His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Finance of the UAE, welcomed Børge Brende, President and Chief Executive Officer of the World Economic Forum (WEF), on Wednesday during the Annual Meetings of the Global Future Councils and Cybersecurity 2025. The sessions, organised by the UAE Government in collaboration with the World Economic Forum, are being held in Dubai from October 14 to 16.
Attendees at the meeting included His Excellency Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, Co-Chair of the Global Future Councils, and Member of the WEF Leadership Council; His Excellency Mohamed bin Hadi Al Hussaini, Minister of State for Financial Affairs; Her Excellency Ohood Al Roumi, Minister of State for Government Development and the Future; and His Excellency Khalfan Belhoul, CEO of the Dubai Future Foundation.
During the discussion, His Highness and Børge Brende examined the ongoing strategic cooperation between the UAE Government and the World Economic Forum. They reviewed the key focus areas of this year’s Annual Meetings, which emphasize the advancement of artificial intelligence, transition to a green economy, energy transformation, and food and water security, among other critical global priorities shaping the future.
His Highness received a briefing on the outcomes of the meetings, including the launch of the Cybersecurity Forum held in conjunction with the Annual Meetings to strengthen worldwide efforts toward tackling digital threats and ensuring the sustainability and safety of global digital systems.
Sheikh Maktoum reaffirmed the UAE’s dedication to fostering global dialogue and enhancing collaboration between governments and international entities to deliver practical, forward-looking solutions that contribute to improved quality of life and sustainable progress. He applauded the Global Future Councils for their key role in promoting international cooperation and encouraging knowledge exchange to shape a brighter future for humanity.
Børge Brende commended the UAE’s visionary leadership and its enduring partnership with the World Economic Forum, praising the nation’s consistent commitment to hosting the Global Future Councils annually with renewed ambition and strategic outlook. He noted that this ongoing collaboration sets a global example for building a sustainable and prosperous future focused on human-centered development.
The 2025 edition of the event brings together more than 700 experts from 580 organizations across 93 nations. The meetings encompass 37 councils covering six core themes: Technology, Economy, Society, Environment, Governance, and Health. Participants are working collectively to reinforce international initiatives aimed at shaping a sustainable future, improving community well-being, and creating meaningful opportunities for the next generation.
The event features participation from global business leaders, academic experts, and policymakers who are exploring emerging trends across key industries. The insights developed during the sessions will serve as a foundation for discussions at the upcoming World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos. For the first time, the Annual Meeting of the Cybersecurity Council is running alongside the Global Future Councils, featuring over 150 senior officials and 90 international speakers focused on enhancing global coordination in cybersecurity and aligning strategies to address digital threats effectively.
