The World Economic Forum’s first Global Meeting of Regional Organisations was held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on 12-13 November 2012.
In collaboration with the Government of the United Arab Emirates, with regional leaders from Asia, Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Latin America, the event brought together high-level public figures representing regional and international organisations with experts from the World Economic Forum's Network of Global Agenda Councils.
The main issues discussed included the goal and purpose of regional organisations in the 21st century, regional initiatives to advance global trade, and how regional organisations can more efficiently prevent and manage armed conflicts and reduce the threat to human security. Participants had the chance to discuss how to strengthen their effectiveness and act as catalysts for advancing global cooperation. In this regard, Regional leaders agreed to broaden their agenda and expand participation in order to enhance links with the United Nations and other global multilateral organisations.
CEI Secretary General Ambassador Gerhard Pfanzelter, highlighted the fact that the CEI - the oldest regional forum for intergovernmental cooperation –over the years has become a champion of regional cooperation for European integration and a bridge between the Balkan, Danube, Adriatic and Black Sea. The CEI shares the values of the EU and the UN and has obtained Observer Status at the UN. He highlighted the need for closer cooperation among regional organisations in partnership with the United Nations. The successful work of regional organisations highly benefits global cooperation. Regional organisations are indeed powerful catalysts for global cooperation and partnership with the UN.
