Global Strategic Intelligence Programme Enables UAE-World Economic Forum To Accelerate Proactive Governance

The UAE Government and the World Economic Forum announced plans to establish the Global Strategic Intelligence Programme during the 56th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. The initiative is designed to help governments and institutions respond faster to worldwide shifts, support strategic decision-making, and improve readiness for fast-changing global conditions.

The Programme will anchor strategic intelligence as a central tool for governments and organisations. It aims to track international trends, identify emerging opportunities and risks, and support development of future-ready public policies. Artificial intelligence and advanced technologies will be used to analyse complex data, helping decision-makers act earlier and with greater clarity.

The UAE Government and the World Economic Forum confirmed this cooperation through a Letter of Intent signed during a formal ceremony. The partnership agreement was signed by Huda Al Hashimi, Deputy Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Strategic Affairs, and Maroun Kairouz, Managing Director at the World Economic Forum, setting the framework for joint work on the Global Strategic Intelligence Programme.

The signing took place in the presence of H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority; Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs; Børge Brende, President and CEO of the World Economic Forum; and Larry Fink, interim Co-Chair of the Board of Trustees of the World Economic Forum and co-founder, Chairman and CEO of BlackRock. Their attendance underlined the strategic focus of the Global Strategic Intelligence Programme.

Huda Al Hashimi explained that strategic intelligence is already built into the UAE Government’s operating model and long-term planning approach. It is viewed as essential to strengthen proactivity, upgrade decision-making quality, and support social wellbeing through more informed government action and better anticipation of future developments across sectors and regions.

Huda Al Hashimi said: "The Global Strategic Intelligence Programme represents a qualitative addition and a new contribution by the UAE Government to supporting the innovation and development of future frameworks. It reflects a vision to enhance international cooperation through a pioneering and inclusive platform that accelerates the transition towards an advanced, proactive approach to future foresight, opening new horizons for anticipation, resilience, and shared progress," she added.

From the World Economic Forum side, Stephan Mergenthaler, Chief Technology Officer and Managing Director, highlighted how the collaboration has evolved. Mergenthaler noted that strategic intelligence and foresight are increasingly incorporated into the core of public policy work, guiding leaders as they engage with complex and uncertain global developments and seek to maintain effective governance.

Stephan Mergenthaler stated: "We are pleased with the strong progress in our collaboration with the UAE Prime Minister’s Office over the past two years, which demonstrates the value of embedding strategic intelligence and foresight at the core of government decision-making. We now look forward to deepening this partnership by further advancing a Global Strategic Intelligence Programme that supports policymakers in navigating uncertainty, seizing opportunity, and strengthening effective governance."

With the Letter of Intent signed in Davos, the UAE Government and the World Economic Forum are preparing to operationalise the Global Strategic Intelligence Programme. The partners aim to build shared frameworks, align technology tools, and support policymakers worldwide, enhancing how institutions monitor global shifts and design responses that reflect long-term public interest.

With inputs from WAM