Public and private sector leaders will come together to shape the future of manufacturing at a summit in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

 

The inaugural Global Manufacturing and Industrialisation Summit (GMIS) will run from October 10 to 12 at Al Saadiyat Island, under the patronage of Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, National Security Advisor, Vice Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, said a statement.

 

The global initiative, organised by the UAE Ministry of Economy and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) in collaboration with the Global Agenda Council for the Future of Manufacturing of the World Economic Forum, aims to promote and advance inclusive and sustainable industrial development in line with the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations, it said.

 

GMIS will establish a global platform for dialogue and the sharing of best practices and knowledge in manufacturing through an unprecedented gathering of public and private sector leaders, as well as representatives from civil society, with the aim to shape the future of manufacturing through solutions and initiatives that contribute towards the achievement of inclusive and sustainable industrial development. 

 

It has been anticipated that GMIS will attract to Abu Dhabi, more than 1,500 representatives from governments, industry and civil society including more than 300 representatives from the UAE and the wider Gulf region.

 

In a recorded statement, the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon congratulated both the UAE Government and UNIDO for convening the world’s first-ever global manufacturing and industrialisation summit in Abu Dhabi, stating “I welcome this innovative dual-focus on shaping the future of manufacturing. Responsible business practices benefit individuals and society. We now have the Sustainable Development Goals, our map to a new future. Inclusive and sustainable industrialization will help get us there while advancing us on the low carbon path that our world needs.”

 

“Success depends on all partners. That is why I welcome the participation of governments, industry and civil society converging for global development. I count on [all stakeholders] to promote a transformational approach towards manufacturing that will benefit our world for generations to come,” he said.

 

Abu Dhabi was selected as the preferred destination to host the inaugural edition of GMIS for its tangible contributions to manufacturing and the UAE’s commitment in building an advanced industrial base that promotes economic diversification and social development, reinforcing the goals sought by GMIS internationally, said the statement.

 

By attracting participants from all around the world to attend the summit, it will utilise the cultural sites and state-of-the-art hotel facilities to offer a unique setting that would inspire global dialogue and debate. 

 

GMIS will address key global themes that influence the manufacturing sector such as the fourth industrial revolution, the capabilities gap, the standardisation of global manufacturing, innovative applications to reduce the carbon footprint generated from manufacturing activities, global value chains, the competition for investments in engineering, research and development, additive manufacturing, and the future of mobile applications and interconnectivity in the manufacturing sector. 

 

GMIS will also include a manufacturing exhibition that will showcase cutting-edge technologies alongside a business exchange and networking event (named the 'Global Value Chain Market') that allows participants to explore business opportunities by promoting cooperation between manufacturers and suppliers.

 

Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansouri, the UAE’s Minister of Economy, said: “The global economic developments today illustrate the importance of diversification. The UAE government has adopted this approach long ago in increasing its contribution from non-oil based sectors to reach 70% of the UAE’s GDP."

 

The UAE’s Minister of Economy also added “the manufacturing sector is a key pillar that reinforces the economic diversification policy adopted and implemented in the UAE representing approximately 14 per cent of the country’s GDP with an aim to increase this to approximately 25 per cent over the coming years. This target can be achieved through the ongoing emphasis of our leadership on the manufacturing sector and the UAE’s logistical capabilities. 

 

"The UAE has taken great strides in developing its manufacturing sector, and is home to many industries that today manufacture high quality products that are globally competitive such as aluminum, steel and aircraft parts, in addition to several other industries that have contributed to our national economy.”

 

Meanwhile, LI Yong, director general of UNIDO, said: “There is no doubt that Abu Dhabi is the perfect destination to host the inaugural edition of the Global Manufacturing & Industrialisation Summit due to its unique approach towards manufacturing through investments in high-tech global technologies, its commitment to social development, and its role in expanding manufacturing capabilities and renewable energy in addition to its special global positioning as a platform for dialogue to discuss many important global themes.” - TradeArabia News Service