Dubai: The UAE Government and the World Economic Forum (WEF) inaugurated the Annual Meetings of the Global Future Councils and Cybersecurity 2025 in the presence of H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority; H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum; and Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, Co-Chair of the Global Future Councils, and Member of the WEF Leadership Council.
According to Emirates News Agency, the opening event was attended by Ohood Khalfan Al Roumi, Minister of State for Government Development and the Future; Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications; and Maryam bint Ahmed Al Hammadi, Minister of State and Secretary-General of the UAE Cabinet. The event also drew wide participation from UAE Government officials and more than 700 experts and specialists from the Global Future Councils.
Mohammad Al Gergawi emphasized that the UAE leadership's focus is on enhancing readiness and resilience across all vital sectors while developing frameworks for international cooperation through open dialogue. He stated that the success of the Global Future Councils reflects a high level of awareness in the UAE that shaping the future is a collective mission, crucial for governments, organizations, and societies.
As Co-Chair of the Global Future Councils, Al Gergawi noted that the event has become a leading platform for consolidating new knowledge and generating innovative solutions. He highlighted that the Councils' outputs have become key elements in forming the agenda of the World Economic Forum's Annual Meeting in Davos.
In her remarks, Ohood Al Roumi noted the importance of involving youth in decision-making to achieve global leadership. She highlighted three major transformations driving change: the need to re-evaluate global development models amid a global crisis of trust, the rise of digital technology as a major economic driver, and the necessity of redefining resilience to keep pace with rapid advancements.
Al Roumi pointed out the growing role of technology and AI, noting the expected rise in the global cost of cyber threats to nearly $20 trillion annually by 2030. She emphasized the importance of resilience, trust, and secure digital infrastructure as fundamental pillars for a prosperous future.
B¸rge Brende, President and CEO of the World Economic Forum, highlighted the significant technological advances the world is experiencing and the challenges posed by global complexity and uncertainty. He stressed the need for countries to implement reforms and the role of technology as a system we live in, driving growth in the coming decades.
Brende revealed that the upcoming WEF Annual Meeting in Davos will be held under the theme 'A Spirit of Dialogue', underscoring the importance of collaboration in addressing global challenges. He recognized Dubai as an ideal host city for fostering dialogue, innovation, and global vision.