DUBAI: The United Arab Emirates, in collaboration with the World Economic Forum, will host the 2024 Annual Meeting of the Global Future Councils from October 15 to 17 in Dubai, featuring discussions on critical global issues including technology, environment, and governance. This year's meeting will include over 500 officials from 80 countries and, for the first time, significant participation from top global CEOs. According to Emirates News Agency, the meeting will bring together a diverse group of leaders from government, business, academia, and international organizations to tackle some of the most pressing challenges faced by the world today. Participants will engage in 30 councils to explore solutions and strategies across five key areas: technology and AI, the environment and climate change, governance, economics and finance, and society. Mohammed Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Co-Chair of the Global Future Councils, highlighted the UAE's role in shaping future strategies and inn ovations. He cited the long-standing partnership with the World Economic Forum as a cornerstone for international dialogue and cooperation. Al Gergawi emphasized the UAE's commitment to leveraging this platform to advance human progress by fostering innovation and sustainable development. The councils will focus on developing actionable strategies to enhance economic growth, build human capacities, and prepare the global workforce for future challenges. Discussions will also cover a broad range of topics including AI, cybersecurity, sustainable tourism, and the future of work, among others. The insights and recommendations from these sessions are expected to influence the agenda for the next World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos in January 2025. Since its inception in 2008, the Global Future Councils have held over 900 meetings, involving more than 12,000 participants from 100 countries, making it a significant event for global thought leadership and policy-making.