Dubai: The Closing Plenary of the Annual Meetings of the Global Future Councils and Cybersecurity 2025 - organised by the UAE Government and the World Economic Forum (WEF) from 14-16 October in Dubai - explored promising approaches to building intelligent economies and societies.
According to Emirates News Agency, Sarah bint Yousif Al Amiri, UAE Minister of Education, emphasized the importance of nurturing an optimistic and resilient generation prepared for an unpredictable future. She highlighted that education should transcend traditional knowledge delivery to foster adaptability, ethics, and collaboration. By cultivating critical skills, values, and optimism, students will be better equipped to face future challenges, create meaningful impacts, and contribute to a more stable and cooperative world. Al Amiri further noted that opportunities are not just discovered but also created and seized, aiming to mould a generation that remains hopeful about the future and resilient in overcoming challenges.
Dario Leandro Genua, Secretary of Innovation, Science and Technology of Argentina, shared his optimistic perspective on cybersecurity. He acknowledged the integral role technology plays in modern life, cautioning about the necessity to remain aware of everyday technologies. Despite uncertainties surrounding privacy, Genua expressed confidence that society will ultimately prevail in managing cybersecurity risks.
Andrea Meza Murillo, Deputy Executive Secretary of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), stressed the need for integrated, nature-based solutions to address current global crises such as climate change, biodiversity loss, land degradation, poverty, and conflict. She emphasized that resilient economies rely on healthy ecosystems, with technology accelerating sustainable transitions. However, Murillo pointed out that technological progress depends on natural resources, necessitating efficient use of landscapes for a stable and prosperous world.
Penny Low, Founder of Social Innovation Park, underscored the importance of collaboration between People, Public, and Private sectors. She warned of the risks of inequality posed by AI, urging for inclusive policies, redefining growth to incorporate wellbeing and nature, and promoting 'awakened intelligence' as the next frontier of innovation.
Daniela Rus, Director of the Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), highlighted the dual nature of digital and AI transformations. While these technologies connect the world, they also pose risks, especially as AI becomes integrated into physical systems like cars. Nevertheless, Rus asserted that technology can be part of the solution through innovation, education, and global coordination.
The panellists at the plenary emphasized the importance of the seven P's: Protection, Proficiency, Personalisation, Perception, Provenance, Participation, and Payments. They advocated for employing new tools like homomorphic encryption and fostering trust, awareness, and inclusivity in cybersecurity.
Maroun Kairouz, Managing Director of the World Economic Forum, delivered the closing remarks, highlighting the growing necessity of open exchange of ideas and cooperation in addressing global challenges. He noted the successful gathering of over 500 experts and 150 leading cybersecurity leaders in Dubai, setting the stage for the WEF Annual Meeting 2026 in Davos.