UAE To Host Third World Local Production Forum In April 2025 Focused On Health Equity And Sustainable Development

The UAE will host the third World Local Production Forum from 7th to 9th April 2025 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. The event, themed "Advancing Local Production for Health Equity, Global Health Security, and Sustainable Development," aims to explore sustainable solutions in healthcare. This aligns with the UAE's commitment to innovation and sustainability in the medical and pharmaceutical sectors.

During a press conference at Emirates Palace Hotel, the Host Country Agreement was signed. Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, witnessed the signing by Dr. Fatima Al Kaabi of EDE and Dr. Yukiko Nakatani from WHO. This agreement strengthens the UAE's partnership with WHO, supporting global health goals through innovative policies.

Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi highlighted that hosting this forum reflects the UAE's dedication to global health advancement and sustainable development goals. He noted that such events reinforce the UAE's status as a hub for trade and manufacturing in healthcare products, attracting foreign investment and fostering innovation.

The forum will gather over 4,000 participants, including ministers, officials, leaders from international organisations, private sector representatives, financial institutions, civil society members, and experts. They will discuss sustainable local production and technology transfer strategies to enhance healthcare systems.

The agenda includes discussions on policies for local production ecosystems, regulatory frameworks, markets, human capital development, innovative financing strategies, technology transfer along value chains, pandemic preparedness, AI-driven manufacturing transformations, and green production practices.

Additionally, a CEO panel will address industry leadership's impact on public health. The forum aims to provide practical recommendations for development strategies and partnerships to improve access to quality health products globally.

Commitment to Global Health Goals

Dr. Fatima Al Kaabi stated that the UAE is a leader in innovation and talent attraction within healthcare industries. She emphasised EDE's role in fostering healthcare innovation while ensuring safety and quality standards through strategic collaborations.

"The World Local Production Forum brings together global stakeholders from various sectors in Abu Dhabi," said Dr. Al Kaabi. "It discusses developing robust local production systems that meet national needs while supporting global supply chains."

Enhancing Local Production Capacities

Dr. Yukiko Nakatani stressed the forum's significance in advancing health equity during peacetime and pandemics: "Through our collaboration with the UAE," she said, "we will enhance local production capacities through partnerships to improve timely access to essential health products."

Dr. Jicui Dong of LPA described the forum as an ideal platform for shaping strategies for sustainable local production: "It represents a call for joint action between governments and industries to invest in production capacities towards achieving global health equity."

A Platform for Sustainable Healthcare

The forum highlights how advanced technologies can enhance local healthcare production while exploring supply chain improvements for equitable product access. With diverse topics and dialogue sessions on its agenda, it serves as a leading platform driving innovation towards resilient healthcare systems globally.

This event strengthens international cooperation by expanding investment opportunities within sustainable healthcare systems locally and globally.

With inputs from WAM