World Governments Summit 2025 kicks off in Dubai

The World Governments Summit 2025 starts today in Dubai, running until February 13, under the theme ‘Shaping Future Governments’.

Day Zero will feature a series of key forums, including the Arab Fiscal Forum, the Arab Meeting for Young Leaders, and the Young Arab Leaders Forum, with wide participation from prominent officials, visionaries, decision-makers, and a host of international organisations.

World Governments Summit: More than 30 heads of state in the UAE

The 12th edition of the World Governments Summit is seeing record international participation, with over 30 heads of state and government, more than 80 international and regional organisations, and global institutions, alongside 140 government delegations.

The event will also host thought leaders and experts who will discuss major global trends in more than 200 interactive sessions featuring over 300 global speakers.

Additionally, over 30 ministerial meetings and roundtables will take place, attended by more than 400 ministers.

21 Forums. One Vision.
A better future for humanity requires meticulous planning. At the #WorldGovSummit, global leaders, visionaries, and innovators will unite in 21 forums to drive international collaboration and pioneer solutions for tomorrow’s challenges. The future starts… pic.twitter.com/FQGTYB084D

— World Governments Summit (@WorldGovSummit) February 9, 2025

Among the standout events on ‘Day Zero’ is the 9th Arab Fiscal Forum, jointly organised by the Arab Monetary Fund (AMF), the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and the Ministry of Finance.

This year’s forum will focus on designing efficient and equitable fiscal policies to address debt vulnerabilities and future challenges amidst tighter financing constraints.

Topics covered will include subsidy reforms, tax administration, and public sector enterprise reforms.

The forum’s opening session features speakers such as Mohamed Al Hussaini, Minister of State for Financial Affairs in the UAE; Kristalina Georgieva, MD of the International Monetary Fund; and Dr Fahad Al Turki, DG and chairman of the Board of the Arab Monetary Fund.

Other discussions at the forum, which will be attended by Arab ministers of finance and governors of central banks, will focus on macroeconomic developments, fiscal policy design in the face of mounting debt pressures, fiscal policy and climate resilience, and revamping tax systems for structural economic changes.

Arab Meeting for Young Leaders

Also on Day Zero is the Arab Meeting for Young Leaders, a collaborative platform for decision-makers and Arab youth. This meeting emphasizes youth engagement, with involvement at every stage, from preparation to participation.

The meeting is hosted in collaboration with the Arab Youth Centre and supported by both local and regional governmental and non-governmental partners.

Sessions at the meeting will explore topics such as the Arab Youth Competitiveness Index, The Vision of the League of Arab States, The Art of Etiquette: An Arab Perspective, The Last Drop of Oil: Seizing Opportunities, and Made in the Arab World.

Additionally, the Young Arab Leaders Forum will take place on Day Zero, offering a dynamic platform to empower the next generation of Arab innovators and professionals.

The forum focuses on fostering entrepreneurship, leadership, and professional growth through mentorship programs, educational initiatives, and insights from prominent Arab leaders.

Topics include preparing young leaders for a new world, the economic state of the Arab world, and the role of young leaders in planning and management at senior leadership levels, with a focus on entrepreneurship, sports, arts, culture, and beyond.