World Government Summit 2017 to host largest gathering of governments

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the fifth edition of the World Government Summit (WGS 2017), the world’s largest platform for shaping future governments, is set to launch on Sunday, 12 February 2017.

The summit will host in its upcoming edition 150 speakers across 114 sessions, with more than 4,000 regional and global personalities within 138 international delegations, making it the largest participation of its kind since the event was first launched in 2013.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum will hold a keynote session on Day 1 of the Summit, while His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, will announce a new future project for the emirate of Dubai during the Summit.

WGS 2017 will witness the participation of heads of state, thought leaders, disrupters, Nobel laurites and experts, as well as other prominent sectors of importance. The high-level delegations participating in the event demonstrate its leading position as a global platform disseminating knowledge shaping the future, and as an attractive hub for international influencers, which facilitates the exchange of ideas and insights, and enhances awareness of future challenges and possible solutions.

Lt. General H.H. Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior in the UAE, will speak in a key session on the sustainability of nations through establishing an ecosystem of values.

The Japanese Prime Minister will also headline WGS 2017 in a keynote address.

The summit is also set to host in its diverse sessions many top international influencers in the technology, business, economy, futurism and education sectors, among others.

Alongside the World Government Summit, the first Arab Youth Forum will be launched under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, who will launch a new project for youth throughout the Arab world.

One of the sessions on the future of humanitarian aid will feature HRH Princess Haya bint Al Hussein, Wife of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, who is also Chairperson of the International Humanitarian City.

Meanwhile, the IMF Managing Director will shed light on the global economic landscape at present and highlight challenges and opportunities for the future in a special session.

In addition, Irina Bokova, the UNESCO Director General to be a focal point of the Summit and will be part of a keynote address during the second day of the Summit.

Other prominent sessions to look forward to include one where the Director General of IAEA, Yukiya Amano, discusses the future of Nuclear Energy and another headlined by the Founder and Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum on the challenges of globalism.

Also, Uber’s founder, Travis Kalanick will share visions and insights, while the Founder of LinkedIn will highlight the role of entrepreneurs in enhancing the concept of coexistence The four largest development banks in the world, the World Bank, International Monetary Fund, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the Islamic Development Bank will be present during the Summit.

Mohammad Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and the Future and Chairman of the WGS Organization, noted that the UAE, under the leadership of the President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has successfully transformed WGS into a global platform for shaping future governments as part of its efforts to establish an international movement for the welfare of people across the globe.

Al Gergawi said: "The fifth edition of WGS has attracted leading names across various fields. For the first time in the region, we will host Elon Musk, Founder and CEO of Tesla Motors and SpaceX and one of the most important visionaries of the 21st century. We will also welcome Travis Kalanick, Founder and CEO of Uber, who has changed the concept of transportation globally."

He added: "The summit’s experience as an international platform that convenes heads of state, government leaders, ministers, officials, scientists, entrepreneurs and leaders of international organizations who help shape future governments has truly reached an advanced stage that focuses on finding balance between technological advancements and achieving the happiness and welfare of the people."

Mohammad Al Gergawi further said: "The quality of participations in the summit attest to its success in transforming from a global event into a platform that takes the mandate of shaping the future as an approach to develop the work of governments and find solutions to tomorrow’s challenges. The event will also study how to utilize the technologies of the fourth industrial revolution and turn them into tools that help advance the lives of more than seven billion people."

He added: "Successful governments are those that can innovate the tools of government work to preempt potential challenges in the near as well as the more distant future. World challenges are escalating in terms of development, sustainability, human capital, healthcare, education, infrastructure, environment, and climate change."

As part of their partnership with the summit, some of the leading international organizations will hold meetings during the event in order to develop a common platform and unify efforts. These organizations include the World Bank, International Monetary Fund, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), World Economic Forum (WEF), Islamic Development Bank, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), and the Latin American Center for Development Administration (CLAD).