Dubai: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, attended the main address delivered by Pedro S¡nchez, Prime Minister of Spain, on the first day of the World Governments Summit 2026 (WGS 2026). The Summit, which commenced today, runs for three days under the theme 'Shaping Future Governments'.
According to Emirates News Agency, the session was attended by a number of dignitaries including H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai; H.H. Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman; and H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah.
During his address, Pedro S¡nchez stated that throughout his eight-year tenure as prime minister, he has consistently advocated for a vision of the world where peace is prioritized, people are central to the economy, and progress does not come at the cost of the vulnerable or the planet. S¡nchez noted that although his vision remains unchanged, the world has seen drastic and negative changes, particularly in the digital realm.
The session also saw attendance from other prominent figures such as H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of the UAE; H.H. Lieutenant General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior; and several other ministers and senior officials.
S¡nchez announced five major measures aimed at mitigating the dangers of social media and protecting future generations. These measures include amending tech laws to hold platform executives accountable for illegal or hateful content, criminalizing algorithmic manipulation, implementing a hate and polarisation footprint, banning social media access for minors under 16, and collaborating with public prosecutors to address infringements by digital platforms.
The Spanish Prime Minister stressed that digital governance is central to the values of good governance and progress, asserting that it is a challenge no country can tackle alone. He called for collective action, urging nations to choose governance, cooperation, and responsibility over resignation, fragmentation, and silence.
S¡nchez also highlighted the Spanish economy's performance, noting a growth rate of 2.8% in 2025, nearly double the European Union average. He mentioned that Spain's GDP has surpassed $2 trillion, creating almost 600,000 jobs last year, accounting for half of the employment growth in the EU.
The World Governments Summit 2026 gathers more than 60 heads of state and government, over 500 ministers, and representatives from over 150 governments. It also includes participation from more than 80 international and regional organisations, over 700 CEOs of leading global institutions, and more than 6,250 attendees.