His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of the UAE, recently met with Børge Brende, the President and CEO of the World Economic Forum.
This meeting was part of the annual gathering of the Global Future Councils and Cybersecurity 2025, organized by the UAE government in collaboration with the World Economic Forum in Dubai from October 14 to 16.
Attending the meeting were His Excellency Mohammed Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Co-Chairman of the Global Future Councils; His Excellency Mohammed bin Hadi Al Hussaini, Minister of State for Financial Affairs; Her Excellency Ahood Al Roumi, Minister of State for Government Development and the Future; and Khalfan Jumaa Belhoul, CEO of the Dubai Future Foundation.
During their discussion, Sheikh Maktoum and Børge Brende reviewed the progress of the strategic partnership between the UAE government and the World Economic Forum, highlighting current key themes of the Global Future Councils, which focus on areas such as artificial intelligence, green economy, energy transition, and food and water security, among other crucial future topics.
Sheikh Maktoum also received updates on the meetings, particularly regarding the organization of the Cybersecurity Forum alongside the councils, aimed at enhancing integration in anticipating digital challenges and unifying international efforts to ensure the security and sustainability of digital systems.
Photo by: Mohammed Hisham
Sheikh Maktoum emphasized the UAE’s active role in facilitating meaningful international dialogue and fostering cooperation among governments and global institutions to develop practical solutions for worldwide challenges, ultimately contributing to improved quality of life and sustainable development.
He praised the Global Future Councils for their significant impact on enhancing international partnerships and providing the necessary resources to elevate the performance of key sectors through a knowledge platform that fosters collaboration, experience sharing, and expertise to shape a better future for communities.
On his account on the platform “X”, he stated: “I met with Børge Brende, President and CEO of the World Economic Forum, during the annual gathering of the Global Future Councils and Cybersecurity 2025, organized by the UAE government in partnership with the forum. We discussed ways to enhance our strategic partnership across all areas and issues that shape global development.”
He further added: “The UAE continues to actively contribute to leading international dialogue and strengthening cooperation among governments to develop practical solutions for global challenges, enhancing the quality of life for communities and ensuring prosperity and sustainable development.”
Børge Brende expressed his appreciation for the UAE’s efforts in promoting impactful global initiatives and its positive partnership with the forum, highlighting the annual organization of the Global Future Councils with renewed spirit and ambitious future vision as a model for cooperation in building a more prosperous and sustainable future, prioritizing human service.
The current session of the Global Future Councils 2025 involves the participation of over 700 experts representing more than 580 institutions and organizations from 93 countries across 37 specialized councils, featuring a selection of business leaders, thought leaders, academics, and decision-makers from governments and international organizations. They will discuss the future of sectors most crucial to human lives and develop recommendations and future visions to be addressed in the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos.
For the first time, the annual meeting of the Cybersecurity Council is being held concurrently with the sessions of the Global Future Councils, featuring participation from over 150 top leaders and 90 global speakers to strengthen cooperation and unify international strategies in cybersecurity.