Dubai convenes global leaders to advance youth empowerment and technological innovation
The Annual Meeting of Global Future Leaders 2026 brings together over 700 international experts to explore youth participation in policymaking, artificial intelligence and the future of work
Dubai has hosted a distinguished gathering of global leaders and innovators at the Annual Meeting of Global Future Leaders 2026, an event organised by the UAE Government and the World Economic Forum in collaboration with Dubai Future Foundation. The three-day convocation, held from 13 to 15 October, convened more than 700 leaders and experts from across the world to examine the pivotal role of young people in shaping policy and navigating the transformative landscape of emerging technologies.
Throughout the meeting, prominent figures emphasised the imperative of positioning youth as essential partners in decision-making processes. Khalid Mohammed Al Nuaimi, Director of the Federal Youth Authority, articulated the UAE leadership’s commitment to empowering future generations, underscoring the nation’s pioneering approach to engaging young people in designing policies and strategies from their inception. This methodology ensures that emerging leaders become active architects in determining the trajectory of society.
Panellists explored the interconnected challenges confronting young people globally, including housing, education, transport and community services, highlighting the necessity for comprehensive and sustainable solutions that transcend traditional silos. The discussion recognised that South Asia’s substantial youth population represents both an extraordinary opportunity and a critical imperative for investment in skills development and technological advancement.
The question of artificial intelligence featured prominently in deliberations, with speakers articulating its transformative influence on employment landscapes and economic opportunity. Participants emphasised that education systems must evolve to align with emerging market requirements, cultivating entrepreneurial capabilities, critical reasoning and the commitment to perpetual learning that will enable young people to harness technological innovation rather than merely respond to its challenges.
A particularly illuminating session explored wireless sensing technologies and their potential to revolutionise multiple sectors. Fadel Adib, Professor at MIT and entrepreneur, demonstrated how invisible signals might be transformed into actionable intelligence across healthcare, robotics, sustainability and agricultural domains. Applications ranged from non-invasive vital sign monitoring to enhanced robotic perception and underwater climate observation. Professor Adib emphasised that these technologies achieve their greatest value when they transition from experimental platforms to foundational infrastructure supporting decision-making, whilst maintaining rigorous standards of privacy protection and responsible deployment.
The concluding panel brought together leading figures in innovation and philanthropy to examine the future of leadership, strategic collaboration and the cultivation of opportunity for emerging generations. Their discourse underscored that effective responses to contemporary challenges require not merely technological sophistication, but wisdom, ethical leadership and a commitment to inclusive participation in shaping the future.
Source: WAM