ECSSR confirmed as UAE’s Knowledge Partner during WTO’s MC13

The UAE Ministry of Economy and the Abu Dhabi Department for Economic Development have announced the Emirates Centre for Strategic Studies and Research (ECSSR) as their official Knowledge Partner in hosting the WTO’s 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13) when it convenes in Abu Dhabi in February 2024.

The cooperation agreement was signed in the presence of Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade and MC13 Chair, and Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED).

It was signed by Abdullah Ahmed Al Saleh, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy, and Badr Al-Olama, Acting Director-General of the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), representing ADDED.

As the UAE’s leading research institution, ECSSR uses analytical research to inform policy discussions on issues concerning geopolitical developments, economic trends, and social and environmental issues.

As Knowledge Partner for MC13, they will be providing valuable thought leadership, insights, and reports in the lead up to the meeting, with ECSSR experts also participating in various conferences and roundtables designed to build global consensus on the key issues influencing the global trading system.

Dr. Al Zeyoudi commented, “For almost three decades, the ECSSR’s expertise and insights have been guiding the UAE’s growth and socioeconomic development, providing the research and analysis on local, regional, and global issues that have enabled our leadership to shape the direction of our nation.

At MC13, this same analytical power will serve to shine a spotlight on the most pressing challenges facing global trade and offer the data and perspectives on which we can develop lasting solutions.”

Al Zaabi said, “As the upcoming WTO Ministerial Conference in Abu Dhabi will focus on shaping the trade future, it is more appropriate to have ECSSR as official Knowledge Partner.

ECSSR’s expertise and stature as a leading research institution on a range of topics will pave the way to informed discussions, conversations, and strategies to address current challenges faced by the global trade. This will help enhancing the WTO’s position in the global landscape through meaningful reform and ensuring equal access to trade through a more inclusive trading system.”

“The global trade is critical to drive socio-economic development and sustainability, and we appreciate our partners’ contributions in cementing UAE role in setting global agendas towards a more smart, sustainable, and inclusive global economy,” Al Zaabi said.

On behalf of the Emirates Centre for Strategic Studies and Research, Director-General Dr. Sultan Mohammed Al Nuaimi said, "The ECSSR welcomes this critical partnership with the Ministry of Economy and the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, which marks a continuation of our efforts to support the UAE’s decision-making institutions.

In our capacity as Knowledge Partner, we look forward to leveraging the knowledge and research capabilities of the ECSSR to ensure the successful outcomes of the 13th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organisation next February in Abu Dhabi.”

The WTO’s 13th Ministerial Conference is set to gather representatives of 164 nations in Abu Dhabi next February to seek key reforms to the global trading system, including expanding WTO membership, devising stronger dispute resolution mechanisms, and adopting digital trade frameworks. This is being seen as one of the most pivotal meetings of the WTO as it seeks to overcome the growing challenges of supply-chain disruption, inflation, protectionism, and climate change.

The UAE is a strong advocate for a more inclusive global trading system, believing that open, rules-based trade is an essential driver of socio-economic development. As part of its efforts to strengthen supply chains and broaden the benefits of trade, the nation has been securing Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPA) with strategic economic partners around the world, removing barriers to trade, simplifying customs procedures, and solidifying its position as a global trade and logistics hub.