The fifth annual World Built Environment Forum (WBEF) will take place at the Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC), following an agreement between the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and EXPO 2020 Dubai.
From 24 to 25 January 2022, a global community of senior leaders from the private, public, academic and not-for-profit sectors will convene to tackle key issues, challenges and opportunities in the built environment, the statement from RICS said.
RICS added that following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, many of the influential factors driving urbanisation are no longer applicable in a new world of social distancing and remote working. If cities are to restate their centrality to global economic growth, they must prove that they have successfully adapted to emerging norms and expectations, the body said.
“Across the globe, cities are playing a greater role in the overall health, wealth and happiness of people, and innovative approaches are crucial to solve the challenges faced in the built environment. As with many cities across the Middle East region, Dubai has grown exponentially to become a key investment hub in the world, and we are excited to bring the World Built Environment Forum to the region, so together with global industry leaders and influencers, we can develop holistic solutions that create better communities. World Built Environment Forum is a unique forum where thought leadership can be translated by RICS into tangible actions and standards that make a positive difference in the World” – Robert Jackson, MD AEMEA, RICS.
As the world experiences significant change such as exponential population growth, climate change, health crisis and the fourth industrial revolution’s impact on business and work processes, it is essential that global leaders and innovators address the challenges created by these megatrends, RICS said in the statement.
Aligned with Expo 2020’s theme, ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’ – as well as its three subthemes of Opportunity, Mobility and Sustainability – the WBEF’s summit in Dubai in 2022 is designed to look at how global influencers can collaborate to create opportunity for a better future, tackle global sustainability issues and redefine mobility through innovation.
Sumathi Ramanathan, director, Market Strategy and Sales at Expo 2020 Dubai commented, “The rapid rate of urbanisation around the world is leading to cities consuming energy and resources at a rate never previously seen. It is crucial for the habitats of the future to be smart, resilient and sustainable. Expo 2020’s mission is to highlight the unprecedented opportunities brought forward by the challenges that humanity now faces. By hosting the world’s brightest minds and harnessing the power of collaboration, and by welcoming events such as the RICS World Built Environment Forum at Dubai Exhibition Centre, Expo2020, we hope to unlock solutions that will inspire action and help shape a future where no one is left behind.” – Sumathi Ramanathan, Director – Destination Marketing, Expo 2020 Dubai.