World Government Summit gets underway, global economic forecast, Rashford fires up Manchester United, our editors comment on the top stories of Feb 13

THE WORLD COMES TOGETHER IN DUBAI: As the World Government Summit gets underway in Dubai, over 20 heads of state, 250 ministers, 10,000 government officials, thinkers, global experts and 80 international organisations are putting their heads together to see how best they can shape future governments, in keeping with the theme of the meet. Global challenges today warrant a global response and what better way than this to identify the problem areas, find collective solutions and benefit from the positives that different nations, with their own experience and expertise, bring to the table. The UAE leadership must be commended for hosting yet another successful edition of the World Government Summit. (By Sharmila Dhal, UAE Editor).

COOL IT BEFORE MARKETS TURN INTO VOLATILITY POOLS: The global economic forecasts – even warnings – from the World Government Summit are clear enough. Economies have some serious work to do to stave off a synchronised downturn in the second-half of 2023. But to make that happen, geopolitical tensions will need a whole lot of cooling off. The world’s stock markets and investors seem on an edge, having already put in enough worries over where US inflation and the Fed are taking them. They can ill-afford another great dose of volatility over geopolitics. If ever there is a need to cool things before markets and economies go into a boil, it’s about now… (By Manoj Nair, Business Editor)

RASHFORD CAN FIRE MANCHESTER UNITED TO GLORY: Manchester United coach Erik ten Hag needs to be credited for turning the fortunes of the club around. United seemed lost earlier this season but are now comfortably in the Champions League places but much of their success is down to the form of Marcus Rashford. The striker must guard against laziness if he is to continue on his current hot streak in front of goal. The England international must keep producing the goods for the Old Trafford club by putting in the hard yards for the team, as he has been doing. He has been working solidly for the side and has helped them rise to third in the table. They are just five points off leaders Arsenal and with 15 games still to play, who knows where they can finish. But much of where they end up will be down to the form of the 25-year-old who has 21 goals this term and is just one shy of his best return in a season. If he continues playing like he is, he will smash that record, and nobody will be happier than Ten Hag. (By Imran Malik, Assistant Sports Editor)

IDRIS ELBA AND WILL.I.AM REMINDS US OF THE BIG PICTURE: Red carpet is rarely the place where profound and meaningful conversations can take place. It’s mostly about the fashion, the billowing gowns, and all that glitters. But last night, the red carpet call for the Time100 Impact Awards held at the Dubai’s Museum Of The Future was a relatively more somber one. There was Idris Elba and rapper Will.I.Am talking about the importance of having dialogues about Climate Change and World Hunger. It was heartening to see Hollywood heavyweights back worthy causes and answer questions that go beyond which designer they were wearing or the movies or music that they were working on. Here’s hoping more celebrities and their fans will take a leaf from how stars like Idris conduct themselves. (By Manjusha Radhakrishnan, Entertainment Editor)