In the role of strategic partner, Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, ADFD, has attended and participated at the fifth edition of the World Government Summit, WGS, 2017, running under the patronage of Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Themed ‘Shaping Future Governments’, the summit has drawn participation from 139 countries and the largest international organisations and global institutions to discuss challenges and opportunities such as globalisation, education, health, sustainable development, innovation, youth and happiness, to empower governments with greater insights to enhance the future for their people and the world at large.

Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director-General of ADFD, said, "ADFD’s participation in the fifth addition of the world government summit is aimed at supporting our wise leadership’s efforts to bring together key decision-makers, innovators, ministers, private and public sector representatives, experts and futurists, to examine the world’s most pressing challenges and identify solutions as well as examine best practices to deal with them. The summit will help build solid partnerships and align goals towards enhancing tomorrow’s world."

"WGS 2017 will focus on shaping the future of governments in accordance with sustainable development work. Governmental bodies, non-profit organisations, international institutions and the private sector will lead deliberations and share insights on the how to improve infrastructure, processes and long-term goals to guarantee achieving a fruitful future for people- wherever they may be."

Moreover, ADFD has sponsored the first-of-its-kind Arab Youth Forum; led under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs. Running in parallel to the summit, the forum will convene 150 Arab youth representatives from 22 countries. In collaboration with youth organisations, UAE embassies across the region selected the attendees for their academic and work achievements as well as their positive contribution to society.

"The purpose of the Arab Youth Forum is to engage Arab youth in an open dialogue and create a vision that will help achieve sustainable development, stability and prosperity in their countries. This is no doubt the need of the hour, and we are delighted to partner with WGS in supporting such an important initiative," Al Suwaidi added.

The participants will discuss a wide range of issues related to youth involvement in decision-making.