Global Future Councils And Cybersecurity 2025: Leaders Advocate For Resilient And Inclusive Innovation

The Annual Meetings of the Global Future Councils and Cybersecurity 2025, held in Dubai from 14-16 October, were organised by the UAE Government and the World Economic Forum (WEF). These meetings explored innovative strategies for developing intelligent economies and societies. The discussions highlighted the importance of education, technology, and collaboration in preparing for an unpredictable future.

Sarah bint Yousif Al Amiri, UAE Minister of Education, emphasised the need to prepare a generation that is optimistic and resilient. She stated that education should extend beyond knowledge delivery to foster adaptability, ethics, and collaboration. By instilling critical skills and values, students can face future challenges effectively and contribute positively to society. "Opportunities are not merely found; they are created and seized," Al Amiri added.

Al Amiri also discussed the evolving role of AI in education. She mentioned that while curricula may remain consistent, they must adapt over time. This is why AI education has been integrated from an early age in the UAE. Dario Leandro Genua, Secretary of Innovation, Science and Technology of Argentina, shared his optimistic outlook on cybersecurity. He stressed the importance of being aware of everyday technologies.

Genua noted that technology is so integral to modern life that even a brief absence could disrupt daily activities. He remarked on the uncertainty surrounding whether devices like phones listen to conversations but maintained a positive view on overcoming cybersecurity challenges.

Andrea Meza Murillo from the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) highlighted the need for nature-based solutions to address crises like climate change and biodiversity loss. She explained that resilient economies rely on healthy ecosystems such as oceans, soils, and water. Murillo pointed out that while technology can accelerate sustainable transitions, it also depends on natural resources.

Penny Low, Founder of Social Innovation Park, called for collaboration between people, public sectors, and private sectors to address inequality risks posed by AI. She advocated for inclusive policies that redefine growth to include wellbeing and nature.

AI's Role in Society

Daniela Rus from MIT's Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory discussed how digital transformations connect the world but also increase risks as AI enters physical spaces like cars. She suggested that innovation, education, and global coordination could help mitigate these risks.

The expert panellists underscored seven key areas: Protection, Proficiency, Personalisation, Perception, Provenance, Participation, and Payments. They recommended using tools like homomorphic encryption while promoting trust and inclusivity in cybersecurity.

Concluding Remarks

Maroun Kairouz from WEF concluded by highlighting the importance of open idea exchange amid growing global challenges. The Dubai meetings gathered over 500 experts and 150 cybersecurity leaders to discuss trade, innovation, climate issues, setting a foundation for WEF Annual Meeting 2026 in Davos.

With inputs from WAM