The inaugural Annual Meeting of Global Future Leaders will convene in Dubai from 13 to 15 October 2026, co-hosted by the World Economic Forum and the Government of the United Arab Emirates.
The event is designed as a recurring platform that places next-generation leaders at the center of efforts to address global challenges. It will bring together public figures, CEOs, and experts from government, business, academia, sports, arts, and culture. Members of the Forum's Young Global Leaders, Global Shapers and Social Innovators communities, as well as leaders from Great Arab Minds and Young Arab Leaders, will also participate.
Participants will include public figures, CEOs and experts from government, business, academia, sports, arts and culture. Members of the Forum's Young Global Leaders, Global Shapers and Social Innovators communities, as well as leaders from Great Arab Minds and Young Arab Leaders, will also participate.
Intergenerational Dialogue and Strategic Themes
Alois Zwinggi, President and CEO of the World Economic Forum, said the meeting would foster intergenerational dialogue needed to address the world’s most pressing challenges. “True progress comes from collaboration across generations and sectors,” he added.
Larry Fink, Co-Chair, World Economic Forum, emphasized the need for leaders who can turn change into opportunity through a relentless focus on long-term outcomes. André Hoffmann, also Co-Chair, World Economic Forum, noted that emerging leaders are essential to building a more resilient and sustainable future.
The meeting will focus on six themes: AI, technology and human agency; Science, discovery and innovation; Economics; Geopolitics, security and history; Leadership and human flourishing; and Climate and nature. These themes reflect the Forum’s longstanding commitment to shaping agendas that bridge disciplines and generations.
Deepening UAE-WEF Partnership
H. E. Mohammad Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs of the United Arab Emirates and Member of the World Economic Forum Leadership Council, described the summit as a new milestone in the strategic partnership between the UAE Government and the World Economic Forum.
The two have collaborated for over 16 years through the Global Agenda Councils and Global Future Councils. This long-standing engagement has included joint work on economic diversification, innovation policy, and regional development frameworks. Al Gergawi said the contribution of emerging leaders is essential to build a more resilient and sustainable future.
The summit is part of a forward-looking agreement between the Forum and the United Arab Emirates, announced by Zwinggi and Al Gergawi. It builds on the UAE’s consistent role in hosting global dialogues that prioritize youth, sustainability, and technological advancement.
Frequently asked questions
When will the Global Future Leaders summit take place in Dubai?
The inaugural Annual Meeting of Global Future Leaders will convene in Dubai from 13 to 15 October 2026.
Who is hosting the Global Future Leaders summit in Dubai?
The event is co‑hosted by the World Economic Forum and the Government of the United Arab Emirates.
What themes will be discussed at the Global Future Leaders summit?
The meeting will focus on six themes: AI, technology and human agency; science, discovery and innovation; economics; geopolitics, security and history; leadership and human flourishing; and climate and nature.
Who will participate in the Global Future Leaders summit?
Participants will include public figures, CEOs and experts from government, business, academia, sports, arts and culture, as well as members of the Forum’s Young Global Leaders, Global Shapers and Social Innovators communities.
