Page 469 - MOE ENGLISH PR REPORT - FEBRUARY 2024

between 26th-29th February. Preparations for the event, which gathers global ministers
and government officials from 164 Member States to review, refine and update the rules
governing global trade, was part of the Global Future Trade Leaders Programme’s
curriculum.

During the graduation ceremony, Dr Al Zeyoudi, who is also MC13 Chair, highlighted
the central role of foreign trade in the UAE’s national vision, which seeks to develop an
agile, adaptable and diversified economy built on knowledge and innovation.
Additionally, he emphasised the importance of the nation’s next generation in expanding
the UAE’s status as a trade hub and champion of open, rules-based trade as a driver of
long-term growth and development.

He said, “The UAE is a compelling example of trade’s power to elevate economies and
provide a pathway to long-term, sustainable prosperity. In a rapidly evolving world, the
ability of the global trading system to keep delivering growth and opportunity will depend
on the next generation of trade professionals. Their talent, leadership and commitment
to open, rules-based trade will ensure every nation around the world will continue to
benefit from the free flow of goods, services and ideas.”

“The Global Future Trade Leaders Programme is designed to equip our young trade
strategists with the skills and knowledge necessary to cultivate a modern, inclusive and
sustainable global trading system, offering them hands-on, real-world experience of
global trade issues. I offer my utmost congratulations on their successful completion of
the programme and look forward to their continued contribution to our national vision.”
The Chairman of ADDED said, “The graduation of the 1st cohort of the Global Future
Trade Leaders Programme is a milestone in our journey to equip our talents with the
skills to enhance UAE’s status as a leading trade hub, and accelerate our transition to a
smart, diversified, and sustainable economy.” “Trade is an integral part of UAE’s
development. The free flow of goods, services, and people has shaped our history and
continues to drive our progress as we are forging ahead with efforts to cement the
UAE’s position as a leading global hub for trade, business, and investments,” Al Zaabi
added.

“To this end, we believe the right talents and skills are paramount. The graduates of this
programme will enable UAE representatives to reach innovative solutions to global
trade challenges at the upcoming WTO Ministerial Conference in Abu Dhabi.”
Supported by the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy (AGDA), the UAE’s official
Education Partner as host of MC13, the Global Future Trade Leaders Programme saw
candidates participate in a series of masterclass sessions led by experts from
international and national entities including the WTO, World Economic Forum,
UNCTAD, OECD and AGDA. Subjects covered a range of trade-related topics from
trade policy and financing to digital and sustainable trade.

The launch of the programme aligns with the increasing importance of foreign trade in
the UAE’s strategic agenda, serving as a key contributor to doubling the national
economy and achieving objectives linked to economic diversification, accelerating GDP

https://www.gulftoday.ae/business/2024/02/25/graduates-of-global-future-trade-leaders-programme-
honoured