UAE’s Global Future Trade Leaders graduates honoured

In the presence of Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), on Sunday honoured the first 30 graduates of the Global Future Trade Leaders Programme - a course designed to develop the Emirati trade negotiators of the future.

The three-month training course, which was launched by the Ministry of Economy in conjunction with Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) last November, has been designed to equip participants with the skills necessary to drive forward the nation’s foreign trade agenda.

The graduation was on the eve of the 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13), the World Trade Organisation’s topmost decision-making body that is taking place in Abu Dhabi between February 26-29.

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 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.”

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 growth, stimulating non-oil exports, supporting innovation, and preparing the next generation of talents, competencies, and creative ideas.