Dubai - Al Gergawi said it is imperative we shape the future of governments now, or they will fail.
Published: Sun 12 Feb 2017, 9:55 AM
Updated: Sun 12 Feb 2017, 7:35 PM
“Happiness and well-being are the core of our future government policies,” Charles Schwab, Founder of the World Economic Forum (WEF) said on the opening day of the World Government Summit 2017 in Dubai on Sunday.
In 2016, the UAE became the first country in the world to establish a Minister of State for Happiness, so now it is just a matter of time to see who will follow suit.
And the need is now, Schwab said.
“There are three values that will provide a stable base for peace and prosperity. One is respecting humankind, two is to serve your community as you would serve yourself, and three is to be a steward for your children and the next generations.”
If governments apply all three of these values, Schwab said he will “look with great hope” to the future.
Follow live coverage: World Government Summit begins in Dubai
Lauding the UAE’s leadership, calling it a country which leads with “vision, determination and core values”, Schwab thanked His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, vice-president and prime minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai for having the “foresight” to hold the World Government Summit.
“This has become a meeting of worldwide importance,” he said.
Paradigms for change
Commenting on the core paradigms that will help move an economy forward, Schwab said the world needs “responsive and responsible leadership”.
“We earn our mandate only if we constantly interact with those who entrusted us with this leadership. We need our fingers on the pulse,” he said.
And that pulse is humankind and science.
Speaking alongside Schwab, Mohammed Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and the Future agreed.
He said it is no secret that humankind is facing “a series of turning points”, and he referenced how the dominance of technology is directing this change.
“We are facing different economic shifts which are jeopardizing job opportunities, but they are also creating job opportunities,” he said.
And Schwab agreed, saying we should see this fourth industrial revolution as an opportunity.
“Artificial Intelligence is not just a threat to humankind, it can also allow us to humanise robotisation, but in order to view it in this way we need to move out of negativism.”
Talking frankly to his audience, Al Gergawi said the best way to shape future governments is to explore it.
“The challenge the world is facing requires different alliances; alliances between world governments. This WGS meeting will allow us to draft, explore and anticipate these challenges over the coming 10 years.”
And with technology now reshaping new governments, the need is now to equip the next generations on how to embrace these changes - with education a core discussion point this time around.
“Are schools the best tool to nurture the talents of tomorrow? This is a probing question and one we will explore during this summit,” he said. Kelly@khaleejtimes.com
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