Thousands of people met in Dubai last month for a worldwide business summit to debate how to keep trade thriving in the face of the coronavirus outbreak.
The emirate hosted the 12th World Chambers Congress (12WCC), which drew over 3,800 attendees.
Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed, head of the Dubai Media Council, gave the opening speech during the three-day event.
It was a hybrid event, with over 3,000 people participating online and 800 people attending in person.
The conference was the first of its type since it combined virtual and real-world venues to create a post-Covid-19 environment.
One of the main themes of the conference was how businesses may use digital technology to address issues generated by the worldwide epidemic.
The conference, which takes place every two years, brings together the heads of chambers of commerce from across the world to network and discuss how they can best help their members.
“The 12th edition of the event provides an opportunity to engage in a global dialogue on the increasingly important role that chambers of commerce play at a time when change is the only constant,” said Omar Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications. “This year’s theme – ‘Generation Next: Chambers 4.0’ – reflects the need to take a deeper look at how we can benefit from digital solutions in the post-pandemic era.”
Mr Al Olama, who is also chairman of the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, added that chambers of commerce around the world are in a “uniquely advantageous” position to take the lead as the world navigates “the new normal”.
According to a survey issued by Dubai Chamber, the event’s co-organiser, more than 60% of global supply chain executives expect digital transformation to accelerate because of the epidemic. During the epidemic, supply chain vulnerabilities were exposed.
Environmental, social, and governance principles will be significant drivers for business in the next months, according to the report.
According to the research, businesses should also focus on the issue of reaching net-zero carbon emissions. More than 80 presenters participated in 44 interactive sessions during the conference.
The event’s overall goal is to demonstrate how working together may help members maximize opportunities and garner assistance to overcome obstacles.
Dubai Chamber created “the Chambers Model Innovation (CMI) framework” to assist chambers of commerce throughout the world in better serving its members.
The framework gives chambers of commerce a dependable reference point for dealing with disruption and being nimbler and more proactive in serving their members’ demands.
The technology was unveiled in front of chamber leaders from over 100 nations. The meeting also saw the presentation of the newest edition of the Dubai Innovation Index Report.
Last year, the index evaluated 39 cities in categories such as government agility, infrastructure, financing, business climate, and society. Dubai came in first, followed by Beijing, Shanghai, and Sao Paulo. This was since it received good marks in the areas of infrastructure, governance, and society.
Dubai was placed 20th in the index, placing it first in the Arab world. In 2023, the World Chambers Congress will take place in Geneva, Switzerland.