His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the First Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, welcomed Börje Brende, the President and CEO of the World Economic Forum, yesterday.
This meeting took place as part of the annual gathering for the Global Future Councils and Cybersecurity 2025, hosted by the UAE government in collaboration with the World Economic Forum in Dubai from October 14 to 16.
In attendance were His Excellency Mohammed Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Co-Chair of the Global Future Councils, as well as His Excellency Mohammed bin Hadi Al Hussaini, Minister of State for Financial Affairs, and Her Excellency Ahood Al Roumi, Minister of State for Government Development and the Future, along with Khalfan Jumaa Belhoul, CEO of the Dubai Future Foundation.
During the meeting, His Highness and Börje Brende discussed the developments in the strategic partnership between the UAE government and the World Economic Forum. They highlighted current focal points of the Global Future Councils, which emphasize key areas such as artificial intelligence, green economy, energy transformation, food and water security, and other crucial future topics.
His Highness was updated on the most significant outcomes from the meetings, particularly the organization of the Cybersecurity Forum alongside the Councils meetings, aimed at enhancing collaboration in addressing digital challenges and aligning international efforts to ensure security and sustainability of digital systems.
Photo by Mohammed Hisham
Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum emphasized that the UAE continues to play an active role in fostering effective international dialogue and enhancing cooperation among governments and international organizations, aimed at developing practical solutions to global challenges, thereby improving the quality of life for communities and promoting sustainable growth and development.
He praised the Global Future Councils for their influential role in strengthening international partnerships and providing the necessary resources to enhance the performance of vital sectors through a knowledge platform that facilitates joint work, sharing experiences, and insights to shape a better future for societies.
His Highness noted on the platform X: “I met with Börje Brende, the President and CEO of the World Economic Forum, during the annual meeting of the Global Future Councils and Cybersecurity 2025, organized by the UAE government in collaboration with the Forum. During our discussion, we explored ways to strengthen our strategic partnership across all fields and address issues that shape global development.”
He added: “The UAE is actively continuing to lead international dialogue and enhance cooperation among governments to create practical solutions for global challenges, ultimately improving the quality of life for people and ensuring prosperity and sustainable development.”
Börje Brende expressed his appreciation for the UAE’s efforts in driving impactful global initiatives and its positive partnership with the Forum. He noted the UAE’s commitment to organizing the Global Future Councils annually with renewed spirit and ambitious vision, which exemplifies collaborative efforts in building a more prosperous and sustainable future with a focus on human service.
This current session of the Global Future Councils 2025 features participation from over 700 experts representing more than 580 institutions and organizations from 93 countries, spread across 37 specialized councils that include leading business figures.
Additionally, thought leaders, academics, and decision-makers from various governments and international organizations gather to discuss the future of sectors most relevant to human life and develop recommendations and forward-looking insights that will be implemented in the agenda of the World Economic Forum’s annual meeting in Davos.
For the first time, the annual meeting of the Cybersecurity Council is being held concurrently with the Global Future Councils meetings, featuring over 150 senior leaders and 90 global speakers, aimed at enhancing collaboration and unifying international strategies in cybersecurity.