
At the Arab Thought Forum
Abu-Ghazaleh: Justice is the foundation of peace and the Arab
world needs a ‘global intellectual movement’
AMMAN – In a rich and interactive session, hosted by the Arab
Thought Forum, in cooperation with Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Knowledge Forum (TAG-KF),
HE Dr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh, founder and chairman of Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Global
Digital (TAG.GD), has introduced his recent project that became a
resonating call for reforming the current Global Order, reaffirming the
importance of making significant and comprehensive revision of the rules
of the United Nations Organization.
The session that was attended by a large group of political,
diplomatic, economic, and intellectual figures, was a clear and an explicit
call for reshaping the international landscape in a way that serves the
aspirations of peoples not states.
In his introductory remarks, the Secretary-General of the Arab
Thought Forum, Dr. Sadiq Al-Faqih, who directed the session, he welcomed Dr.
Abu-Ghazaleh, describing him as “One of the most influential Arab minds
not only as a successful businessman, but rather as a visionary intellectual
standing at a turning point of history, with the ability to read and analyze
global events with a critical eye and a sharp future vision, which makes him an
influential voice in the Arab and international intellectual arena.”
During his lecture, Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh, has consistently emphasized
the greatness of the Arab nation and its historic achievements, saying:
“We are a great Arab nation, and at some point in the past, have led the
world with justice and knowledge, and we are equally capable of doing so once
again.”
Referring to the United Nations, he said, “The world today is
experiencing unprecedented fundamental transformations in all aspects of life,
while the United Nations, founded after the Second World War, remains trapped
in outdated structures.”
He has specifically criticized the “Veto” power, which was at the
time imposed by the victors to secure their full control of the UN system. He
said that it obstructs justice and the true representation of peoples”,
pointing out that this power grants five countries only more power than the
rest of the world, creating a significant imbalance in global power dynamics
and limiting the UN’s effectiveness in achieving its goals.
In a bold vision for the future of the international organization,
Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh called for shifting from an organization representing
countries to an entity that represents peoples.
That was the theme of his recently-released book: “From the United
Nations to the United People”, in which he affirms that comprehensive reform is
no longer an option but a necessity imposed by the current global challenges to
ensure the continuity and effectiveness of the UN system in confronting global
crises.
Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh has strongly criticized the marginalization of
the youth voice in international decision-making bodies, despite being the
backbone of change and the source of hope.
Talking about peace, Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh asserted, “Imposing peace by
force is a false concept”. “True and sustainable peace is not imposed, but is
built on solid foundations of justice. Peace without justice will always heads
to failure, even if imposed by the world’s strongest powers.”
Concerning the Arab region, Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh described it as one
of the most oppressed regions in the world, and he called for the launch of a
comprehensive Arab intellectual movement that advocates for an international
reform project; that raises its voice to represent the oppressed peoples, and
restores the principles of dignity, sovereignty, and justice that have been
absent from the global scene for decades.
The lecture witnessed a significant interaction from the audience,
with many of their remarks reflecting the depth of knowledge and concern of the
attendees. The inquiries mostly focused on the mechanisms for implementing Dr.
Abu-Ghazaleh’s ambitious reform vision and whether the major powers could
succeed in overcoming reform barriers.
In response to a question about the role of civil society
organizations and the Arab youth in effectively driving a global genuine and
comprehensive change, Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh emphasized that true change does not
start from the top, but from the grassroots. He said, “The real battle is the
battle for awareness. We are not asking for a miracle; we need a collective
Arab intellectual project that paves the way for a generation capable of making
an impact.”
Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh concluded with a strong affirmation that the Arab
nation is “The greatest nation of all times”, in an inspiring call to action
and resurrection.