The Global Manufacturing and Industrialisation Summit (GMIS), held in Abu Dhabi, witnessed the unveiling of a groundbreaking initiative aimed at bolstering safety and sustainability within the industrial sector: the Manifesto for Global Industrial Safety. This document, a collaborative effort spearheaded by the UAE and involving organizations like the UN Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), Lloyd’s Register Foundation, Cambridge Industrial Innovation Policy, and GMIS itself, seeks to establish a universal benchmark for industrial safety practices, particularly crucial in the age of rapid digital transformation. The manifesto serves as a strategic roadmap, equipping stakeholders with the tools and knowledge to navigate the evolving technological landscape while ensuring worker well-being.
The manifesto’s core lies in five fundamental principles that underscore its overarching mission. Firstly, it firmly establishes the human right to safe working conditions as an uncompromisable tenet. Secondly, it mandates the integration of technology into all industrial safety decision-making, acknowledging the transformative role technology plays in hazard prevention and mitigation. Thirdly, it champions the exploration and implementation of emerging technologies specifically designed to enhance safety protocols. Fourthly, it emphasizes the importance of continuous monitoring, promotion, and open sharing of best practices across the entire industrial supply chain, fostering a collaborative ecosystem of learning and improvement. Lastly, the manifesto prioritizes enhancing industrial safety standards in developing nations, recognizing their often-limited resources and unique vulnerabilities.
The urgency for a unified approach to industrial safety stems from the rapid proliferation of artificial intelligence, advanced robotics, and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) within manufacturing, petrochemicals, and heavy industries globally. These advancements, while offering significant productivity gains, also introduce novel safety risks that necessitate proactive measures. The manifesto addresses this challenge by promoting a global dialogue and commitment to proactively identifying and mitigating these emerging hazards.
The collaborative nature of the manifesto is central to its efficacy. Representatives from various organizations involved in its development underscored the need for collective action. Luomei Shu, Director of UNIDO’s Institutional Partnerships, emphasized the importance of equitable access to safety-enhancing technologies and the shared responsibility of individuals, companies, and nations in fostering safer working environments. Namir Hourani, managing director of GMIS, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the manifesto’s role as a guiding framework, promoting collaboration and enhancing safety across industries and their interconnected supply chains.
The manifesto is not merely a theoretical document but a call to action that has resonated widely, garnering significant interest and support from diverse stakeholders. Over 1000 sign-ups, including participation from prominent organizations across various industries and markets, signal the global recognition of its importance. This widespread adoption reinforces the manifesto’s potential to drive transformative change in industrial safety practices worldwide. The ultimate objective is to ensure that industrial advancements are inextricably linked to worker safety, fostering a future where progress does not come at the expense of human well-being.
The UAE has played a pivotal role in spearheading this global initiative, championing the idea that industrial progress and worker safety must go hand in hand. The concept for the manifesto was first introduced at GMIS 2021, demonstrating the UAE’s commitment to fostering a culture of safety within the industrial sector. Mohammed Kamali, Chief Trade and Industry Officer at Abu Dhabi Investment Office, emphasized the dual role of advanced technologies in boosting productivity and embedding safety as a cornerstone of industrial development. The UAE’s focus on technological advancements and stringent safety standards exemplifies its dedication to workforce protection, operational resilience, and sustainable industrial growth. The manifesto serves as a testament to the UAE’s vision for a future where technological advancements are harnessed responsibly, ensuring the safety and well-being of all industrial workers.
