Abu dhabi: Mohammed Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Chairman of the World Governments Summit, emphasized the critical juncture humanity faces, calling for proactive measures to transform global challenges into opportunities. His remarks were delivered during the opening address of the Ambassadors' Retreat, an event organized by the World Governments Summit Foundation in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This initiative is part of the Summit's efforts to enhance international cooperation and partnerships in shaping future governments.
According to Emirates News Agency, the Retreat convened over 100 ambassadors and heads of diplomatic missions in the UAE. Participants shared their visions for strengthening global collaboration in shaping the future. The session included notable attendees such as Ohood bint Khalfan Al Roumi, Minister of State for Government Development and the Future, and Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications.
Al Gergawi highlighted the guidance of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and directives from His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, which have positioned the World Governments Summit as a pivotal platform for international cooperation. He underscored the significance of the Ambassadors' Retreat in exchanging perspectives and enhancing global partnerships to shape future governments.
Reflecting on the Summit's accomplishments since its inception in 2013, Al Gergawi noted its expansion into the world's largest gathering of governments, hosting over 100 heads of state and representatives from 140 countries. The Summit has facilitated more than 100 Memorandums of Understanding and bilateral agreements, serving as a global platform for exchanging government expertise and translating knowledge into action.
Al Gergawi also discussed the Summit's growing international influence, citing contributions like the Brazilian Government's forum on digital transformation and a U.S. Department of Commerce workshop on AI governance. He noted the Summit's wide-reaching impact, with its message reaching millions through global media partnerships, and highlighted the Best Minister in the World Award as a significant recognition of government leaders.
The Global Ministers Survey, launched in collaboration with PwC, revealed that 74% of governments need more financial resources, 68% face talent retention challenges, and over 30 governments lack future preparedness. Al Gergawi called for collective action to address these challenges and praised ambassadors for their role in expanding strategic partnerships.
Looking forward, Al Gergawi announced that the 2026 edition of WGS will feature over 200 sessions, 15 strategic reports, and participation from more than 80 international organizations. The Summit aims to foster deeper cooperation among governments and will host the second Economic and Investment Forum in collaboration with the Government of Ecuador.
The Retreat featured dialogues, including one led by Professor Soumitra Dutta on 'Programmable Sovereignty,' and discussions on 'Redefining Trade Diplomacy,' emphasizing the need for adaptive trade strategies. Another dialogue, 'Diplomacy in Action,' explored international cooperation's role in addressing global challenges.
The Retreat concluded with a presentation on the Global Ministers Survey, emphasizing its role in fostering collaboration among governments. The Ambassadors' Retreat underscores the Summit's mission to address global megatrends and engage stakeholders in defining future trajectories critical to human progress.
In parallel, the Summit Organisation held the Partners' Networking Breakfast, gathering over 60 leaders from the private sector, Summit members, and media executives. This forum fostered collaboration across sectors, reinforcing the Summit's mission of collective action for a better future. Participants included companies from various sectors, showcasing the Summit's latest initiatives and gathering insights for the 2026 edition.