Dubai, UAE: The fifteenth AIM 2026 Congress, supported by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, was held. This congress brought together government leaders, policymakers, investors, and business leaders to examine how tolerance, inclusion, and economic integration can contribute to sustainable and shared prosperity.
The Role of Governments in Creating Economic Opportunities
As part of this congress, a special conference titled "Tolerance as a Capital of Prosperity: Governments of the World as Cultivators of Tolerance and Shared Growth" was held. This conference examined the role of governments in creating environments that support social solidarity, economic participation, cross-border cooperation, and inclusive investment.
Officials including Ògíamé Atuwatsé III, the 21st Ólú of Warri, Nigeria, spoke as a keynote speaker on "Tolerance as a Tool for Promoting Peace, Social Solidarity, and Shared Prosperity: The Case of Africa." He emphasized the connection between social solidarity, stability, and long-term economic development. Additionally, representatives from other organizations and institutions, including H.E. Dr. Ceferino Rodolfo, Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry and Chairman of the Investment Board, discussed "Creating Social Opportunities through Leveraging Economic Integration Measures."
Investment Opportunities and International Collaborations
At this conference, H.E. Ambassador Md. Golam Sarwar, Secretary-General of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), emphasized the need to accelerate economic growth for social advancement. Ms. Latifa Al-Bouabdallah, Director-General of the Islamic Centre for Development of Trade (ICDT) in Morocco, spoke about "Leveraging Diversity and Inclusion for Economic Prosperity." Dr. Melaku Desta, Director of the Integration and Trade Division of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), examined "Reducing the Impact of Inequality in International Trade."
Discussions at this congress included opportunities for developing artificial intelligence infrastructure and deep technologies in Middle Eastern data corridors, renewable energies, green hydrogen, and sustainable urban infrastructure. Additionally, the localization of supply chains and digital trade corridors connecting Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, as well as joint investment partnerships addressing the logistics networks of emerging markets, were highlighted.
The AIM 2026 Congress emphasized moving beyond dialogue towards practical investment opportunities, contracts, and industrial collaborations. This meeting will help strengthen connections between established capital in the Gulf and emerging markets in Africa and beyond.
Ultimately, the conference introduced tolerance not only as a social necessity but also as a facilitating condition for investment, trade, innovation, and sustainable economic partnership. By creating environments where diverse communities, businesses, and economies can collaborate, governments can establish the stability and openness necessary for long-term investment and shared growth.
