Latest news with #BehavioralScienceGroup
Zawya
02-05-2025
- Science
- Zawya
Behavioral Exchange 2025 concludes with the UAE launching a global network to shape the future of behavioral sciences
Abu Dhabi, UAE – Behavioral Exchange 2025 (BX2025) concluded in Abu Dhabi under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes Affairs. Organized by the Behavioral Science Group of the Office of Development Affairs, the conference was hosted at the New York University Abu Dhabi from April 30 to May 1, 2025, with the participation of more than 500 international experts, academics, and researchers specializing in behavioral sciences from around the world. The UAE also launched a global network to shape the future of behavioral sciences, called the 'Global Behavioral Evidence Network'. Reflecting on the impact of the event, Her Highness Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, President & CEO of the UAE Independent Climate Change Accelerators (UICCA) remarked, 'Our conversations are more than just exchanges of words they create the foundation for true collaboration. Through meaningful dialogue, we can catalyse positive and enduring change. Behavioral science serves as a critical lens through which we understand how to accelerate widespread shifts in daily choices, ultimately helping us build a thriving and sustainable future together.' His Excellency Dr. Tariq Ahmed Al Ameri, Director of the Office of Development Affairs at the Presidential Court, expressed his deep gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his generous patronage of the Behavioral Exchange 2025. His Excellency also thanked all the government agencies and private institutions that participated in the conference and highlighted its diverse activities and events in various local and international media outlets, social media, and various digital platforms. Day 2 started with the official launch of the BSG's New Frontiers Program—a bold initiative to embed behavioral insights into global policy and philanthropic strategies, bringing together global thought leaders for a high-level, closed-door dialogue on the role of behavioral science in shaping international development. The session was hosted by the UAE Aid Agency as part of BX2025. H.E. Badr Jafar, Special Envoy for Business and Philanthropy, UAE, delivered opening remarks at the New Frontiers Breakfast during Day 2 of BX2025, highlighting the UAE's leadership in advancing a more strategic and evidence-led approach to philanthropy. 'Embedding behavioural science into how we design, test, and scale interventions is not just smart, it's essential. The UAE is committed to ensuring that philanthropic capital delivers lasting value, and UAE Aid is playing a vital role in this shift, applying behavioural insights across countries and territories to enhance the depth, reach, and effectiveness of its impact,' he said. Day 2 showcased the expanding role of behavioral science in addressing complex global and regional challenges through practical, evidence-based approaches. A key session, 'How Can Behavioral Science Turbocharge International Development Interventions to Achieve Global Impact,' explored how behavioral insights are being applied to improve outcomes in areas such as immunization, education, court attendance, and medical adherence. A second featured session, 'The Future of Behavioral Science,' focused on how behavioral science can stay relevant in fast-changing environments. Experts discussed emerging tools for designing, testing, and translating behavioral evidence into policy, and explored the potential of AI to model behavior in real time, helping decision-makers respond more effectively to complex policy challenges. Additional sessions throughout the day explored a wide range of behavioral applications across policy and practice. Discussions on choice architecture examined how small changes in how choices are presented can have a significant impact on individual and collective decision-making. In 'How Can Behavioral Science Help Eradicate Malaria in Our Lifetime,' experts shared how behavioral tools are being used to improve prevention and treatment uptake in high-risk areas. Other sessions addressed behavioral strategies to combat obesity, and the foundational steps needed to establish behavioral insights units within government, with a focus on building internal capacity and aligning behavioral approaches with public sector goals. Together, these sessions underscored the versatility and growing relevance of behavioral science in transforming systems, shaping policy, and delivering real-world impact. The UAE launched a global network to shape the future of behavioral science, called the 'Global Behavioral Evidence Network'. Rasha Al Attar, Director of the Behavioral Science Group at the Office of Development Affairs, explained that this network, as a global platform, will bring together behavioral insights units, policy labs, and social impact organizations to address common challenges through behavioral science. She noted that the network will hold its inaugural session in Abu Dhabi in early 2026 and will work to exchange knowledge annually, enabling governments, development agencies, and think tanks to share behavioral evidence, expand innovation, and enhance collaboration across countries. The network will also play a role in establishing a shared global knowledge base aimed at advancing behavioral science as a strategic tool for development, inclusion, and resilience across all sectors and geographies. 'BX2025 is more than a global gathering of top scholars and policymakers; it's a powerful opportunity to harness behavioral science to drive lasting, evidence-based change across sectors, for the benefit of the UAE and the world. It also gives our students and researchers a unique platform to engage with leading voices in the field, preparing the next generation to shape human-centered research and policies,' added Nikos Nikiforakis, Co-Director, Center for Behavioral Institutional Design (C-BID), NYU Abu Dhabi. At the end of the conference, participants emphasized the importance of the UAE's role as a catalyst in integrating behavioral science into the framework of governance and global cooperation, achieving leadership in behavioral policy and knowledge exchange globally, launching platforms for long-term collaboration, and investing in national leaders and cadres across various societal sectors and vital fields.
Zawya
28-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Behavioral Exchange™ 2025 announces agenda with over 500 international experts
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – With the debut of Behavioral Exchange™ (BX2025) in the MENA region just days away, the UAE has announced a compelling program 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. Taking place from 30 April to 1 May 2025, BX2025 will be held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes' Families Affairs. The event is being organized by the Behavioral Science Group (BSG), a specialized 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. Senior UAE speakers and prominent themes The agenda includes a keynote address by Her Excellency Shamma bint Suhail Al Mazrouei, Minister of Community Development, alongside high-level sessions exploring the societal and policy dimensions of behavioral science. Highlights include: Her Highness Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, President and CEO of the UAE Independent Climate Change Accelerators, will join a session on large-scale climate action, exploring how individual behavior can meaningfully contribute to climate transformation. Her Excellency Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy, will discuss how policymakers can apply insights from social norms research to advance national policy. Her Excellency Hajer Al Thehli, Secretary-General of the Council for Education, Human Development, and Community, will speak on the role of behavioral insights in improving parental engagement in education. Dr. Najwa Al Aaraj, CEO of the Technology Innovation Institute, will contribute to a session exploring human behavior and effective policy design in the age of artificial intelligence. Strategic Significance His Excellency Dr. Tareq Ahmed Al Ameri, Director General of the Office of Development and Fallen Heroes Affairs at the Presidential Court, highlighted the importance of hosting this global conference in Abu Dhabi—the first of its kind in the Middle East. He emphasized that the event convenes a distinguished group of experts, academics, and practitioners from around the world to advance knowledge across behavioral science fields—particularly those supporting sustainable development goals and vital sectors such as education, health, energy, and climate. He further underscored the importance of leveraging global research to develop communities, solve societal challenges, and shape forward-looking policy for the benefit of humanity. Rasha Attar, Director of the Behavioral Science Group, noted that the UAE's hosting of this international event is part of Abu Dhabi's continued leadership in development, innovation, and its active contribution to advancing sustainable policymaking in behavioral science. She also highlighted Abu Dhabi's pioneering role in fostering global collaboration and delivering impactful community-focused programs. '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,' added Fabio Piano, Vice Chancellor, NYU Abu Dhabi. He added that the university is committed to translating fruitful institutional partnerships and scientific dialogue into lasting impact, aligned with global priorities and respectful of cultural diversity. He also highlighted the importance of engaging university students in international scientific dialogue. World-class participants The conference will welcome leading figures in behavioral science, including: Professor Cass Sunstein, Robert Walmsley University Professor at Harvard Law School Professor David Halpern, President Emeritus and Founding CEO of the UK Behavioral Insights Team Additionally, scholars from 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 take part.
Al Etihad
28-04-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Behavioral Exchange™ 2025 announces agenda with over 500 international experts
28 Apr 2025 12:02 ABU DHABI (WAM)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 place from April 30 to May 1, BX2025 will be held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes' Families event is being organised by the Behavioral Science Group (BSG), a specialised 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 agenda includes a keynote address by Shamma bint Suhail Al Mazrouei, UAE Minister of Community Development, alongside high-level sessions exploring the societal and policy dimensions of behavioral Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, President and CEO of the UAE Independent Climate Change Accelerators, will join a session on large-scale climate action, exploring how individual behavior can meaningfully contribute to climate bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy, will discuss how policymakers can apply insights from social norms research to advance national Hajer Al Thehli, Secretary-General of the Council for Education, Human Development, and Community, will speak on the role of behavioral insights in improving parental engagement in education. Dr. Najwa Al Aaraj, CEO of the Technology Innovation Institute, will contribute to a session exploring human behavior and effective policy design in the age of artificial Tareq Ahmed Al Ameri, Director of the Office of Development and Fallen Heroes Affairs at the Presidential Court, highlighted the importance of hosting this global conference in Abu Dhabi—the first of its kind in the Middle emphasised that the event convenes a distinguished group of experts, academics, and practitioners from around the world to advance knowledge across behavioral science fields—particularly those supporting sustainable development goals and vital sectors such as education, health, energy, and further underscored the importance of leveraging global research to develop communities, solve societal challenges, and shape forward-looking policy for the benefit of Attar, Director of the Behavioral Science Group, noted that the UAE's hosting of this international event is part of Abu Dhabi's continued leadership in development, innovation, and its active contribution to advancing sustainable policymaking in behavioral science. She also highlighted Abu Dhabi's pioneering role in fostering global collaboration and delivering impactful community-focused programmes.'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,' added Fabio Piano, Vice Chancellor, NYU Abu added that the university is committed to translating fruitful institutional partnerships and scientific dialogue into lasting impact, aligned with global priorities and respectful of cultural diversity. He also highlighted the importance of engaging university students in international scientific conference will welcome 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. Additionally, scholars from 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 take part.
Zawya
12-04-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Abu Dhabi to host the global "BX2025" Behavioral Science Conference, organised by the BSG
Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed: The conference is a global platform to explore how behavioral science can strengthen government-led initiatives and deliver better outcomes for communities. Distinguished thought leaders from the region and around the world will explore how behavioral science can inform climate adaptation, digital governance, public health, early education initiatives and sustainable development Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes' Affairs, the Behavioral Science Group (BSG) has announced that Abu Dhabi will host the globally renowned Behavioural Exchange™ (BX2025) conference in a first for the MENA region, from 30 April to 1 May 2025, under the theme "New Frontiers in Behavioral Science". Ahead of the event, His Highness Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan emphasized the importance the UAE places on behavioral science to inform decisions on complex challenges and deliver better outcomes for society. The discipline is based on a deep understanding of human decision-making and offers insight into how people might respond to policies or initiatives. His Highness also emphasized that by understanding the motivational drivers of behavior, individuals can be empowered to pursue their personal goals while contributing to the wellbeing of their wider communities. Such behavioral shifts are central to development - supporting improvements in public health and nutrition, encouraging more sustainable consumption, and aligning individual choices with national and global policy objectives. Behavioral science also plays a key role in simplifying government processes and improving the effectiveness of social programmes. Now in its seventh global edition, BX2025 will bring together world-leading policymakers, researchers, and practitioners to discuss topics including the ethical use of AI and digital technologies, sustainable urban design, health equity, early education and sustainable development. For updates on BX2025, visit: About The Behavioral Science Group (BSG) The Behavioral Science Group (BSG) is a specialised team within the UAE Government that applies behavioral science to deliver positive social impact in the UAE and beyond. BSG designs, implements, and tests innovative behavioral solutions across a range of policy areas, including health, education, sustainability, and culture. Its approach combines global expertise in behavioral science with a deep understanding of the UAE's context and policy priorities. The Group's work centres on rigorous and pragmatic research, using advanced data analytics and mixed-method social research to understand what drives positive, lasting behavior change. It co-creates and tests real-world solutions with partners across government and society. BSG also supports the sustainable use of behavioral science by building capacity across the UAE and sharing knowledge through publications, training, and seminars.
Al Etihad
12-04-2025
- Science
- Al Etihad
Under the patronage of Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed, Behavioural Exchange 2025 conference to take place in Abu Dhabi
12 Apr 2025 13:06 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes' Affairs, Behavioural Exchange 2025 (BX2025) will be held in Abu Dhabi for the first time in the Middle by the Behavioral Science Group (BSG), part of the Office of Development and Martyrs Families Affairs, the event will take place from April 30 to May 1, 2025, at New York University under the theme New Frontiers in Behavioural Science. It will bring together leading experts from worldwide and the region to explore how behavioural science can inform climate adaptation, digital governance, public health, early education initiatives, and sustainable Highness Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed noted that the conference is a global platform to explore how behavioural science can strengthen government-led initiatives and deliver better outcomes for communities. His Highness emphasised the importance the UAE places on behavioural science to inform decisions on complex challenges and deliver better outcomes for society, as the discipline is based on a deep understanding of human decision-making and offers insight into how people might respond to policies or Highness also emphasised that by understanding the motivational drivers of behaviour, individuals can be empowered to pursue their personal goals while contributing to the wellbeing of the wider community. Such behavioural shifts are central to development - supporting improvements in public health and nutrition, encouraging more sustainable consumption, and aligning individual choices with national and global policy objectives. Behavioural science also plays a key role in simplifying government processes and improving the effectiveness of social programmes. Now in its seventh global edition, BX2025 will bring together world-leading policymakers, researchers, and practitioners to discuss topics including, the ethical use of AI and digital technologies, sustainable urban design, health equity, early education, and sustainable development. Source: Aletihad - Abu Dhabi
