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The World Economic Forum said in a press release that it will convene the inaugural Annual Meeting of Global Future Leaders in collaboration with the United Arab Emirates government from October 13 to 15, 2026, in Dubai. The event will establish a recurring global platform that positions next-generation leaders as central participants in tackling the world’s most pressing issues. Alois Zwinggi, President and CEO of the World Economic Forum, said in the release, “By convening emerging and established global leaders, the Annual Meeting of Global Future Leaders will foster the intergenerational dialogue needed to address the world’s most pressing challenges.” The announcement highlighted a forward-looking agreement between the Forum and the UAE that builds on existing ties.
H.E. Mohammad Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs of the United Arab Emirates and Member of the World Economic Forum Leadership Council, stated that the Annual Meeting of Global Future Leaders marks a new milestone in the strategic partnership between the UAE Government and the World Economic Forum. Al Gergawi noted that the two have collaborated for over 16 years through the Global Agenda Councils and Global Future Councils. Earlier reports from the Emirates News Agency indicate that the Annual Meetings of the Global Future Councils 2025 took place in Dubai from October 14 to 16 and included the launch of Output Labs as a new feature.
The World Economic Forum’s release outlined six themes for the meeting that will guide discussions toward foresight, collaboration and action. Those themes encompass AI, technology and human agency along with science, discovery and innovation. Further topics include economics, geopolitics, security and history in addition to leadership and human flourishing as well as climate and nature.
Larry Fink, Co-Chair of the World Economic Forum, said in the announcement, “The challenges ahead demand leaders who can turn change into opportunity through a relentless focus on long-term outcomes.” Fink added that bringing together leaders across generations can foster relationships and the exchange of ideas that will create lasting opportunity. André Hoffmann, also serving as Co-Chair, stated, “The contribution of emerging leaders is essential to build a more resilient and sustainable future.”
Participants will include public figures, CEOs and experts drawn from government, business, academia, sports, arts and culture, according to the press release. Members of the Forum’s Young Global Leaders, Global Shapers and Social Innovators communities will take part alongside leaders from Great Arab Minds and Young Arab Leaders. The format continues the tradition of previous Global Future Councils gatherings hosted in the UAE that have focused on developing insights for resilient and inclusive growth.
The meeting series forms part of broader efforts by the World Economic Forum to address transformational change across economies and global issues through its various communities and platforms. Previous iterations of related councils have produced proposals on innovation, climate action and trust-building in global collaboration, based on summaries from past WEF events in Dubai. The UAE has hosted multiple editions of these forums, reinforcing its role in international dialogue on future-oriented strategies.
