Manifesto for Global Industrial Safety launched at GMIS 2024

On December 5, 2024, the Global Manufacturing and Industrialization Summit (GMIS) took place in Abu Dhabi, highlighting the link between technological innovation and safety. Under the theme “Resilient by Design: The Next Frontier in Industrial Safety,” the conference highlighted the critical need for strong safety frameworks amid rapid industrial transformation.

Hosted by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development at Abu Dhabi Business Week, GMIS 2024 drove impactful discussions, achieving consensus on the vital role of safety investments as key enablers of resilience and sustainable growth. High-ranking officials from the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, UNIDO, and the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, along with global safety leaders, participated in the conference.

A major highlight of GMIS 2024 was the unveiling of the Manifesto for Global Industrial Safety, a groundbreaking framework developed by the Global Initiative for Industrial Safety (GIFIS).

A bold vision for safe industries

The Manifesto for Global Industrial Safety outlines five guiding principles and vital contributions required from industry, government, academia, regulators, and international organisations to promote the safe adoption of technology in new industrial processes. The manifesto champions the use of technology to tackle safety risks for workers worldwide, marking a significant development in global industrial safety.

Particular emphasis is placed on ensuring relevance to developing countries disproportionately affected by occupational accidents and particularly vulnerable to climate-change-related hazards. The manifesto also recognises the specific safety challenges faced by groups in the informal economy, such as women and migrant workers.

Authored by members of Cambridge Industrial Innovation Policy (CIIP) and developed in collaboration with GIFIS, a partnership with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), Lloyd’s Register Foundation and the Global Manufacturing and Industrialisation Summit (GMIS) – the manifesto is the first of its kind.

Introducing the Manifesto

Carlos López-Gómez, Head of Policy Links at IfM and co-author of the manifesto, opened the session titled “Introducing the Manifesto for Global Industrial Safety: A Call to Action for Resilient and Safe Industries.”  In his presentation, he emphasised the manifesto’s five guiding principles for creating safer industrial systems, including prioritising safe working conditions as a fundamental human right and leveraging technological innovation to prevent workplace hazards.

Following his presentation, Carlos chaired a panel discussion featuring Zoi Roupakia (Policy and AI Research Lead and Manifesto Co-author, Institute for Manufacturing), Farrukh Alimdjanov (Industrial Development Officer, UNIDO), and Douglas Ramsey (Managing Partner, Axial Global Advisors).

The panel discussed the essential role of global collaboration in tackling industrial safety challenges and how the manifesto principles can be transformed into actionable steps for stakeholders, including regulatory bodies and technology providers, to create a safer future for workers worldwide.

 “This was a valuable opportunity to discover how organisations can respond to this call to action by prioritising safety as an essential aspect of industrial innovation.”

 

Carlos López-Gómez.

During the session, the panel examined the changing risks posed by emerging technologies and how the manifesto’s guiding principles provide a framework to ensure that technological advancement does not compromise worker safety. Panellists shared real-world examples of safety innovations, demonstrating technology’s potential to address immediate risks and foster a culture of safety and resilience in various industries.

The panel also addressed the unique challenges faced by developing countries, including limited resources, technological disparities, and regulatory gaps. However, they emphasised the importance of international collaboration, capacity-building initiatives, and context-specific approaches to overcome these barriers. By fostering partnerships among governments, industries, and international organisations, the manifesto’s vision can be turned into actionable strategies for making a meaningful impact in diverse industrial settings.

Zoi Roupakia, co-author of the manifesto, reinforced its transformative potential.

“This manifesto is not just a document – it is a framework for action. The launch of the Manifesto for Global Industrial Safety is an important moment in the collective pursuit of safer industrial environments worldwide.”

 

Zoi Roupakia

AI, safety and cybersecurity

Zoi Roupakia also participated in the panel on “Smart Systems and Cyber Shields: The Dual Role of AI in Risk Management and Cybersecurity”, discussing how AI is reshaping safety and security in industry. She highlighted how outdated industrial systems (legacy systems) and poor network security create major risks while explaining how AI tools can help protect against these threats. Zoi stressed the importance of solving today’s real cybersecurity challenges rather than worrying about distant AI scenarios, calling for practical steps to make industries safer and more secure.

Leadership in industrial safety

IfM and CIIP’s participation in GMIS 2024 underscores our commitment to fostering safer, more resilient industrial ecosystems. Through intellectual leadership and practical insights, we continue to support global efforts to position safety as a cornerstone of industrial innovation.