The world’s first Global Manufacturing & Industrialisation Summit (GMIS), which brings together leaders of both the public and private sectors and representatives of civil society to shape the future of manufacturing, will hold its inaugural summit in Al Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi between the 10th and the 12th of October 2016 under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, National Security Advisor, Vice Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council.

This global initiative, organized 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.

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 is anticipated that GMIS will attract to Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, over 1500 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, 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”.

Abu Dhabi was selected to host the inaugural edition of GMIS for its 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.