UAE News Agency (WAM), Thursday 3 Jun 2010

UAE Signs An Agreement With World Economic Forum To Host "Summit On The Global Agenda''

Dubai, WAM:

Under the direction of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, and Andr Schneider, Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer of the World Economic Forum, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) according to which the UAE will host the "Summit on the Global Agenda" this year in Dubai, followed by Abu Dhabi in 2011.

Al Gergawi said, "This MoU is in line with the vision of the UAE's leadership, aiming to enhance the UAE's position as an international hub to support the global decision making process and to form global economic policies. The Summit will present excellent opportunities for leading UAE innovators and thinkers to participate and engage with international experts from over 60 countries, share experiences and build capacities. The UAE has a distinguished track record of hosting important international summits in all fields."

Andr Schneider said, "The World Economic Forum takes pride in partnering with the UAE because they share the same vision of creativity and innovation. The Summit recommendations are of great significance to the World Economic Forum, and are hence presented to the leaders of public and private sectors across the world during different events and Summits such as the World Economic Forum annual conference in Davos."

Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Affairs Authority, said, "The Abu Dhabi Government believes in enhancing UAE's position internationally. Hosting this event in collaboration with the World Economic Forum is a great opportunity to attract important academics and business leaders from across the world to discuss important issues on the global agenda. This reflects positively on the UAE and affirms its important role in bringing together strategic partners to overcome the challenges the world is facing."

Sami Al Qamzi, Director General of Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED), said, "Signing the agreement supports Dubai Government's vision and underscores the UAE Vision 2021 in relation to nurturing competiveness in investments and business which have flourished remarkably during the past years. UAE's contribution is a success to all related parties aiming at enhancing its position internationally by the ideas presented during the summit by leading thinkers from different fields."

The Summit for the Global Agenda Councils, established by the World Economic Forum is one of the most important international events due to its role in bringing together world class experts to provide a deeper understanding of the opportunities and avail of them, set goals and visions, and provide ideas to overcome challenges.

The GAC meetings' resolutions and recommendations form the basis of the sessions held in Davos annually. There are 77 Global Agenda Councils covering a wide range of topics with each council consisting of 20 members and act as a consulting board to the World Economic Forum, governments and international organizations.

WAM/TF