The World Government Summit (WGS) has announced 10 new developments on the agenda of its upcoming fifth edition, held under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, vice president and prime minister of the UAE and ruler of Dubai, from Feb. 12-14, 2017. The leading global event will feature the first international gathering of experts on happiness under the title “Global Dialogue for Happiness,” as well as the Forum on Climate Change and Food Security, and an Arab Youth Forum.
Mohammed Al-Gergawi, minister of Cabinet Affairs & the Future and chairman of WGS, emphasized the vision of Sheikh Al-Maktoum to transform the summit into a global movement for the good of all people. He highlighted the status of WGS as the first global event dedicated to shaping the future and dealing with the most pressing challenges the world faces today in a proactive manner.
Al-Gergawi’s comments were part of his speech at the World Government Summit Dialogue. Thani Al-Zeyoudi, Minister of Climate Change and the Environment; Ohood Al-Roumi, minister of State for Happiness and vice chair of the WGS; Shamma Al-Mazrui, minister of State for Youth Affairs; major partners of the event, as well as local and international media were also in attendance.
Al-Gergawi pointed out that one of the most important developments in the fifth edition of WGS is the addition of several topical forums that will take place on its sidelines, including the Forum on Climate Change and Food Security, the Arab Youth Forum, and the Global Dialogue for Happiness.
Al-Gergawi mentioned that the summit will continue its efforts to partner with various foreign governments and international organizations. In addition to its current collaborations with the United Nations, World Bank, World Economic Forum, and OECD, the summit will forge new partnerships with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the Latin American Center for Development Administration (CLAD).
This year’s edition will see the establishment of academic and scientific partnerships with renowned international organizations, such as Harvard University, Oxford University, McKinsey, AT Kearney, and Ernst & Young. The summit will publish 10 research reports in collaboration with global partners.
For its distinctive experience in government innovation and the development of government work, the summit announced Japan as the Annual Guest of Honor this year.
A high-level official delegation comprising senior government officials, leaders from the public and private sectors and several leading experts and thinkers will represent Japan at the event.
In its second year, the Best Minister in the World Award will be organized in collaboration with E & Y International.

Source: Arab News