The world comes to Abu Dhabi, and the UAE takes its place on stage

A month before this year's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix another major global event will be taking place at the Yas Marina Circuit.

For the fourth year running, the UAE is hosting the World Economic Forum's Summit on the Global Agenda. In different ways, both gatherings represent a race against the clock.

The World Economic Forum describes the Summit on the Global Agenda as "an annual global brainstorming" that brings together experts from more than 80 countries to discuss emerging trends, risks and unmet opportunities across more than 75 different subjects.

Over two days, members of the World Economic Forum's Global Agenda Councils will gather on Yas Island to participate in dynamic discussions and interactive group sessions, all geared towards identifying solutions to challenges such as food security, climate change, financial instability and geopolitical risk.

And it's not just for ministers and members of parliament. Participants in the Summit on the Global Agenda will include representatives of academia, business and civil society alongside those of governments from around the world.

This diverse mix of disciplines helps to bring fresh and original perspectives to some of the oldest, and newest, issues countries around the world must face together.

I can think of no better place for this discussion than Abu Dhabi. Throughout its history the Emirate, and the United Arab Emirates as a whole, has served as a centre for international trade and cultural exchange.

From our days at the heart of the global pearl trade to our role today as a central player in the international semi-conductor industry, the people of the UAE have always welcomed cooperation with people from across the world.

And I can think of no better time for this discussion. The final months of 2011 represent the climax of what has been a significant year for the UAE on the global stage.

In April, Abu Dhabi was named as permanent home to the headquarters of the International Renewable Energy Agency, Irena.

Throughout 2011 the UAE has held the rotating Presidency of the Gulf Cooperation Council during a historic period in the wider region.

And just a month after the Summit on the Global Agenda, the UAE will be participating in the G-20 summit in Cannes, France, for the first time in our nation's history.

All of these developments are consistent with the record of the UAE as a responsible global citizen and an active participant in international decision-making processes.

However, coming at one time they send a powerful reminder to people both at home and abroad that the UAE has important responsibilities in the international system and remains committed to fulfilling them in constructive ways.

We should not underestimate the importance of these international dialogues and discussions. There is no telling when, or where, a remarkable idea will emerge which could put the world on a path to lasting peace and greater sustainability.

From our perspective, it is only a matter of time.

HE Nasser Al Suwaidi is Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, Co-Chair of the 2011 Summit on the Global Agenda, and the UAE's lead representative in the G-20 process