Dubai: The UAE Government and the World Economic Forum have entered a new phase of their strategic partnership by signing a Memorandum of Understanding to host the annual meetings of the Global Future Councils in Dubai for the next five years. This initiative underscores the commitment of both parties to collaborate in addressing socio-economic challenges and enhancing government resilience through development models.
According to Emirates News Agency, the signing ceremony took place in the presence of several dignitaries, including H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority; Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs; and B¸rge Brende, President and CEO of the World Economic Forum. Larry Fink, interim Co-Chair of the Board of Trustees of the World Economic Forum, was also present. The MoU was signed by Ohood Khalfan Al Roumi, Minister of State for Government Development and the Future, and Maroun Kairouz, Managing Director at the World Economic Forum, during the UAE Government’s participation in the World Economic Forum’s annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland.
The Global Future Councils have played a significant role in the partnership between the UAE Government and the World Economic Forum, with insights from these meetings shaping the agenda of the WEF Annual Meeting in Davos. Over the years, this collaboration has brought together 900 councils and over 12,000 global experts and officials to tackle pressing global issues.
Mohammad Al Gergawi highlighted the importance of this sustainable strategic partnership, which aligns with the UAE’s vision under the guidance of its leaders. He emphasized the UAE’s proactive role in influencing the global future agenda through sustainable initiatives and international cooperation, which are viewed as vital for government innovation and policy-making.
Al Gergawi described the Global Future Councils as an advanced collaboration model, bringing together experts and intellectuals to empower governments in transforming challenges into opportunities. He noted that these councils enhance the UAE’s position as a global hub for future solutions that benefit humanity and improve quality of life.
The longstanding partnership between the UAE and the World Economic Forum seeks to explore future opportunities and promote cooperation in achieving shared goals. It supports the UAE’s national strategies and the World Economic Forum’s objectives by leveraging innovation, technology, and solutions from the Fourth Industrial Revolution across critical sectors.