emirates7 - With the launch of Behavioral Exchange (BX2025) in the MENA region just days away, the UAE has unveiled an impressive programme of speakers and sessions that will bring together over 500 global and regional leaders to discuss how behavioral science is reshaping policy and society.
Scheduled for 30 April to 1 May, BX2025 will be held 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 event is organised by the Behavioral Science Group (BSG)—a specialist division within the UAE Government’s Office of Development Affairs—in partnership with the Behavioral Insights Team (BIT) and the Centre for Behavioral Institutional Design (C-BID) at New York University Abu Dhabi.
Highlights of the agenda include a keynote speech by Shamma bint Suhail Al Mazrouei, Minister of Community Development, and a series of high-level discussions on how behavioral science can influence society and policymaking.
Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, President and CEO of the UAE Independent Climate Change Accelerators, will participate in a session on driving large-scale climate action, focusing on how personal behavior can contribute to global climate solutions.
Meanwhile, Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy, will speak about the role of social norms research in shaping national policies.
Hajer Al Thehli, Secretary-General of the Council for Education, Human Development, and Community, will address how behavioral insights can enhance parental involvement in education, while Dr. Najwa Al Aaraj, CEO of the Technology Innovation Institute, will discuss the intersection of human behavior and policymaking in the age of artificial intelligence.
Dr. Tareq Ahmed Al Ameri, Director of the Office of Development and Fallen Heroes Affairs at the Presidential Court, stressed the significance of hosting such a major international conference in Abu Dhabi—the first of its kind in the Middle East.
He emphasized the event’s role in bringing together top experts, scholars, and practitioners from around the world to deepen knowledge across behavioral science disciplines, particularly in support of sustainable development and key sectors like education, healthcare, energy, and climate.
He also highlighted the importance of applying global research to strengthen communities, address societal challenges, and forward-looking policies that benefit humanity.
Rasha Attar, Director of the Behavioral Science Group, remarked that hosting BX2025 aligns with Abu Dhabi’s ongoing leadership in innovation, development, and sustainable policymaking through behavioral science. She also pointed out the emirate’s strong commitment to fostering international collaboration and delivering impactful community programs.
Fabio Piano, Vice Chancellor of NYU Abu Dhabi, described BX2025 as not only a proud achievement for C-BID and NYUAD but also a reflection of Abu Dhabi’s emerging role as a regional and global center for behavioral science. He expressed optimism about the exchange of knowledge and partnerships the event would encourage, with a lasting impact on research, students, and the broader community.
Piano further emphasized NYUAD’s dedication to building meaningful institutional partnerships and driving global scientific dialogue that respects cultural diversity and aligns with worldwide priorities, particularly through engaging students.
Prominent figures in behavioral science, such as Professor Cass Sunstein of Harvard Law School and Professor David Halpern, President Emeritus and Founding CEO of the UK Behavioral Insights Team, will be among the participants.
Renowned scholars from prestigious institutions including Harvard Law School, Columbia Business School, London School of Economics, Yale University, NYU, University of Cambridge, University of Toronto, and Princeton University will also contribute.
Scheduled for 30 April to 1 May, BX2025 will be held 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 event is organised by the Behavioral Science Group (BSG)—a specialist division within the UAE Government’s Office of Development Affairs—in partnership with the Behavioral Insights Team (BIT) and the Centre for Behavioral Institutional Design (C-BID) at New York University Abu Dhabi.
Highlights of the agenda include a keynote speech by Shamma bint Suhail Al Mazrouei, Minister of Community Development, and a series of high-level discussions on how behavioral science can influence society and policymaking.
Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, President and CEO of the UAE Independent Climate Change Accelerators, will participate in a session on driving large-scale climate action, focusing on how personal behavior can contribute to global climate solutions.
Meanwhile, Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy, will speak about the role of social norms research in shaping national policies.
Hajer Al Thehli, Secretary-General of the Council for Education, Human Development, and Community, will address how behavioral insights can enhance parental involvement in education, while Dr. Najwa Al Aaraj, CEO of the Technology Innovation Institute, will discuss the intersection of human behavior and policymaking in the age of artificial intelligence.
Dr. Tareq Ahmed Al Ameri, Director of the Office of Development and Fallen Heroes Affairs at the Presidential Court, stressed the significance of hosting such a major international conference in Abu Dhabi—the first of its kind in the Middle East.
He emphasized the event’s role in bringing together top experts, scholars, and practitioners from around the world to deepen knowledge across behavioral science disciplines, particularly in support of sustainable development and key sectors like education, healthcare, energy, and climate.
He also highlighted the importance of applying global research to strengthen communities, address societal challenges, and forward-looking policies that benefit humanity.
Rasha Attar, Director of the Behavioral Science Group, remarked that hosting BX2025 aligns with Abu Dhabi’s ongoing leadership in innovation, development, and sustainable policymaking through behavioral science. She also pointed out the emirate’s strong commitment to fostering international collaboration and delivering impactful community programs.
Fabio Piano, Vice Chancellor of NYU Abu Dhabi, described BX2025 as not only a proud achievement for C-BID and NYUAD but also a reflection of Abu Dhabi’s emerging role as a regional and global center for behavioral science. He expressed optimism about the exchange of knowledge and partnerships the event would encourage, with a lasting impact on research, students, and the broader community.
Piano further emphasized NYUAD’s dedication to building meaningful institutional partnerships and driving global scientific dialogue that respects cultural diversity and aligns with worldwide priorities, particularly through engaging students.
Prominent figures in behavioral science, such as Professor Cass Sunstein of Harvard Law School and Professor David Halpern, President Emeritus and Founding CEO of the UK Behavioral Insights Team, will be among the participants.
Renowned scholars from prestigious institutions including Harvard Law School, Columbia Business School, London School of Economics, Yale University, NYU, University of Cambridge, University of Toronto, and Princeton University will also contribute.