Global Future Councils: Experts talk intelligent economies, inclusive growth, collaboration and more in Dubai

This week, around 500 interdisciplinary experts from 80 countries are gathering in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, for the World Economic Forum's Annual Meeting of the Global Future Councils (AMGFC).

The gathering, taking place 15-17 October, comes as the world continues to face critical issues ranging from the global climate emergency to the application of advanced technologies like artificial intelligence. Moreover, the event is being held amid a fractured geopolitical backdrop and an escalation of war in the Middle East.

This year, AMGFC is centred around three core themes: innovation for inclusive growth; climate action, nature protection and the energy transition; and building trust for global collaboration.

In Dubai, AMGFC participants have gathered to share insights, explore emerging trends and fast-track action aimed at creating a more resilient, inclusive and sustainable future. The event, which features over a dozen public sessions, is also attended by business, government, civil society and media leaders.

See below for the latest highlights and follow #GFC24 across all major social media platforms for more news from Dubai.

The meeting kicked off with opening remarks from Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, UAE Minister of Cabinet Affairs, and World Economic Forum Founder and Chairman Klaus Schwab.

“The only constant conviction we recognize every day is that nothing remains stable,” Al Gergawi stated. “The primary measure of success for nations, communities and individuals is agility and adaptability.”

Al Gergawi also lauded “unprecedented technological advancement” for transforming many parts of the global economy and stressed that “sustainability and the economy can thrive in harmony.”

The event also opened with a plenary featuring Omar Sultan Al Olama, UAE Minister of State for AI, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications; Masood Ahmed, President of the Center for Global Development; Jane Burston, CEO of the Clean Air Fund; and Tolu Oni, Clinical Professor of Global Public Health and Sustainable Urban Development at the University of Cambridge.

In a wide-ranging conversation, the panelists discussed everything from advancing the integration of artificial intelligence to boosting private sector efforts to improve air quality. Spurring new avenues to sustainable economic growth was also a major topic of discussion.

“The good news is that the technology for green growth is now more affordable than ever,” Ahmed stated. “But financing costs are very high.”

Below are more important public sessions.

Keeping AI on Track – 16:00 - 16:30 GST

From bespoke gene editing to AI-powered healthcare, we are living in an age of breakthroughs propelled by advances in AI. What are the trade-offs societies and industries need to manage as AI adoption progresses?

Reimagining Growth – 16:00 - 16:45 GST

The IMF predicts 3.2% global growth over the next two years, persistently below pre-pandemic levels. But averages are misleading and fail to illustrate the quality of such growth and its impact on the health of people and planet.

Green and Fair? – 16:45 - 17:15 GST

The promise of the net-zero transition will be unmet if the impact on jobs, access and affordability is not considered. What novel approaches are needed to tackle emissions while ensuring an equitable and socially responsible transition?

Precisely Where Needed – 11:15 - 11:45 GST

Whether it is the discovery of treatments and prevention of lifestyle or genetic diseases, precision medicine has only scratched the surface of its full potential to push the innovation boundaries in health and healthcare.

Skills in the Age of AI – 11:15 - 12:00 GST

By 2027, businesses predict that almost half (44%) of workers’ core skills will be disrupted. From AI tutors to lifelong learning schemes, what approaches and opportunities hold the greatest potential to close gaps and prepare people for tomorrow’s economy.

Building Bridges for Climate – 11:15 - 12:00 GST

Ongoing climate negotiations continue to be shaped by equity concerns over emissions, mitigation and adaptation costs. How can the global community move beyond existing divides to ensure the most vulnerable countries can access the capital and technology needed to combat the climate crisis.

Accelerating Development in the Intelligent Age – 14:15 - 14:45 GST

From tackling climate emergencies to rising geopolitical tensions and the accelerating infodemic, how can global collaboration safeguard economic growth while addressing today’s complex risks?

The Nexus of Innovation – 14:15 - 15:00 GST

As the Fourth Industrial Revolution advances, foundational technology domains are converging to create new opportunities. In addition to their breakthrough potential, the simultaneous development of quantum, robotics, AI and more are accelerating mutual advancements.

Collaboration in a More Contested World – 15:15 - 16:00 GST

The current turbulent geopolitical context has seen a rise of conflict and competition and a decline of trust in international systems. As we reach a geopolitical tipping point, how can we build innovative pathways of cooperation to advance shared priorities?