Representatives from 161 governments met in Riyadh last weekend. The eleventh Global Forum of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) functioned as a venue to accept current geopolitical structures.
The gathering organised itself under a specific theme centred on building mutual respect “in a Multipolar World.”
Frequent references to a multipolar world filled the speeches. UNAOC High Representative Miguel Ángel Moratinos observed the transition from a single power to many centres. The proceedings validated a reality where conversation styarts in diverse capitals.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres defended diplomatic contact as necessary. Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan stated that rising intolerance needs reinforced communication. The Riyadh Communiqué, adopted by the assembly, envisions a world where authority is shared.
European Policy vs. Gulf Autonomy
European capitals often keep older operating models. Policy documents present a habit of viewing Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) members as students.
The first EU-GCC summit in October 2024 produced mostly general declarations of goodwill.
Brussels often defines cooperation through “strategic autonomy,” expecting partners to adopt European priorities. Gulf states instead navigate fluently between Western and Eastern blocs.
Such strategies define how Gulf countries comprehend the global order. They establish their region as a connector linking Asia, Africa, and Europe.
European negotiators focused on specific geopolitical conflicts. Gulf representatives centred their attention on regional stability.
Economic Foundations
Such diplomatic assurance stands on economic transformation. Observers often ascribe Gulf leverage solely to oil. They ignore structural changes.
From 2003 to 2019, the UAE expanded its GDP by $300 billion. Saudi Arabia generated an additional $577 billion over the same interval. Reforms permitted full foreign ownership.
Gulf governments construct an economy based on regional integration. Trade between Saudi Arabia and the UAE grew by 25 per cent from 2019 to 2023. It reached $30 billion annually.
Business scholars define such interaction as “co-opetition.” Neighbours manage shared and rival interests internally. Such indicators prove the capacity for self-sustained growth.
Future Cooperation
Future work requires acknowledging the autonomy of Gulf actors. These states look for collaborators who engage with their strategic vision.
The resolution of the 2017-2021 Gulf dispute proved the ability to settle disagreements locally.
The EU-GCC Green Transition Project launched in Abu Dhabi offers a template for sector-specific collaboration. Europe can also work on African development by respecting diverse methods of aid.
Updating the partnership demands new vocabulary. European officials frequently define Gulf flexibility as “omni-balancing.” They see their own adjustments as necessary.
As the Riyadh forum practised, horizontal cooperation defines the era. Adapting guarantees Brussels stays part of the conversation.
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