MANAMA: Mahmood Rafique, Editor, Bahrain’s Minister of Sustainable Development and Chief Executive of Bahrain EDB’s participation as co-Chair World Economic Forum annual meeting being held in China has bolstered Bahrain’s stature as the economic hub in the region.
The Minister, Noor bint Ali Alkhulaif is set to highlight Bahrain’s innovation agenda and global economic engagement. While she will also participate in high-level panel discussions and roundtables, including sessions on economic development, future skills, and MENA/China relations.
This year’s ‘Summer Davos’ forum, taking place from 24 to 26 June in Tianjin, People’s Republic of China, will be held under the theme Entrepreneurship for a New Era.
Li Qiang, Premier of the People’s Republic of China, is set to deliver the opening remarks at the 16th Annual Meeting of the New Champions, which is expected to convene over 1,700 global leaders from government, business, international organisations, civil society, and academia. This year’s discussions will focus on navigating a rapidly transforming global landscape shaped by technological disruption, geopolitical shifts, and sustainability imperatives. The programme will revolve around five key pillars: Deciphering the World Economy, Outlook on China, Industries Disrupted, Investing in People and Planet, and New Energy and Materials.
Other Co-Chairs of the Annual Meeting include a distinguished group of global leaders including Faisal Alibrahim, Minister of Economy and Planning, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation, Arab Republic of Egypt; Henadi Al Saleh, Chair, Board of Directors, Agility; and Dai Houliang, Chairman, China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) alongside several other prominent figures from government, business, and academia.
The Minister will join a series of high-level panel discussions, multilateral sessions, roundtables, and fire-starter conversations, including sessions on contours of a new economic order, MENA-China trade and investment relations, skills that matter, and women leaders – shaping tomorrow’s economy.
These deliberations will offer a platform to highlight Bahrain’s policy leadership, forward-looking vision, and efforts to equip its workforce with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving global economy. Additionally, members of Bahrain EDB will engage in multiple strategic meetings and networking events on the sidelines of the forum.
Bahrain EDB is a long-standing Strategic Partner of the World Economic Forum, reflecting the strength of the Kingdom’s investment promotion agency’s collaboration with the Forum across multiple global platforms, including its consistent participation at the Annual Meeting in Davos.
Minister Noor bint Ali Alkhulaif’s selection as Co-Chair for this year’s annual meeting of the New Champions highlights Bahrain’s expanding international impact and its commitment to engaging in key dialogues to elevate its position as a globally competitive destination.
The role additionally involves shaping the agenda, where this year’s focus on economic transformation and innovation can reignite growth amid shifting global condition underscores the Kingdom’s broader efforts to accelerate digital innovation, cultivate talent, and grow high-value sectors in support of its ambitious economic diversification agenda.
