UAE Government And World Economic Forum To Launch Global Future Councils In October 2025

The UAE Government, in partnership with the World Economic Forum (WEF), has announced the 2025 Global Future Councils event. Scheduled for October 14-16, 2025, in Dubai, this event marks a continuation of over 16 years of collaboration. The councils have previously convened more than 280 meetings with over 6,600 experts worldwide, focusing on topics crucial to human life and future development.

Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Co-Chair of the Global Future Councils, highlighted that these councils embody the shared values between the UAE and WEF. He stated, "For more than five decades, our relationship with the World Economic Forum has always centred on building an inclusive platform for open global dialogue about the future—with humanity at its core." This reflects a commitment to fostering international cooperation for a better future.

Børge Brende, President and CEO of WEF, noted that today's challenges are interconnected across technology, geoeconomics, and environment. He remarked on the uniqueness of the Global Future Councils in bringing together diverse experts to identify new areas for collaboration. This approach aims to address complex global issues through multidisciplinary insights.

The upcoming edition will feature 36 councils comprising 700 experts from over 580 organisations across 93 countries. These councils are structured to ensure diverse representation: one-third business leaders, one-third thought leaders and academics, and one-third government experts and civil society representatives. This diversity aims to foster comprehensive discussions on global challenges.

Ruqayya AlBlooshi from the UAE Prime Minister’s Office and Martina Szabo from WEF outlined the roadmap for these councils during an introductory meeting. AlBlooshi emphasised the UAE's role in creating a network that contributes nearly $8 trillion in global economic value. She noted that hosting these councils underscores the UAE’s position as a hub for communication and collaboration.

Impact on Global Agendas

AlBlooshi further highlighted how these councils influence major global events by shaping agendas and delivering tangible results. For instance, the GFC on Agile Governance developed thought leadership supporting innovative regulatory practices. This initiative inspired action in seven countries by helping governments adapt quickly to emerging technologies.

Martina Szabo explained that since their inception as "Global Agenda Councils" in 2008, these forums have evolved into "Global Future Councils." They continue to shape key global agendas like those at Davos or New York's Sustainable Development Impact Meetings. Their focus remains on enhancing cross-disciplinary collaboration and exploring emerging issues expected to impact globally.

Over 16 years, more than 280 councils have convened with participation from over 6,600 members representing around 100 countries. These include contributions from over 1,500 companies, 800 academic institutions, and numerous civil society groups. The councils' ability to drive transformative change worldwide sets them apart as influential platforms for addressing global challenges effectively.

With inputs from WAM