World Economic Forum’s Young Global Leaders Annual Summit Inaugurated in Dubai
The World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Young Global Leaders (YGL) Annual Summit commenced in Dubai with the esteemed presence of Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE, and Minister of Finance. Marking its first occurrence in the UAE, the summit is set to engage around 500 members of WEF’s YGL, facilitating sessions and workshops covering critical topics such as climate change, geopolitics, AI, and more.
The inaugural edition of the summit, taking place from October 19th to 21st, is a testament to the strategic partnership between the UAE government and the World Economic Forum. Sheikh Maktoum underscored the UAE’s commitment to empowering youth and acknowledged their pivotal role in shaping the future. He emphasized, “Young leaders are the most important factor in achieving feats and writing success stories.”
Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, President and CEO of UAE Independent Climate Change Accelerators (UICCA), addressed the assembly, emphasizing the need for collaboration, grit, and resilience in tackling today’s global challenges. She highlighted the significant role of UICCA in combatting climate change.
Omar bin Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, welcomed the delegates and praised Dubai as a city of diversity and innovation. He encouraged young leaders to approach the future with conviction and determination.
Elham Al Qasim, Chief Strategy & Technology Officer at Majid Al Futtaim Holding, emphasized the private sector’s potential to bolster the country’s GDP in a stable business environment. She also celebrated the UAE’s progress in gender diversity, especially in technical fields and leadership roles.
The summit aims to redefine future leadership by recognizing the critical role of young leaders in addressing global challenges. Established in 2004, the Young Global Leaders community is dedicated to devising practical solutions for current and future global issues.