UAE Celebrates Graduation Of Future Trade Leaders To Bolster Global Negotiations

In a significant step towards nurturing the future leaders of trade, the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) celebrated the graduation of the first 30 participants of the Global Future Trade Leaders Programme. The ceremony, graced by Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, and Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of ADDED, marked the culmination of a three-month intensive training designed to prepare Emirati professionals for pivotal roles in international trade negotiations.

The programme, initiated last November by the Ministry of Economy in collaboration with ADDED, aims to arm these future negotiators with the skills essential for advancing the UAE's foreign trade objectives. The event also saw the presence of notable figures such as Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), and Rashid Al Balushi, Under-Secretary of ADDED.

This graduation precedes the 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13) of the WTO, set to take place in Abu Dhabi from 26th to 29th February. The conference is a critical platform for global ministers and officials from 164 Member States to deliberate on refining global trade regulations. The curriculum of the Global Future Trade Leaders Programme included preparations for this significant event.

Dr. Al Zeyoudi, who also serves as the MC13 Chair, emphasized the UAE's commitment to fostering an economy that is agile, adaptable, and diversified, underpinned by knowledge and innovation. He underscored the importance of empowering the next generation to enhance the UAE's position as a global trade hub and advocate for an open, rules-based trading system.

"The UAE stands as a testament to how trade can drive economic growth and sustainable prosperity," Dr. Al Zeyoudi remarked. He praised the graduates for their dedication and expressed his anticipation for their contributions towards achieving the UAE's national vision.

Al Zaabi echoed these sentiments, highlighting the programme's role in equipping talented individuals with the necessary skills to address global trade challenges effectively. He stressed that trade is crucial for the UAE's ongoing development and efforts to establish itself as a premier global hub for trade, business, and investment.

The programme was supported by the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy (AGDA), serving as the official Education Partner and host of MC13. Participants engaged in masterclass sessions led by experts from prestigious international and national entities such as WTO, World Economic Forum, UNCTAD, OECD, and AGDA. These sessions covered a broad spectrum of trade-related topics including policy, financing, digital and sustainable trade.

The launch of this initiative aligns with the UAE's strategic focus on foreign trade as a key driver for doubling its national economy. It aims at achieving broader economic diversification goals, accelerating GDP growth, boosting non-oil exports, fostering innovation, and preparing a new generation equipped with innovative solutions and creative ideas.

With inputs from WAM