The UAE Government has launched a pioneering national programme to train the world’s first generation of Ambassadors of the Future, announced Mohammed Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and The Future and Co-Chair of the Annual Meeting of the Global Future Councils (AMGFC), as the event held its second edition in Madinat Jumeirah on November 11-12, 2017.

"The UAE maintains its leading role at the fore of the efforts to shape the future of the region and the world," Al Gergawi asserted. "We are actively working towards the full globalisation of knowledge. The new programme to train the Ambassadors of the Future establishes the UAE as the foremost international centre of the future industry."

"The initiative supports the leadership’s vision to build bridges of cooperation between nations, and to implement bold ideas and innovative visions in an effort to shape a better future for coming generations," he concluded.

The Ambassadors of the Future will be in charge of representing the UAE in regional and international events that explore the future of the sectors they work in. Their presence cements the country’s status as a global platform for forecasting the future and spreading awareness of the forward-thinking vision and strategy of the UAE.

The Ambassadors reflect a positive image of the UAE at international events in their respective sectors, one that is rooted in knowledge and future-readiness. They serve renewable three-year terms, and boast in-depth knowledge and extensive expertise in future industries, as well as insight into the impact of advanced sciences and technology on strategic sectors.

The Ministry of Cabinet Affairs and the Future is tasked with setting and coordinating the agenda and scope of work for the Ambassadors of the Future; the Ministry introduces the ambassadors to the UAE Government’s future plans, develops capacity-building programmes for them, and dispatches them to high-profile international meetings that offer opportunities for partnerships in sectors vital for the future of industries.

Held under the patronage of the Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum,the second Annual Meeting of the Global Future Councils gathered more than 700 scholars and future experts from 75 countries at the Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai. Attendees convened in 35 Councils, each of which is addressing key issues in a vital strategic sector, and which are developing practical solutions for the challenges that are likely to arise.

Last November, the UAE hosted the first Annual Meeting of the Global Future Councils, where experts on the future looked into proactive solutions to the most pressing challenges ahead. The Councils outlined likely scenarios for the future of sectors that most affect people’s lives, such as healthcare, education, energy, transportation, water, food security and others.

The Meeting also discussed the likely effects of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, proposing solutions to the challenges that come along with it, and looking into the most promising technological advances across various sectors, including: the future of philanthropy; food security; innovation and entrepreneurship; international trade and investment; cybersecurity; the Internet; cities; transportation; global governance; global security; production; the Fourth Industrial Revolution; artificial intelligence and robotics; energy; computing; education; quality of life; space travel; the environment; and biotechnology.