Over 4,000 ministers, experts to attend WLPF in capital

Supported by the Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE), the third edition of the World Local Production Forum (WLPF) will be organised by the World Health Organisation (WHO), and hosted by the Emirate of Abu Dhabi from April 7 to 9, 2025.

This significant event will convene more than 4,000 ministers, senior government officials, international organisation leaders, private sector representatives, financial institutions, civil society members, and industry experts to exchange insights and develop strategies.

The forum will explore sustainable local production solutions to strengthen healthcare systems and economic stability, addressing key challenges in technology transfer and access to essential health products.

Under the theme “Advancing Local Production for Health Equity, Global Health Security, and Sustainable Development,” the three-day event will cover eight critical themes:

l Theme 1: Strengthening Local Production Ecosystems: Policies, Regulatory Systems, Markets and Human Capital.

l Theme 2: Strengthening Local Production Ecosystems: Innovative Financing and Investment Strategies.

l Theme 3: Fostering Innovation, Technology Transfer and Production Along the Value Chain.

l Theme 4: Enhancing Pandemic Preparedness and Response through Scalable Manufacturing, Predictable Demand and Surge Financing.

l Theme 5: Transforming Local Manufacturing with AI, Digitalisation and Climate Change.

l Theme 6: Building Effective Partnerships for Thriving Local Production and Pandemic Preparedness.

l Theme 7: Local Production in Action - Sharing Member States’ Experiences and Learning from Successes.

l Theme 8: CEOs Forum - Leading Successful Industry with Public Health Impact.

Dr Fatima Al Kaabi, Director General of EDE, highlighted the UAE’s prominent position as a global leader in innovation, talent attraction, and the adoption of cutting-edge technologies.

She emphasised the EDE’s pivotal role in advancing innovation within the healthcare sector, ensuring the quality and safety of pharmaceutical products and medical technologies, and its ongoing commitment to developing effective and safe healthcare solutions.

Al Kaabi noted that hosting the World Local Production Forum, in collaboration with World Health Organisation, further strengthens the UAE’s strategic partnership with the organisation in supporting global health objectives.

It also underscores the country’s dedication to adopting forward-thinking health policies that contribute to a sustainable healthcare ecosystem.