Experts at the Global Future Councils say AI and advanced technology will drive economic recovery and sustainability over the next five years.
DUBAI: Experts gathered at the Global Future Councils and Cybersecurity 2025 meetings in Dubai have affirmed that AI and technology will be the primary engines of global economic recovery in the coming five years. Held in partnership with the World Economic Forum, the session titled ‘What Will Drive Future Growth and What Will Not’ highlighted how artificial intelligence can reshape economies and societies.
With global growth projected to slow to 3%, panellists urged greater collaboration on innovation, policy, and sustainable business models to ensure long-term economic resilience. The session featured leading voices such as Marion Laboure of Deutsche Bank, Jay Lee of the University of Maryland, Stacey Vanek Smith of Bloomberg Media, and Sir Andrew Steer from LSE, and was moderated by Maya Hojeij of Asharq News.
Speakers noted that AI infrastructure plays a vital role across key sectors, including healthcare, energy, and medicine. They discussed how technology is already improving productivity, enabling smarter natural resource management, and supporting environmental initiatives—from identifying endangered species to designing synthetic proteins.
Despite global economic uncertainty and political shifts, particularly in the US, experts stressed the need for strategic investments in AI and a willingness to adapt to rapid digital change. The panel encouraged nations to form stronger economic alliances and rethink development strategies with sustainability at the core.
This year marked the first time the Global Future Councils were held alongside the Cybersecurity 2025 event, creating a unified global platform for dialogue and cooperation on future-focused challenges.
