Global Future Councils: Shaping Proactive Solutions For Global Challenges And Sustainability

The UAE Government, in collaboration with the World Economic Forum (WEF), continues to host the Global Future Councils. This event serves as a global hub for knowledge exchange and a strategic platform to develop proactive solutions for emerging challenges. The Councils focus on anticipating changes and adapting to rapid transformations, reinforcing their role as a leading international platform for future foresight.

Over the years, the Councils have played a crucial role in fostering international cooperation. They aim to address complex global challenges arising from technological advancements that are reshaping economies and societies. By hosting these Councils, the UAE reaffirms its commitment to shaping a sustainable, prosperous, and inclusive future.

Since 2008, the Global Future Councils have provided an annual platform for knowledge exchange and intellectual collaboration. They facilitate strategic projects that promote proactive thinking and drive innovation. Over 17 years, more than 900 sessions have been held, involving over 12,000 participants from various sectors worldwide.

The Councils have developed 42 national policies and programmes, mobilising over US$81 million in financial resources. These efforts support diverse projects globally. The Global Accelerators Network expanded to include 40 accelerators, enhancing policy implementation and vocational training effectiveness in emerging markets.

The current edition of the Global Future Councils covers six main themes: Technology, Economy, Society, Environment, Governance, and Health. Sessions will discuss pivotal topics such as Artificial General Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Space Technologies, Decentralised Finance, the Regenerative Blue Economy, and the Future of Jobs.

The Reskilling Revolution initiative exemplifies the Councils' impact. With an economic impact projected at US$2.93 trillion by 2030, it has already improved over 716 million lives worldwide. The initiative aims to reach 1.1 billion beneficiaries by 2030.

Strategic Visions and Collaborations

The Alliance for Clean Air is a notable initiative from the Councils’ strategic visions. It developed the first scientific guide for air pollution reporting under new European Sustainability Reporting Standards. Now over 50,000 companies in the EU must disclose their air pollution impact.

The Global Future Council on Antimicrobial Resistance created the Davos Compact on Antimicrobial Resistance. This seeks sustainable funding from public and private sources to reduce deaths from antimicrobial resistance by saving over 100 million lives by 2050.

Annual Meetings and Participation

The Annual Meetings of the Global Future Councils in October marked a significant evolution in their journey. For the first time, they were held alongside the Annual Cybersecurity Meeting. This integration brought together more than 150 leading industry experts to align efforts in developing collaborative solutions to rapid challenges.

This year’s event saw participation from over 700 experts across 93 countries within 37 councils. This network includes thought leaders, policymakers, academics, and innovators operating across more than 30 sectors worldwide.

Hosting another successful edition of this annual global event in Dubai highlights the UAE’s position as an international hub for shaping future strategies. It advances its role as a global platform where national visions become impactful partnerships and solutions to common challenges are designed.

With inputs from WAM