Dubai: Representatives of the World Econ-omic Forum and the UAE government signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) that marks the official start of preparations for the 2010 Summit on the Global Agenda.
The United Arab Emirates will host the summit in Dubai from November 29 to December 1.
Abu Dhabi will host the summit in 2011.
Under the instructions of Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, and Andre Schneider, Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer of the World Economic Forum signed the Memorandum of Understanding.
The summit will bring together over 700 participants of the most innovative and relevant minds from over 90 countries leaders from academia, business, government and civil society — to address some of the most pressing issues on the global agenda.
On this occasion, Al Gergawi said: "The Summit on the Global Agenda positions the UAE uniquely as a global hub for world class thinkers and thought leaders to meet, capture the best knowledge and challenge prevailing assumptions whilst proposing solutions that can be integrated into global decision-making processes. The summit will also present excellent opportunities for leading UAE innovators and thinkers to engage with their global peers from over 60 countries. The summit was inaugurated and continues to take place in the UAE, which is a testament to our distinguished track record in hosting important international summits.
"This unique global brainstorming of the world's top experts around over 60 global issues provides unique insights into the global agenda and has become an intellectual backbone for the forum's activities. This important meeting for the forum would not be possible without the continued and excellent support of the UAE," said Schneider.
Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Affairs Authority (EAA), said, "The Government of Abu Dhabi believes in leveraging the profile of the UAE at the international scene. The summit will provide an opportunity to assemble world personalities including academics and businessmen to discuss critical issues on the world agenda.
"This will have a positive impact on the UAE standing and bolster its active role in joining forces with its strategic partners to address and tackle challenges our world is facing today," he added.
The Summit on the Global Agenda was held in 2008 and 2009 in Dubai.
