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UAE positions itself as global bridge for cross-border cooperation, minister says
The UAE is intensifying efforts to solidify its standing as a global bridge for international cooperation, reaffirming its commitment to building inclusive, mutually beneficial global partnerships, and bridging south-north divide.
Speaking during the Global South Economic Forum (GSEF), at the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy on Tuesday, Ahmed bin Ali Al Sayegh, Minister of State at the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, underscored the country's evolving diplomatic strategy, which places a strong emphasis on fostering dialogue and collaboration between the Global South and the Global North.
'We have to reclaim global narratives towards inclusivity, and finally, strengthen South-South and equally important South-North partnerships based on mutual respect, shared opportunity and strategic autonomy,' said Al Sayegh.
'The UAE is proud to contribute to this vision in various ways, including its outward looking economic diplomacy, whether through investments in clean energy, digital connectivity, food security or development financing. We remain committed to enabling pathways for shared prosperity as a nation at the crossroads of continents and cultures. The UAE sees its role not only as a bridge, but also as a collaborator and catalyst for cooperation that transcends geography. Our region has always been open for trade, has always been connected with friendships and partnerships, and I believe this forum today bodes well to continuing these hundreds of years old tradition and I look forward to hearing more about its outcomes.'
Other experts also reiterated that the UAE's positioning as a collaborative nexus for global engagement continues to evolve in parallel with its strategic investments in sustainable development, innovation ecosystems, and inclusive diplomacy.
Nickolay Mladenov, Director General of the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy, echoed this sentiment, while pointing to a palpable shift in global influence and ambition.
'We're witnessing today a shift… a shift, not just in the economic weight, but very importantly, a shift in the intellectual leadership, in innovation and in ambition coming from the global south,' said Mladenov.
'From Sao Paulo to Nairobi, from New Delhi to Jakarta, voices from the south are pushing in and rebalancing the local rules of engagement, and they're absolutely right to do so.'
According to a recent Boston Consulting Group (BCG) report, Global South is becoming a powerhouse of economic growth. Excluding China, the bloc of 133 nations accounts for roughly 18 percent of global GDP. Including China, that share rises to 40 percent -- and represents 65 percent of the global population. The combined GDP of these nations is projected to grow by 4.2 percent annually through 2029, more than double the 1.9 percent expected for advanced economies.
Trade within the Global South is also rising, with South-South trade projected to grow at a CAGR of 3.8 percent through 2033, compared to 2.2 percent for North-North trade. By 2033, Global South trade could reach US$14 trillion annually.
He added, 'Intra South trade and investment are growing faster than ever. Many global south countries now control critical resources for the global energy transition, over 65 per cent of populations under 30 are in the Global South. It's not just that they're there…they're digitally connected, they're creative, and they're ready to shape the future.
'Today, we look at the global south that is adopting technologies and adapting them to use and leapfrog traditional development models. All of this is happening right in front of our eyes, and yet, with all that potential around us, the global multinational architecture has still not caught up to these changes, and this is why we wanted to have the discussions in the forum today.'
Conduit between regions
Mladenov emphasised the UAE's readiness to serve as a conduit between regions at a time of heightened geopolitical fragmentation.
'Here in Abu Dhabi and the UAE, we're very happy to play the connecting role that links north and south through diplomacy, through logistics, through innovation, through the comprehensive and economic partnership agreements.
The UAE has sought to build bridges at a time when others build walls. We desperately need to think about the future of multi polarity, not with confusion and fear, but with confidence.
We need to harness the new technologies of the future without deepening the divides that already exist. We need to think about building systems of trade, of investment, of connectivity that reflect the priorities of the world.'
