Global Future Councils 2024 To Convene In Dubai With Over 500 Officials From 80 Countries

The UAE Government, in collaboration with the World Economic Forum (WEF), is set to host the 2024 Annual Meeting of the Global Future Councils in Dubai from 15th to 17th October. This event will gather government officials, experts, and futurists from various sectors worldwide. Over 500 delegates from 80 countries will engage in discussions across 30 councils focusing on technology, climate change, governance, economics, and society.

The meeting aims to foster a shared understanding of the forces shaping future economies and societies. It seeks to enhance cooperation to seize opportunities and tackle challenges. Discussions will explore how governments can boost economic development, build human capacities, and prepare workers for future jobs. The councils will also encourage innovative thinking to create a resilient and sustainable future.

For the first time, significant private sector involvement is expected at this meeting. Seventy top CEOs from leading global companies will participate, sharing insights on their sectors' futures. This inclusion marks a shift towards more comprehensive engagement with industry leaders.

Mohammed Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Co-Chair of the Global Future Councils, highlighted the UAE's commitment to future-building under its leadership. He stated that "Under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum...the UAE sees it as its mission to design and build the future with the goal of advancing human progress."

The partnership between the UAE Government and WEF has evolved over two decades since a pivotal speech by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum at WEF in 2002. This collaboration aims to foster international cooperation in critical areas.

Innovative Sessions and Key Topics

The meeting will feature keynotes, panels, high-level discussions, and interactive sessions designed to generate new ideas. These sessions will produce recommendations shaping the agenda for WEF's next Annual Meeting in Davos in January 2025.

Topics under discussion include AI's future, antimicrobial resistance, cybersecurity, food security, autonomous mobility, geopolitics' future, responsible investment, space exploration, sustainable tourism, air quality improvement, energy transition strategies like net zero goals, synthetic biology advancements, city planning for future needs, good governance practices, redefining growth metrics, climate humanitarianism efforts, quantum economy prospects, advanced manufacturing techniques and value chains optimisation.

Since its inception in 2008, over 900 councils have been held with more than 12,000 participants from 100 countries involved. The UAE continues to be recognised globally as a hub for innovation and talent attraction due to its comprehensive system for anticipating trends and translating them into sustainable development initiatives.

With inputs from WAM