Pace of post-Covid recovery hinges on 4IR-driven changes: Al Mazrouei

The pace of global post-Covid recovery hinges on the speedy transformation of manufacturing through 4IR technologies that have the potential to enhance resilience in all areas of the global economy and spur the restoration of industrial activity, UAE's Minister for Energy said.
Minister Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei said the emergence of a global pandemic, and the widespread disruption that has ensued as a result, reinforces why it is crucial to accelerate the transformation of manufacturing through 4IR technologies.
"However, to do so, solid regulatory frameworks must be put in place, as without rigorous policies and cross border planning, less developed countries risk being left behind," the minister said.
He said it would great to have innovators, and governments to the virtual edition of the Global Manufacturing and Industrialisation Summit (GMIS), "to inspire and drive the 4IR conversations forward for the benefit of all."
The GMIS, a joint initiative by the UAE and the UNIDO, will be held virtually, commencing with a sequence of Digital Series on June 30, 2020, and leading up to the Virtual Summit that will be held on September 4-5, 2020.
Badr Al Olama, head of the organising committee for the GMIS, said the pandemic has undoubtedly shocked the manufacturing sector and disrupted global value chains forcing the world to swiftly move into an era of digital restoration - one in which we must deploy 4IR technologies to restore activities and jump-start the economy.
"While each country battles the pandemic and mitigates its effects, efforts must focus on building local capabilities, knowledge transfer from developed to developing countries, and engaging youth to contribute with their skills and energy," said Al Olama.
At the top of the GMIS2020 virtual edition agenda will be the digital restoration - how 4IR technologies are helping to restore the global economy and overcome unprecedented challenges.
LI Yong, director-general of the UNIDO, said industrial productivity and advanced innovation are vital to the functioning of the global society. "This is particularly true in how the manufacturing sector is assisting our overburdened healthcare systems, from robots and drones transporting medical supplies, to artificial intelligence-based detection systems, to production of personal protective equipment and testing kits. Advanced technologies will play a major part in the rehabilitation and recovery of our society following the pandemic," said Yong.
Topics that will be discussed by experts at the GMIS 2020 include managing health and safety in the workplace during a global crisis; addressing cybersecurity concerns as a result of increased online activity; harnessing AI to support decision making in factories and encourage the shift towards robotics to protect the workforce from exposure to health risks; and the integration of the Internet of Things with Big Data to monitor and control the spread of any potential pandemic.
issacjohn@khaleejtimes.com