Global Future Councils: Top knowledge network to gather in Dubai. Here's what to expect

This month, hundreds of experts from a wide array of disciplines will gather in Dubai 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.

In Dubai, AMGFC participants will gather to share insights, explore emerging trends, showcase progress and fast-track action aimed at creating a more resilient, inclusive and sustainable future. The event will also feature over a dozen public sessions.

Here's what to know about AMGFC 2024:

The Forum's Global Future Councils consists of expertise-based thematic councils and is one of the world’s foremost knowledge networks. The 2023-2024 term is comprised of 30 councils that are focused on developing interdisciplinary solutions to challenges ranging from cybersecurity and artificial intelligence to the green transition and water security.

Council members, who hail from over 80 countries, come from academia, business, government, international organizations and civil society. Through their collaborative work, the councils aim to provide strategic insights, scientific evidence, forward guidance and multidisciplinary understanding of major issues through three pillars:

• Fresh ideas and innovative thinking: Nurturing cutting-edge and disruptive ideas and developing the foresight to identify and shape key areas.

• Grounding in expertise and evidence: Providing a foundation for data-, evidence-, fact- and research-based public-private cooperation.

• Interdisciplinary and systems approach: Connecting the dots between established and frontier issues and integrating thought leaders from business, academia, civil society, government and international organizations.

The councils are embedded in the Forum's 10 centres. Their work has led to flagship Forum initiatives and reports including the Global Risks Report and the Global Gender Gap Report.

Around 500 thought leaders from 80 countries will attend the annual meeting in Dubai.

The gathering will also be attended by a select number of business, government, civil society and media stakeholders to explore emerging trends and drive actionable strategies. Roughly 55% of all participants are women.

This year, AMGFC will centre around three core themes:

During the event, follow #GFC24 across social media platforms for the latest news from Dubai.

Over a dozen public sessions will be live streamed to social media and the event page during AMGFC. Below are some the important public sessions to not to be missed.

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?