of experts, academics, and practitioners from around the world to advance knowledge across behavioral science fields, particularly in support of sustainable development goals and vital sectors such as education, health, energy, and climate.
Rasha Attar, Director of the Behavioral Science Group, noted that the UAE's hosting of this international event is part of Abu Dhabi's ongoing leadership in development, innovation, and its active contribution to advancing sustainable policymaking in behavioral science. She underscored Abu Dhabi's pioneering role in fostering global collaboration and delivering impactful community-focused programs.
Fabio Piano, Vice Chancellor of NYU Abu Dhabi, remarked, 'BX2025 is not only a proud milestone for C-BID and NYUAD but also a testament to Abu Dhabi's growing role as a regional and global hub for behavioral science. We look forward to the knowledge exchange and partnerships this gathering will spark, and to the lasting impact it will have on our students, our research, and the wider community.'
The conference will feature leading figures in behavioral science, including Professor Cass Sunstein, Robert Walmsley University Professor at Harvard Law School, and Professor David Halpern, President Emeritus and Founding CEO of the UK Behavioral Insights Team. Scholars from prestigious institutions such as Harvard Law School, Columbia Business School, London School of Economics, Yale University, NYU, University of Cambridge, University of Toronto, and Princeton University will also participate.