UAE Demonstrates Agility In Addressing Global Disruption At Global Future Councils Meeting

The UAE's governance, particularly in AI, regulation, and education, was praised as a global success model at the 2024 Annual Meeting of Global Future Councils (AMGFC24). The panel discussion titled "UAE: The Next Decade" highlighted how the nation is using technology, reskilling its workforce, and adopting flexible governance to maintain a competitive edge in a rapidly evolving world.

Sarah Al Amiri, UAE Minister of State for Public Education, stressed the need to evolve education systems. She stated: "We need to rethink how we approach traditional education systems, focusing on skills and values that uphold who we are as nations, global citizens, and our roles in society and the economy." Al Amiri emphasised proactive measures in reskilling and advancing education to prepare for future challenges. "We are developing the tools necessary to adapt to a changing world," she said.

Maryam Al Hammadi, Minister of State and Secretary-General of the UAE Cabinet, highlighted regulatory reforms' role in national progress. "The most important competitive advantage for any country is having a flexible, agile, and adaptable legislative system," she noted. Al Hammadi pointed out significant regulatory transformations in the UAE. "In three years, we have updated more than 75 percent of our regulations," she added.

Danny Quah from the National University of Singapore discussed new regulations needed for global challenges like climate change. He remarked on the UAE's ambitious plans: "The first thing that strikes me is how ambitious this plan is." Quah praised the UAE's energy transition efforts with solar power by 2050.

Agile Governance and Innovation

Euvin Naidoo from Thunderbird School of Global Management highlighted agile governance's role in fostering innovation. He noted that adaptable regulations have enabled cross-sector collaboration. Naidoo also mentioned the shortening half-life of skills across industries. "One of the UAE’s competitive advantages is its mindset," he said.

The AMGFC24 event is hosted by the UAE Government with the World Economic Forum (WEF) from 15th to 17th October in Dubai. This edition includes 30 councils and over 500 participants from 80 countries. Experts are shaping the agenda for the 2025 WEF Annual Meeting in Davos.

The UAE's strategic approach positions it as a hub for innovation and investment. By updating regulations and focusing on education reform, it aims to drive sustainable economic growth while preparing its workforce for future demands.

With inputs from WAM