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All set for Davos

The Summit on the Global Agenda, which concluded on Wednesday, has made a series of observations aimed at laying the foundations for discussions at the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos next year, said Sami Al Qamzi, director-general of the Dubai Department of Economic Development.

Al Qamzi said the summit also presented a valuable opportunity before the world to exchange critical information and display role models in the region and the world.

In his closing remarks at the summit, which drew thought leaders and decision-makers from across the world, Al Qamzi said the opportunity to hold the event for the fifth consecutive time reflects the success of the UAE in general and Dubai in particular in embracing such “a world intellectual platform which saw elite thinkers, experts and decision-makers putting their heads together, looking at some of the most critical issues in the economic, political, social, environmental and other vital spheres.”

He said Dubai is proud to successfully continue its partnership with the WEF since 2008, “being aware of our huge responsibilities in providing effective solutions and contributing towards the creation of a better world.”

Al Qamzi said the partnership has evolved over the years. The number of Global Agenda Councils reached 88 this year with the participation of more than 1,000 global thinkers and experts, he pointed out. The event this year was not only special in terms of size and themes, but also witnessed the launch of important events such as the Regional Organisation Summit for the first time in the UAE, Al Qamzi said.

The event, co-chaired by Dr Anwar Mohammed Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Minister of State for Federal National Council Affairs, saw leaders of regional and international organisations effectively discussing the challenges and issues, in order to stimulate international cooperation based on public expectations, he said.

Other major events held on the sidelines of the summit included the open sessions highlighting the progress achieved by the UAE and Dubai in several vital sectors. “These sessions saw significant inputs from international experts on areas such as sustainable infrastructure, creative governments, and SME development, showcasing stories of success,” Al Qamzi said.

The summit also hosted the “open forums” in Zayed University in Dubai, and was attended by a number of national talents and international experts who provided students and youth an opportunity to gain insights on key issues facing the world today and participate in an open dialogue on them.

“We are confident that your discussions at the summit has resulted in recommendations and valuable solutions to decision-makers on several pressing global issues such as finance and capital, climate change, food and water security, protection of intellectual property, as well as issues related to social economic, environmental, educational sectors,” Al Qamzi said.

— issacjohn@khaleejtimes.com