WGS 2025: UAE President, Vice-President welcome world leaders, guests to World Governments Summit

Dubai: President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, welcomed guests participating in the World Governments Summit (WGS) 2025.

The Summit, held under the theme ‘Shaping Future Governments’, is taking place in Dubai from February 11 to 13.

WGS 2025 will host over 30 heads of state and government, more than 80 international and regional organisations, 140 government delegations, and more than 6,000 attendees.

Sheikh Mohamed affirmed that the UAE will remain committed to its mission to support international cooperation with the aim of serving development goals of various global communities. His Highness emphasised that such efforts stem from the UAE’s firm belief that global prosperity and progress are ensured by collaborative global efforts aimed towards a shared vision for a brighter future for humanity, focusing on stability and development for all.

Sheikh Mohamed stated: “We are pleased to welcome the leaders and governments of the world as honoured guests of the UAE. The World Governments Summit offers a global platform for dialogue and the exchange of visions and ideas, at a time when societies are in pressing need of concerted and joint cooperative efforts to confront challenges that cannot be addressed individually.”

“The world is interconnected, and current global transformations will impact us all. The potential for opportunities is great, and our collective strength lies in our unity, our shared vision, and joint efforts to achieve sustainable and equal development for all,” Sheikh Mohamed added.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum highlighted the UAE’s pivotal role in promoting positive and meaningful global dialogue.

“We welcome the esteemed guests of the World Government Summit, which commences tomorrow with record-breaking international participation. More than 30 heads of state and 140 government delegations, comprising 400 ministers, will engage with global business leaders and international organisations across more than 200 sessions covering all future sectors,” Sheikh Mohammed said on his X account.

“The mission is clear: to enhance global cooperation, exchange expertise, foster relationships, and inspire innovative solutions to improve the lives of communities. We welcome the governments of the world to Dubai and the UAE,” he added.

This year’s Summit taking place from February 11 to 13, will explore major global transformations, focusing on the resulting opportunities and challenges across various sectors and key issues under the theme “Shaping Future Governments.”

Through inclusive dialogues, the Summit aims to foster the development of shared strategies and visions for enhanced government performance and stronger international cooperation, ultimately accelerating development and prosperity worldwide.

The World Governments Summit 2025 (WGS-2025) anticipates record international participation, hosting over 30 heads of state and government, delegations from 140 governments, and representatives from more than 80 international and regional organisations and global institutions. The Summit will also convene prominent thought leaders, global experts, and over 6,000 attendees.

Sheikh Mohammed was also briefed on the future transportation system “Rail Bus”, which is a sustainable future mass transportation system that runs on solar energy. He was also briefed on the iconic project “Therm Dubai”, during his inspection of the Roads and Transport Authority’s platform at the World Government Summit.

Meanwhile, Sheikh Mohammed also met a number of guests who arrived in Dubai to participate in the WGS-2025. The Vice President, in the presence of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, met with Arab finance ministers participating in the Arab Public Finance Forum, as part of the preparatory day for the World Government Summit 2025.

He held meeting with Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund. They discussed about global economic developments and enhancing cooperation between the UAE and the Fund.

Mohammed bin Rashid also met with Professor Klaus Schwab, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the World Economic Forum “Davos”, as part of the preparatory day for the World Government Summit 2025. During the meeting, he stressed on the importance of enabling governments to keep pace with the radical changes witnessed by the world.

Sheikh Mohammed also honoured the winners of the Zero Government Bureaucracy Award, the first award of its kind in the world for developing the efficiency and readiness of government work, as part of the activities of the World Government Summit 2025.

This year’s edition features an expanded agenda with over 200 dialogue and interactive sessions, addressed by more than 300 prominent speakers. Over 30 ministerial meetings and roundtables will bring together more than 400 ministers. The summit will culminate in the release of 30 strategic reports developed with the Summit’s international knowledge partners, think tanks, and academic institutions.

WGS 2025 also hosts 21 global forums focusing on the development of strategies and shaping future plans across critical sectors. These forums are organized in collaboration with international organizations, global technology institutions, and leading companies.

Several ministerial meetings and high-level gatherings will take place during the summit, including roundtable discussions with heads of state, government officials, leaders of international organisations, thought leaders, and private-sector representatives. These meetings aim to enhance international cooperation, identify innovative solutions to future challenges, and inspire the next generation of governments.

The WGS 2025 will focus on six key themes:

The summit will also present several prestigious global awards to recognize exceptional contributions to building a better future. These include the Best Minister in the World Award (in partnership with PwC), the Creative Government Innovations Award, the Global Award for Best Government Applications, the Global Government Excellence Award, and the Best Teacher in the World Award (in partnership with the Varkey Foundation).

Finally, the summit will launch the Global Ministers Survey, inviting ministers worldwide to share their insights on critical global issues and contribute to collaborative solutions.