The world is approaching division… Cooperation is a necessity for stability and development

The Director-General of the World Economic Forum and Head of the Center for Regions, Trade and Geopolitics, Maroun Kayrouz, warned that the world today is experiencing the most dangerous stage of fragmentation and division between the major powers, in light of the decline in international trust and the fracturing of the system of global relations, stressing that international cooperation is no longer a luxury, but rather an existential necessity to ensure stability and development.

He explained in press statements on the sidelines of the Global Future Councils in Dubai that the economic ties between the major countries are still intact, despite the political tensions, citing the volume of trade exchange between the United States and China, which exceeds one billion dollars per day, which reflects the intertwining of global economic interests even in light of the escalation of trade disputes.

He pointed out that the world is witnessing a tremendous acceleration in the pace of technological development, in exchange for a dangerous decline in the levels of international cooperation, with a sharp decline in the “global stock of trust.”

He added that initiatives such as the Global Future Councils in Dubai – which includes 37 specialized councils – represent vital platforms to provide decision-makers with visions and proactive solutions to face future challenges in the fields of geopolitics, artificial intelligence, and the career future.

Kairouz revealed that losses resulting from cybercrime amounted to about five trillion dollars last year, equivalent to 4-5% of the global gross domestic product, calling for strengthening international cooperation in the field of cybersecurity and investing in advanced technology, to protect economies from these escalating threats.

Kairouz stressed that artificial intelligence represents a tremendous development opportunity and an ethical and technical challenge at the same time, pointing out the need for broad international cooperation to ensure the safe and sustainable use of these technologies.

He added that every country has a common interest in addressing digital risks, and at the same time, benefiting from the capabilities of modern technology to support innovation and growth.

Kairouz spoke about the divided Arab reality between Gulf countries witnessing qualitative transformations and major investments in infrastructure, and digital transformation led by the UAE, and other countries that are still facing financial and security difficulties that limit their ability to keep pace with global developments, despite possessing promising human potential.

He stressed that building the Arab future is based on three main axes, which include renewable energy to enhance sustainability, cloud computing as a base for the digital economy, and developing human competencies, given that the human mind is the real engine of artificial intelligence.

He stressed that developing education has become a crucial necessity to prepare future generations for digital transformations.

Kayrouz pointed out that about 60% of educational programs in non-Gulf Arab countries still focus on memorization and teaching, instead of developing critical thinking and innovation, calling for a radical shift in the philosophy of education from transferring knowledge to creating thought and skills.

He stressed that technology is not a magic solution to political or trade disputes, but it can be a tool for building trust and enhancing international dialogue.

He pointed out that the World Economic Forum is working with partners from China, the United States, the Middle East and Africa, to create new cooperation spaces that contribute to achieving a balance between international competition and integration.

Kairouz stressed that governments have now become a major player in directing the global economy after the dominance of the free market has declined, calling for governments to become “maestros” who lead the technological and economic transformation, according to a unified vision that achieves stability and common prosperity.

• 60% of Arab curricula lack critical thinking.