UAE delegation reviews country’s achievements and opportunities

The UAE delegation, chaired by Mohammad Bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, has participated in a number of sessions, conferences and bilateral meetings at the annual meetings of the World Economic Forum, held in Switzerland, Davos with the participation of more than 2,700 governmental figures and officials from 130 countries.

Emirati ministers and officials discussed the UAE’s recent achievements in the field of Digital Transformation, AI, Space Activities, Digital Currencies, economic growth among others, in the international annual platform that brings together leaders and decision-makers around the world.

Hessa Bint Essa Buhumaid, Minister of Community Development, participated in a public session entitled “In Case of Fire Use Stairs”, where she highlighted the importance of finding innovative and effective solutions that meet the requirements and needs of people of determination during natural crises and disasters. She reviewed the remarkable efforts and achievements of the UAE in bringing a comprehensive community development in terms of empowering people of determination, through its strategic plan and national policies that aims at protecting and supporting them in all aspects.

Abdullah Bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy, participated in the “Between Liquidity and Fragility: Reforming in Mena” session, accompanied by Henadi Al Saleh, Chair of the Board of Directors, Agility Kuwait; Hala El Saeed, Minister of Planning and Economic Development Egypt; Majid Jafar, Chief Executive Officer Crescent Petroleum, UAE; and Faisal Alibrahim, Minister of Economy and Planning of Saudi Arabia.

He said that the UAE is continuing its sustainable development path within flexible and competitive economic approaches and policies, as part of its efforts to consolidate its leading position among the countries of the world.

Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of State for Public Education and Advanced Technology, affirmed the continuing plan of the UAE in developing its national space sector as part of its commitment to moving towards a diversified, knowledge-based economy. She highlighted the importance of innovation and creating a supportive environment for companies to contribute to the growth of space sector, in addition to empowering young talents in various scientific fields.

This came as part of Al Amiri’s speech during a public session entitled “Closer to the Final Frontier”, held as part of the WEF activities. The session witnessed the participation of Josef Aschbacher, Director-General European Space Agency, Paris; Rajeev Suri, Chief Executive Officer, Inmarsat Global, United Kingdom; Dava Newman, Director, Massachusetts, Institute of Technology (MIT), Media Laboratory, USA; and Dylan E. Taylor, Chairman and Chief Executive, Officer Voyager Space, Young Global Leader, USA.

Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, stressed the importance of trade as a main axis to stimulate the growth of the global economy, and the need to work on modernising supply chains to meet the current challenges. This came during His Excellency’s participation in the annual meetings of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

Ohood bint Khalfan Al Roumi, Minister of State for Government Development and The Future; Sarah bint Yousif Al Amiri; and Omar bin Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, participated in a session entitled “Future by Design”. During the session ministers reviewed the UAE’s pioneering experience in simulating and anticipating the future, preparing for its promising opportunities and challenges, in order to enhance sustainable development in various sectors, ensuring a better future for the generations.

Al Olama also participated in a public session, within the World Economic Forum, under the tittle “Finding the Right Balance for Crypto”. He discussed with Mairead McGuinness, Commissioner for Financial Services, Financial Stability and Capital Markets Union, European Commission; Brussels Klaas Knot, President, Central Bank of the Netherlands; and Brad Garlinghouse, Chief Executive Officer, Ripple, USA, the boom and bust in the crypto markets, compounded by the dramatic volatility in 2022, and the role and benefits of digital currencies in future economies.

During a public session entitled “Unlocking Digital ID”, Khalfan Belhoul, CEO of Dubai Future Foundation, discussed the role of accelerated digital transformations in presenting a variety of promising opportunities that can be employed to achieve global aspirations at the various economic, governmental and social levels. Belhoul stressed the necessity of enhancing joint cooperation and unifying efforts and future visions. The session was held in the participation of Eileen Donahoe, Executive Director of the Global, Digital Policy Incubator; Brett McDowell, Chairman of Hedera Hashgraph; and Julie Inman Grant, eSafety Commissioner of Australia.

Also, the World Economic Forum (Davos 2023) announced the selection of Khalfan Belhoul, as a member of the Steering Committee for Metaverse Governance, which includes elite international experts. The committee oversees the achievement of the goals of the “Global Collaborative Village” initiative launched by the Forum with the aim of strengthening global efforts to employ the capabilities of metaverse opportunities, and enabling effective partnerships between the public and private sectors to achieve the aspirations of societies.