The World Governments Summit, in partnership with Strategy& Middle East, part of the PwC network, has released a new report titled Being and Belonging: Sustaining National Identity in a Changing World.
The report offers governments a practical framework to understand, preserve, and adapt national identity in an era of globalization, migration, and digital connectivity.
National identity shapes social cohesion, economic performance, and international reputation. The report warns that if left unmanaged, evolving cultural and digital influences can weaken trust and stability. Conversely, a deliberately cultivated identity can unify citizens, enhance institutional trust, and support long-term national resilience.
Dima Sayess, Partner at Strategy& Middle East, emphasized that
“when national identity weakens, trust and cohesion weaken with it. When strengthened deliberately, it can create a shared sense of purpose and a collective stake in a nation’s stability and prosperity.”
The framework breaks down national identity into demographic, cultural, economic, and civic markers, helping governments prioritize what defines their society and what should evolve. It distinguishes foundational identity elements from their expression in everyday behavior, enabling measurable outcomes and evidence-based policymaking.
The report highlights examples from the Gulf, including the UAE, where Arabic language preservation, national rituals, and civic initiatives reinforce belonging. In Saudi Arabia, cultural programs, historical projects, and integration of identity into tourism and media illustrate how identity can be embedded across sectors.
Melissa Rizk, Director of Actionable Foresight and Innovation at Strategy& Middle East, noted that the framework equips governments to navigate identity in a digitally connected world, deciding what must endure and what should adapt to societal changes.
The report is part of the World Governments Summit’s knowledge partnership program, aimed at supporting governments in building resilient, future-ready societies through evidence-based strategies for social cohesion and national identity.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
