GMIS set to launch inaugural GMIS America in 2022

DUBAI — The fourth edition of the Global Manufacturing and Industrialisation Summit (GMIS) concluded Wednesday with an announcement launching GMIS America.

Set to take place in 2022, the inaugural edition of the event will take place in the City of Pittsburgh, homage to some of the manufacturing sector’s most advanced and sustainable innovations in robotics, artificial intelligence, and 3D printing, according to a GMIS statement.

The announcement reflects the summit’s commitment to delivering strategic outcomes and value to its global network of partners through collaborative efforts and ongoing opportunities for growth through the introduction of innovative solutions, read the statement.

The announcement was made by Namir Hourani, Managing Director of the GMIS Organising Committee at the closing ceremony of the fourth edition of the Global Manufacturing and Industrialisation Summit (#GMIS2021).

Moderated by Simin Yazdgerdi Curtis, President, CEO and Founder of the American Middle East Institute (AMEI), the closing ceremony witnessed keynote speeches from Diane Farrell, Acting Undersecretary for International Trade at the US Department of Commerce, and Thomas Wolf, Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

The session wrapped up with a panel discussion between Michael Lordi, CEO of Elliott Group – a Pennsylvania-based turbomachinery company, Petra Mitchell, President and CEO of Catalyst Connection and Board Member of the Advanced Robotics in Manufacturing (ARM) Institute, and Danny Sebright, President of the US-UAE Business Council. Bill Flanagan, Chief Corporate Relations Officer at the Allegheny Conference on Community Development, and Audrey Russo, President and CEO of the Pittsburgh Technology Council, joined the panel virtually.

Hourani said: “With such a strong history in traditional manufacturing, once being a major industrial powerhouse, and the ongoing story of how the city continues to reinvent itself into becoming a centre for advanced technologies and manufacturing, Pittsburgh makes the utmost sense as a location not only for the inaugural GMIS America scheduled for 2022, but also to establish an ongoing annual GMIS America edition in the United States.”

Pittsburgh was the second city in the US to adopt the UN Sustainable Cities preceded by its adoption of the Four Principles encompassing People, Planet, Place and Performance (P4) set forth to index and monitor targeted policy actions.

Its traditional manufacturing legacy combined with strong leadership, quality infrastructure, collaborative mindset, and proximity to two world-class, research-focused universities have allowed the city to reinvent itself as a major centre of technological innovation and advanced manufacturing in the US.

Delivering a special address, Farrell pointed: “At the United States Department of Commerce, we are committed to create conditions that contribute to business and job growth by promoting advanced manufacturing, fostering innovation and increase in trade and investment. In line with the mission brought through by the GMIS platform, we look forward to be part of this great opportunity to foster global collaboration.”

Highlighting Pittsburgh’s successful story of transitioning into a city at the forefront of innovation and advanced technologies, Wolf said: “The mission of the GMIS and Pittsburgh’s unique ecosystem align seamlessly, so it’s an honour to announce that the city will not only host next year’s summit but also establish a long-term, collaborative partnership with GMIS.”

 “Pittsburgh is a city with incredible history that continues to reinvent itself and my administration is committed to fuelling its growth and transformation, bringing new opportunities to both western Pennsylvania and the commonwealth as a whole,” he said.

With the support of the AMEI, GMIS America will be hosted in 2022.

Headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the American Middle East Institute is set to closely collaborate with the Global Manufacturing and Industrialisation Summit to host the event next year. Upon thanking GMIS for choosing Pittsburgh as its host, Curtis said: “GMIS couldn't have picked a more exciting host than Pittsburgh, a city that has reinvigorated its economy again and again with a unique brand of grit and innovation. I am delighted that the bridge-building mission of AMEI has brought GMIS to our city.”

Commenting on the announcement, Badr Al Olama, head of the Organising Committee of the Global Manufacturing and Industrialisation, said: “GMIS America will showcase the Pittsburgh story to the rest of the world. As a national and global hub for advanced manufacturing, Pittsburgh serves as a perfect example for other cities around the world that are embarking on an advanced industrialisation journey. The Global Manufacturing and Industrialisation Summit was launched in Abu Dhabi in 2017, and has since taken place in Russia and Germany (virtually) before coming to Dubai this year. Extending our reach to the United States was the natural next step for us.”