- The UAE will host the third World Local Production Forum from April 7–9, 2025, in Abu Dhabi, focusing on advancing health equity, global health security, and sustainable development.
- The event, organized in partnership with the WHO, will gather over 4,000 participants to discuss innovation, technology transfer, and strategies for resilient healthcare systems.
- Forum highlights the UAE’s leadership in healthcare innovation and its commitment to fostering sustainable health solutions.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is set to host the third edition of the World Local Production Forum (WLPF) from April 7 to 9, 2025, at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC).
Under the theme “Advancing Local Production for Health Equity, Global Health Security, and Sustainable Development,” the forum aims to bring together global leaders, policymakers, and industry experts to develop practical strategies for enhancing local production capacities in healthcare.
Hosting the WLPF underscores the UAE’s strategic role as a global hub for healthcare innovation and sustainable development. His Excellency Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade and Chairman of the Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE), highlighted the significance of this partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO).
“This event reinforces the UAE’s position as a global destination for trade, manufacturing, and investment in healthcare products,” said Dr. Al Zeyoudi. “It also establishes the country as a gateway for facilitating foreign direct investment in the health sector.”
The UAE’s approach to addressing global health challenges is evident in its continuous efforts to develop resilient healthcare systems and attract investments in advanced medical technologies.
Signing the host country agreement
The event was marked by the signing of the Host Country Agreement between the UAE and the WHO. The agreement was signed by H.E. Dr. Fatima Al Kaabi, Director-General of EDE, and Dr. Yukiko Nakatani, WHO Assistant Director-General for Access to Medicines and Health Products. This collaboration solidifies the UAE’s dedication to supporting global health goals through innovative health policies and sustainable practices.
Dr. Al Kaabi cited UAE’s leading role in healthcare innovation, stating: “The UAE holds a pioneering position in innovation, talent attraction, and the adoption of the latest global technologies. Our partnership with WHO to host this forum underscores our commitment to achieving health equity and advancing health sustainability both regionally and globally.”
2025 Local Production Forum: Vision and Objectives
The WLPF 2025 is expected to attract over 4,000 participants, including ministers, government officials, private sector leaders, international organizations, and technical experts. The forum will focus on:
- Enhancing local production ecosystems through policies, regulatory frameworks, and human capital development.
- Promoting innovation, technology transfer, and production along the healthcare value chain.
- Exploring sustainable practices, including AI-driven digitalization and green production technologies.
- Strengthening partnerships to improve global health equity and epidemic preparedness.
Key topics on the agenda
The three-day event will feature a rich agenda aimed at addressing critical issues in healthcare production and sustainability. Some of the key topics include:
- Innovative Financing and Investment Strategies: Developing financial models to support local production systems.
- Pandemic Preparedness: Strategies to enhance resilience during global health crises.
- AI and Green Production: Exploring the integration of advanced technologies to revolutionize local manufacturing.
- Building Effective Partnerships: Strengthening collaborations between governments, industries, and international organizations.
- The forum will also host a CEO panel discussion, providing insights into leading successful industries that positively impact public health.
Driving Innovation in Local Production
One of the core objectives of the WLPF 2025 is to explore how cutting-edge technologies can be leveraged to enhance local production capabilities. This includes adopting sustainable practices, strengthening supply chains, and ensuring equitable access to essential health products.
Dr. Yukiko Nakatani, representing WHO, noted the forum’s pivotal role in advancing health equity and security: “The World Local Production Forum 2025 is a call for joint action to strengthen local production capacities and improve access to essential health products. Our collaboration with the UAE will contribute significantly to achieving sustainable development goals.”
The UAE’s commitment to sustainable development
The forum aligns with the UAE’s broader vision of achieving sustainable development across various sectors. By hosting this event, the UAE reaffirms its commitment to fostering international cooperation, driving healthcare innovation, and creating investment opportunities in the medical and pharmaceutical industries.
Dr. Jicui Dong, Unit Head of WHO’s Local Production & Assistance Unit, emphasized the importance of partnerships in achieving these goals: “The forum is an ideal global platform to co-create practical solutions for sustainable local production. It represents a collective effort to achieve global health equity through investment in production capacities.”
Abu Dhabi: A hub for global health initiatives
Abu Dhabi’s selection as the host city for the WLPF 2025 highlights its status as a leading center for innovation and global health initiatives. With world-class infrastructure and a reputation for successfully hosting international events, Abu Dhabi provides the perfect setting for discussions on advancing healthcare solutions.
Dr. Al Kaabi noted the forum’s contribution to Abu Dhabi’s growing reputation: “The WLPF brings together global stakeholders to discuss how to develop robust local production systems. It strengthens Abu Dhabi’s position as a hub for innovation and attracts investments in healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors.”
At its core, the WLPF 2025 aims to build resilient healthcare systems that can adapt to future challenges. The forum’s discussions will provide actionable recommendations for governments, industries, and stakeholders to collaborate effectively.
By prioritizing local production and technology transfer, the event seeks to ensure that healthcare systems worldwide are equipped to meet national needs and support global supply chains.
The third World Local Production Forum in Abu Dhabi represents a milestone in global health collaboration. With its focus on sustainability, innovation, and partnerships, the forum promises to pave the way for a more equitable and secure future in healthcare.
As the world continues to face challenges such as pandemics, supply chain disruptions, and inequities in healthcare access, platforms like the WLPF are critical for driving meaningful change. The UAE’s leadership in hosting this event underscores its commitment to global health and sustainable development, setting a benchmark for future international collaborations.
With an agenda that spans innovation, technology, and sustainability, the WLPF 2025 is poised to make a lasting impact on the healthcare landscape, fostering a world where health equity and security are attainable for all.
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