KEY POINTS

  • UAE president reiterated the country's commitment to creating a better future for all
  • Vice president affirmed the WGS' influence in improving world governments
  • This year's summit brings together 20 heads of state and more than 10,000 government officials

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Vice President Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum welcomed global leaders to the World Government Summit (WGS) 2023, which will center around strategic plans to help address concerns in global policies.

The summit will kick off in Dubai on Monday, under the theme "Shaping Future Governments." It will see a gathering of 20 heads of state, 250 ministers, 10,000 government officials, and representatives from more than 80 organizations around the world.

In his welcome speech on Sunday, Sheikh Mohamed reiterated the UAE's commitment to enhancing cooperation with world governments and joining efforts in building a better future for humanity.

"The WGS consolidates the UAE's message of openness and constructive interaction with global developing issues, and emphasizes the UAE's influential contribution to find solutions to future challenges, in a way that meets the aspirations of future generations and benefits the world," he said.

Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum also acknowledged the WGS' role in improving governments across the globe, affirming its unparalleled influence in fostering close cooperation among nations.

"The WGS signifies 10 years of influence during which the summit has unleashed new horizons for management and institutional work," he said. "There are new challenges facing our fast-changing world every day, and close cooperation among the world's governments fosters hope for a better tomorrow for humanity. The WGS is a shining example of what we can do to serve people and create a better future for the new generations."

The WGS has hosted the biggest conventions among global leaders since its establishment 10 years ago. The inauguration of the 2023 edition will be led by UAE's Minister of Cabinet Affairs and WGS Chairman Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Gergawi.

This year's summit will feature 300 speakers in more than 220 panel discussions, including one with SpaceX, Twitter, and Tesla CEO Elon Musk. Among the heads of state participating in the discussions are Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Paraguay President Mario Abdo Benitez, Yemen Prime Minister Maeen Abdulmalik Saeed, and Macky Sall, president of the Republic of Senegal.

The convention will last till Feb. 15.

UAE_President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan
This file handout photo, released by the Saudi Royal Palace on May 31, 2019, shows the UAE's Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan during a meeting in the Saudi holy city of Mecca; he became the UAE president after the death of his half-brother Saudi Royal Palace via AFP / BANDAR AL-JALOUD