DUBAI: The UAE is set to host the World Government Summit next month to help states develop proactive solutions for future challenges, it was announced on Tuesday.
The 11th edition of the summit, which runs Feb. 12-14, will bring together more than 4,000 delegates, representatives of international organizations, thought leaders, and private sector leaders from around the globe to promote international cooperation and adopt rapidly growing technologies to improve lives of societies.
Over the three-day summit, more than 120 government delegations and 80 international organizations will discuss sustainable economic growth, artificial intelligence, future governments, education, healthcare services, food security and urban expansion.
Over 200 speakers ranging from presidents and ministers to thinkers and policy makers will review factors that shape future governments in 110 sessions and panel discussions.
Attending world leaders are set to be announced soon, officials said in a press briefing.
UAE Minister of Cabinet Affairs Mohammad Al-Gergawi told reporters that the summit is a platform that gathers world leaders, NGOs, and the private sector to bridge gaps, promote dialogue and encourage positive shifts for all governments around the world.
Asked about the summit’s role against the backdrop of escalating geopolitical tensions in the region, Al-Gergawi said the mega event focuses of discussing proactive solutions and laying out a future roadmap for governments.
“We don’t claim to have all the solutions, but we try to get glimpse of the future and help governments prepare for emerging challenges,” he said.
The summit, he said, particularly hosts tech experts and private sector leaders as “the shapers of the future.”
The minister added: “Companies have had social, economic, and political impact on the world. AI platforms, like ChatGPT, (have) been shaping the future of research and knowledge acquisition, while other companies have been leading shifts in transport, energy, and space sector.”
Some of the notable attendees include Ajay Banga, president of the World Bank; Kristalina Georgieva, managing director of the International Monetary Fund; Klaus Schwab, chairperson of the World Economic Forum; and Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director general of the World Health Organization.
Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul-Gheit and Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi will also be among the attendees, in addition to several tech experts and AI specialists such as Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, which developed ChatGPT; and Alex Karp, CEO of Palantir Technologies.
The summit, Al-Gergawi said, would see the biggest participation of international organizations and NGOs since its inception in 2013.
“When governments succeed in improving themselves, the load of problems will decrease on international organizations,” he said.
Placing special focus on AI, the UAE will also host on the sidelines of the summit the annual gathering of Time100 AI, which lists the 100 most influential people in the sector including leaders, policymakers, artists, and entrepreneurs from around the world.
It will also welcome eight Nobel prize winners, and provide a platform for 23 ministerial meetings in the presence of more than 300 ministers.
