This was the finding from the opening plenary of the recent Annual Meeting of the Global Future Councils. The event was at Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Stop seeing trade as weapon
Børge Brende, president of the World Economic Forum, said: “Globalization cannot be stopped, but it can be improved. It should be more inclusive, sustainable and job creating.
“We need to stop seeing trade as a weapon but instead see it as a strong, positive force for inclusive, poverty-eradicating growth.
He added that digital trade already accounts for 12% of international trade. Also, data flows may increase another fivefold by 2022.
“The result will inevitably be not less globalization but more, different, globalization.”
The future belongs to those who can imagine it
“In today’s world, governments cannot create the future singularly; it is important to involve everyone from the private sector to youth, international partners and others in creating policies.
“The wisdom of the crowd is a common saying; however, this saying is multiplied a thousand times when talking about and using technology.”
Greater cooperation between nations
Miroslav Lajcak, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of Slovakia, told participants that greater cooperation between nations must shape any global architecture in the age of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
“In my 30 years as a diplomat I see less and less dialogue. Even when leaders speak these days there are more monologues and less willingness to accept that they do not own the truth.
He said a platform where leaders can discuss openly and honestly where our planet is heading is critical.
The experts comprise senior politicians and public figures, leaders from business, civil society, academia and the arts. Their role at the meeting is to generate new ideas and creative solutions aimed at solving the most critical challenges.
