UAE Hosts Global CEOs To Discuss Strategic Investment And Partnerships At UNGA 80

During the 80th United Nations General Assembly, Badr Jafar, Special Envoy of the Minister of Foreign Affairs for Business and Philanthropy, led a significant global CEO roundtable. This gathering included UAE ministers, international CEOs, and top investors. The aim was to transform intentions into action through strategic investment, economic diplomacy, and impactful partnerships.

The discussion highlighted the immense global financing challenge today and the UAE's pivotal role as a solution hub. Participants noted a USD 4 trillion annual financing gap worldwide. They stressed the importance of mobilising capital through cross-sector collaboration. The UAE's non-oil foreign trade is projected to exceed USD 815 billion in 2024, marking a 14.6% growth from the previous year.

Badr Jafar stated: "The UAE is an execution partner with global reach – a gateway that pairs regulatory clarity and speed, with access to growth markets across the Middle East, Africa, South Asia, and beyond. Our national priorities are clear: advanced technology and digital infrastructure; energy system transformation; food and water security; health; and world-class logistics."

The dialogue also explored investable opportunities where public mandates align with private capabilities. Key areas include advanced technology, digital infrastructure, energy transformation, food and water security, health services, logistics, and financial services. These sectors present significant potential for collaboration between public entities and private enterprises.

The roundtable underscored the importance of regulatory clarity and swift market entry. It also emphasised scalable co-investment models based in the UAE to boost high-quality ventures into regional and global markets. This approach aims to accelerate economic growth by leveraging the UAE's strategic position.

High-Level Participation

Prominent figures from various sectors participated in this meeting. Several UAE ministers and officials attended alongside the UAE’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations. A select group of global CEOs and investors from finance, technology, healthcare, and infrastructure were also present. Their involvement highlights the significance of this roundtable within UNGA 80.

This event is part of the UAE’s broader engagement at UNGA 80. It reinforces the country's role as a facilitator of high-level dialogue and as a hub for investment, innovation, and strategic partnerships. The discussions aimed to foster collaborations that drive sustainable development globally.

The roundtable concluded with a focus on practical solutions for bridging financing gaps through strategic partnerships. By leveraging its unique position as a gateway for investment opportunities across various sectors, the UAE continues to play a crucial role in addressing global economic challenges effectively.

With inputs from WAM