1. In the wake of the global financial crisis, the world needs to examine its basic operating systems and aim for a “fundamental rebootâ€, conclude 700 of the world’s thought leaders at Summit on the Global Agenda
2. Summit findings provide input to the upcoming G20 discussions and to the new US administration
3. Findings also provide foundation for the programme of the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2009 with the theme “Shaping the Post-Crisis Worldâ€
The world needs to examine the basic operating systems that drive its economies, markets and societies and aim for a “fundamental reboot†to establish a fresh platform based on renewed confidence and trust, and on sustainability, responsibility and ethical principles. That was the over-arching message that 700 of the world’s top thought leaders from business, government, academia and civil society delivered at the end of the inaugural Summit on the Global Agenda, convened by the World Economic Forum in partnership with the Government of Dubai.
After three days of intense brainstorming on the most pressing global issues and risks, including how to shape the post-crisis international financial system, members of the 68 Global Agenda Councils, who came to Dubai from over 60 countries, offered assessments of the state of the world in their focus areas and initial outlines of solutions and approaches. The 68 Councils brought together leading experts to tackle some of the key issues facing the world, from financial insecurity to global warming and from the future of the Internet to water security. The work of the Councils, which will continue to meet throughout the year, will be taken forward to the Forum’s 2009 Annual Meeting, which will take place in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland, from 28 January to 1 February under the theme “Shaping the Post-Crisis Worldâ€.
A summary of the findings of each Global Agenda Council is posted on the World Economic Forum’s website.
The Summit on the Global Agenda in Dubai “has enhanced our shared understanding of the state of the world and the complexities of the issues,†said Klaus Schwab, Founder and Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum. “This Summit has heightened our appreciation of the urgency and necessity to address global challenges in an integrated way and what needs to be done to improve the state of the world.†Organized by the World Economic Forum’s Network of Global Agenda Councils, the timely Summit is only the beginning of a unique global collaboration to confront the key challenges facing the world across several issues, industries and regions. The aim: to establish “brain trusts†for solving critical global problems through crosscutting, innovative solutions.
According to Summit Co-Chair Mohamed Alabbar, Member of the Dubai Executive Council and Chairman of Emaar Properties, “the Summit on the Global Agenda in Dubai is among the most path-breaking initiatives undertaken by the modern world.†He added: “As the world’s largest brainstorming event, it is not merely about setting agendas; it is about laying the groundwork towards practical and actionable solutions. We are confident that the deliberations of this Summit will be of immense value to the people of the world for the long term.†Dubai will host next year’s Summit on the Global Agenda, which will take place from 4 to 6 October 2009.
The full list of all 68 Global Agenda Councils and the make-up of each Council can be found at the following link:
http://www.weforum.org/pdf/GAC/Final-4_pages_Dubai.pdf, http://www.weforum.org/en/media/PressKitGA2008/index.htm
Dubai TV is the host broadcaster of Summit on the Global Agenda
The World Economic Forum is an independent international organization committed to improving the state of the world by engaging leaders in partnerships to shape global, regional and industry agendas.
Incorporated as a foundation in 1971, and based in Geneva, Switzerland, the World Economic Forum is impartial and not-for-profit; it is tied to no political, partisan or national interests (http://www.weforum.org).
