UAE Showcases Commitment To Sustainable Development At World Economic Forum 2025 In Davos

The UAE recently concluded its participation in the 2025 World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, from January 20 to 24. Led by H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, the UAE delegation was among the largest at the event. They engaged in discussions on global challenges and explored opportunities for international collaboration.

H.H. Sheikha Latifa actively participated in key sessions, highlighting the UAE's developmental achievements and exchanging insights with international counterparts. She met with notable figures such as Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus, former Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, and Hilde Schwab of the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship.

The forum's theme, "Collaboration in an Intelligent Age," aligned with the UAE's commitment to sustainable development. The focus was on leveraging advanced technology for transformative solutions that drive development efforts. The delegation included over 100 CEOs, private sector representatives, and government officials.

Mohammed Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, stated: "Following the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan; and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the UAE's successful participation at the World Economic Forum reinforced its commitment to building strong international partnerships and fostering sustainable development."

The UAE government highlighted its private sector's role at Davos 2025. National and private sector companies formed a significant part of the delegation. This presence underscored their vital role in sustainable economic growth and facilitated valuable international partnerships.

Al Gergawi added: "Each year's edition of the World Economic Forum, we continue to build on prior collaborations. The increasing presence of UAE national and private sector companies demonstrates their integral role in achieving national goals and highlights the UAE's supportive business environment."

Global Partnerships and Initiatives

The Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI) pledged AED 36.7 million (US $10 million) to UNHCR for sustainable programs aiding forcibly displaced communities. Since 2021, MBRGI has contributed AED 163.6 million to UNHCR programs. This partnership is crucial for sustaining aid to displaced populations worldwide.

The UAE signed a memorandum of understanding with the World Economic Forum to create the Global Regulatory Innovation Platform (GRIP). GRIP will develop a Future-Readiness Index for Legislation and a Global Guide for Regulatory Innovation while fostering a network of experts and policymakers.

Technological Advancements

A partnership agreement between the UAE and World Economic Forum aims to promote global adoption of future technologies through the UAE Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (UAE C4IR). Overseen by Dubai Future Foundation (DFF), this initiative will foster collaboration on emerging technologies.

DFF also partnered with the World Economic Forum to develop a global index measuring future readiness of organisations. This index will assess adaptability and ability to capitalize on future opportunities using expertise from developing the "Dubai Future Readiness Index."

Healthcare Innovations

The Department of Health-Abu Dhabi signed a letter of intent with the World Economic Forum to advance smart health systems globally. Their joint initiative aims to leverage public-private partnerships to drive digital technology, data, and AI for improved healthcare efficiency and patient outcomes.

This collaboration aligns global advancements with local healthcare strategies by joining a network of leading institutions accelerating digital transformation in healthcare systems worldwide.

With inputs from WAM