In a significant step toward shaping global futures, the United Arab Emirates, in partnership with the World Economic Forum (WEF), will host the next edition of the Global Future Councils in Dubai from October 14 to 16, 2025. This landmark gathering will feature 36 councils, bringing together 700 international experts from over 580 institutions across 93 countries.

The councils are strategically divided into three equal groups: leaders from the business world, distinguished academics and thought leaders, and experts representing governments, civil society, and international organizations. This balanced mix ensures diverse perspectives in the quest to address some of humanity’s most pressing challenges.

A Longstanding Strategic Partnership

The Global Future Councils represent a core element of the UAE’s 16-year partnership with the WEF. Since their inception, over 280 councils have been convened, with participation from more than 6,000 experts and leaders. The councils have explored critical topics that impact the daily lives and future of people around the world.

According to Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, UAE Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Co-Chair of the councils, this initiative embodies the shared vision between the UAE and WEF: to build actionable knowledge, drive future innovation, and empower societies and nations to be part of creating and implementing solutions for the future.

“The UAE’s strategic partnership with the WEF is focused on providing a platform for open global dialogue about the future, with people at its heart,” Al Gergawi said. “This reflects our leadership’s commitment to international cooperation and building a better tomorrow for future generations.”

Addressing Global Challenges Through Collaboration

Børge Brende, President of the World Economic Forum, emphasized the importance of this initiative in an interconnected world where challenges—like technological disruption, geopolitical shifts, and climate change—are increasingly complex.

“The councils’ strength lies in bringing together global experts from across sectors to forge new paths for collaboration and foresight,” Brende noted. He praised the UAE’s continued support, which has been instrumental in transforming the councils into the world’s largest and most diverse brainstorming network.

A Legacy of Innovation and Impact

In a recent orientation meeting for the upcoming 2025 cycle, Ruqayya Al Blooshi, Executive Director of International Affairs at the UAE Prime Minister’s Office, and Martina Szabo, Head of Knowledge Communities at WEF, outlined the councils’ evolving role.

Al Blooshi highlighted how this global network has generated an estimated $8 trillion in global economic value and positively impacted 683 million people in 158 countries. She also reflected on milestones like the UAE’s hosting of the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution in 2019 and the country’s adoption of strategic intelligence platforms to drive policy innovation.

One notable example of the councils’ real-world influence is the launch of the Global Future Council on Agile Governance in 2020. A collaborative effort with seven countries and the OECD, this initiative helped modernize regulatory practices and enable governments to quickly adapt to emerging technologies.

Global Dialogue with a Human-Centered Focus

Martina Szabo traced the councils’ journey since 2008, from their beginnings as the Global Agenda Councils to their current role under the Global Future Councils name. She emphasized their contribution to shaping international agendas, including at key WEF events such as the Sustainable Development Impact Meetings in New York and the Annual Meeting in Davos.

The 2025 edition will prioritize cross-disciplinary teamwork, constructive idea exchange, and data-driven collaboration between public and private sectors. A special focus will be placed on studying emerging technologies and transformative issues expected to shape the future in profound ways.

Quick Facts about the 2025 Global Future Councils:

• 36 Councils across critical domains

• 700 Members from 580+ organizations in 93 countries

• Equal Representation: Business leaders, academics, and policy/governance experts

• Focus Areas: Emerging technologies, global cooperation, human-centric solutions

• Impact Legacy: Over 280 councils since inception, 6,600 members, and influence across 100 countries