The fifth edition of the Forum for the Future attended by foreign ministers, state ministers and senior officials, from about 38 countries from around the world, begins its meeting today (19 October 2008) in the Emirates Palace.What perspective will these leaders acquire about the future meeting in the most opulent and palatial hotel in ‘the richest city in the world’?
The leaders need to get away from the shine and the glitz of wealthy monstrosities and visit the refuges, the midnight streets and the squalid conditions of the labour camps in Abu Dhabi and Dubai that house the many who build the luxury edifices.
Where we stand determines what we see and what decisions we make about the future.
Dr Geoff Pound
Image: Emirates Palace and construction worker sleeping on the streets of Dubai.
