Dubai: The fifth edition of the World Government Summit will be held from February 12 to 14, 2017, and will expand its agenda and topics to include economy, finance, health, education and government services, as well as other topics that concern the daily life of people and various segments of countries around the world. as per the directives of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
Uhoud Khalfan Al Roumi, Minister of State for Happiness and vice-chairman of the Organising Committee of the World Government Summit, said that the directives of Shaikh Mohammad emphasise the importance of bringing in a set of qualitative changes to the agenda of the summit’s fifth edition.
The 2017 summit will see a number of positive changes, including opening the summit for participation from companies and organisations. Nominated representatives of companies and organisations will be able to participate in the sessions that discuss topics of relevance to the future in key sectors such as education, health, government services, future of science, innovation, technology, economy, development, sustainability, and the cities of the future.
Al Roumi that the changes being brought about in the summit are in line with its unique position as an international organisation that works throughout the year to produce knowledge for future governments.
In its new identity, the summit is focused on launching global reports and indices as well establishing a new partnership with the International Monetary Fund. It will also enhance its partnerships with major international organisations, including the United Nations, World Bank, Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), and World Economic Forum, in addition to the Arab League and the GCC.
The World Government Summit, Al Roumi said, will continue to attract the best international practices and outstanding experiences as well as host an Annual Guest of the Summit to showcase various experiences in the fields related to governments of the future.
More than 4,500 participants from 130 countries attended the 4th World Government Summit held from February 8-10 this year, which witnessed an address by US President Barack Obama and a dialogue on the future of government conducted by Shaikh Mohammad.
The 2016 edition also included shorter sessions to facilitate more engagement between speakers and the audience, the use of an application for active communication with participants, as well as the Edge of Government exhibition organised by Mohammad Bin Rashid Centre for Government Innovation, the Annual Guest of Honour, and the ‘Best Minister in the World’ award.
