The International Defence Conference commences in Abu Dhabi

The Conference, which was organised by the ADNEC Group, in cooperation with the Ministry of Defence and in strategic partnership with the Tawazun Council, was attended by more than 1,800 leaders and key officials representing defence, security, academic and corporate entities across the world. 

His Excellency Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Bowardi, Minister of State for Defence Affairs inaugurated the Conference, which was held under the theme " Adaption, Exploration, Transformation: Reimagining Security, Society, and the Human Experience in an Age of Disruption". The Conference featured four curated panel sessions with a total of 17  international speakers, who discussed the potential economic and social consequences resulting from the use of modern technologies, developing talents and managing human capital, the impact of technologies on the future of defence operations, and the latest updates in modern technologies.

His Excellency Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Bowardi, Minister of State for Defence Affairs, said: “Today we continue our joint cooperation by discussing the concepts of adaptation, exploration and transformation, and looking at reimagining security, society and the human experience in an age of disruption. The conference is an opportunity to discuss various aspects of the challenges related to the impact of modern technologies on the future of humanity, through four sessions addressing these challenges. But, we must remember that the biggest challenge lies in human’s ability to face the dangers of nature, foremost of which are the effects of climate change.

“The conference addresses the topic of discovering the following frontier by researching the human instinct to explore beyond the current dimensions of the terrestrial and physical world, and to expand the human footprint in both space and the digital sphere, hoping that these sessions will produce tangible results for the benefit of man. As we seek security in an era of turmoil, we must adapt and meet the realities of the situation in which we live, and on the other hand, we must explore the nature of the challenges and devise the means and methods to take advantage of technological development to manage the transformation process with full awareness. 

"The UAE believes in the need for concerted international and regional efforts to establish security, so that together we can instil stability in the countries of the region and the world. Which in turn provides an opportunity to advance the national economy in our countries and contribute to achieving local, regional and global development.

Security comes as a top priority because it allows our societies to live in dignity and in an environment of safety. It provides an opportunity for our governments to build fruitful cooperation between our countries. It contributes to conflict resolution through dialogue and understanding, leading to global peace, as well as pushing progress and prosperity forward.

"Security is not achieved by force and weapons, nor by modern technologies alone. But it is an integrated national system that stems from the way of life, the culture and the achievements of society, based on a set of human values and principles that call for respect for the rights of other societies and their cultures, and aims to build human relations with them,” His Excellency said.

His Excellency added: “I invite you to reflect on the model of tolerance and peaceful coexistence offered by the UAE, as it embraces communities from all countries and cultures, where they live and work in security and peace on its soil. The country also seeks to build bridges of cooperation with nations of the world on the basis of mutual respect.

Despite the conditions of instability and turmoil that have surrounded the region for more than fifty years, the UAE has continued to face challenges effectively and has never stopped making progress and achievements, because its leadership has maintained security and peace in cooperation with its neighbours and the international community.

With the opening of the sixteenth edition of the International Defence Exhibition IDEX 2023 tomorrow, we invite you to take advantage of this opportunity to learn about the latest technologies, weapons and equipment that contribute to establishing security and peace and enhancing opportunities for joint defence cooperation between our countries, by consolidating the concepts of deterrence.”

His Excellency Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Bowardi concluded his speech by saying: “I hope that this conference will be a qualitative addition to the march of our joint cooperation to achieve progress and prosperity for our countries.”

His Excellency Major General Staff Pilot Faris Khalaf Al Mazrouei, Chairman of the Higher Organizing Committee for IDEX and NAVDEX exhibitions, and the International Defence Conference, said: "The United Arab Emirates, under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the UAE, is working towards achieving stability and human security in the UAE and the world. Our country is striving to become a pioneering model, through overcoming challenges and achieving civilised progress. We want to be a distinguished destination for peaceful coexistence." 

His Excellency added: “The International Defence Conference provides a strategic platform that brings together elite leaders and decision-makers from across the world to exchange constructive views and ideas on global issues, and come up with proper solutions to achieve stability, peace and international security.”

His Excellency Major General Dr. Mubarak Saeed bin Ghafan Al Jabri, Deputy Chairman of the Higher Organising Committee IDEX and NAVDEX exhibitions, and the International Defence Conference, said: "The International Defence Conference provides a global platform to discuss effective solutions to the challenges that the world is witnessing at the moment, security and defence strategies for achieving peace at the global level, and the latest scientific and technical developments in the defence sector. The Conference sheds light on the pivotal role that the UAE and Abu Dhabi play in driving the growth of the defence industry by providing a medium of communications between leaders and industry experts that supports them to work together to build defence systems capable of overcoming any future challenges.”

Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, managing director and CEO of the ADNEC Group, said: “The International Defence Conference comes in line with the vision and strategy of the ADNEC Group to enhance the position of the capital of the UAE, Abu Dhabi, as a global destination for business and leisure tourism in the region. The Conference also aligns with our objectives to support transferring knowledge and upskilling our national capabilities in key areas by partnering with global experts. The Conference provides a platform for exchanging views and ideas with decision makers and industry experts, to learn about scientific and technological trends in vital areas.”

The first panel session, titled “Promise and Peril – the social and economic impacts and risks of widespread adoption of new technologies such as AI, neuro, & biotechnology and extended reality,” saw the participation of H.E. Omar Sultan Al Olama, UAE’s Minister of State for AI, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications; François-Régis Boulvert, International Scientific Cooperation Director of Naval Group; Roy Donelson, Vice President & Chief Executive at Raytheon Missiles and Defence; and General John W. Nicholson Jr. Chief Executive at Lockheed Martin Middle East. Moderated by Mathew Cochran, Chairman and CEO at Defence Services Marketing Council, the session covered the economic and social implications and risks of widespread adoption of new technologies, such as artificial intelligence, neurotechnology, biotechnology and extended reality.

The second panel session, titled “Keeping Pace –how the increasing incorporation of advanced technologies in the workplace is changing approaches to talent development and human capital management,” moderated by Dr. Anna Dolidze, Research Lead at Rabdan Academy, highlighted the effect of the adoption of advanced technologies in the workplace on talent development and human capital management. The panel saw the participation of Robert Kachatryan, Minister of High-Tech Industry of Armenia; Lieutenant General (Retired) Sir Tom Beckett, Executive Director of IISS–Middle East; and Hassan Al Hosani, CEO of Bayanat (G42).

Furthermore, the third panel session, titled “Tech at the Forefront –the impact of emerging technologies on modern operations and the future of warfare,” covered the impact of emerging technologies on modern operations and the future of military operations. The panel, moderated by Tate Nurkin, the Founder and CEO of OTH Intelligence Group USA, saw the participation of Major General Dr. Mubarak Saeed Ghafan Al Jabri, Deputy Chairman of the Committee for IDEX and NAVDEX, and AUSEC for Support and Defence Industries at the Ministry of Defence; His Excellency Dong Joon Yoo, Republic of Korea’s Deputy Minister of Military Force and Resource Management; Vice Admiral Brad Cooper, Commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command; and Major General (Retd) Professor Adam Findlay, Professor of Practice of the Defence and Regional Security at the Griffith Asia Institute at Griffith University.

The fourth panel session, titled “The next Frontiers – the human instinct to explore beyond the current dimensions of the terrestrial and physical world and expand the human footprint in both space and digital domain,” marked the conclusion of the Conference. The panel saw the participation of Salem Butti Al Qubaisi, Director General of the UAE Space Agency; Nikos Papatsas, Senior Partner at EFA Group; Anna-Karin Rosén, CEO of SAAB in the UAE; and Palmer Luckey Founder and Inventor of Oculus VR USA. The moderator of the panel was Naoufer Ramoul, Senior TV Presenter at Dubai Media Incorporated.