World Government Summit 2026 Opens in Dubai

The World Government Summit 2026 opened in Dubai under the theme “Shaping Future Governments,” bringing together global leaders, policymakers, and business executives to deliberate on how innovation, sustainability, and technology are reshaping public policy worldwide. The summit aims to strengthen governance frameworks and enhance international cooperation amid mounting economic, social, and technological challenges.

Global Platform for Future Governance

The summit is being held in Dubai and runs until February 5. It features more than 445 sessions with over 450 global speakers, including presidents, prime ministers, ministers, and policy experts. Discussions span the future of government work, leadership, public finance, investment flows, and the role of emerging technologies in policymaking.

IMF on Global Economic Resilience

Addressing the gathering, International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said the global economy has shown unexpected resilience despite geopolitical tensions and uncertainty over trade policies. She noted that shifts in United States trade and foreign policy over the past year have contributed to a more multipolar and diversified global economic landscape.

Trade, Tariffs and AI Optimism

Georgieva said the IMF has upgraded its global growth outlook for the coming year, including for the United Arab Emirates and Gulf economies. She attributed this to private sector adaptability, lower-than-expected trade disruptions, and strong optimism around artificial intelligence boosting productivity. On tariffs, she observed that global trade had adjusted rather than collapsed, noting that while initial tariff announcements were high, negotiated outcomes reduced effective collections to around 9 percent from earlier projections exceeding 20 percent.

Important Facts for Exams

• World Government Summit is held annually in Dubai.
• The 2026 theme is “Shaping Future Governments”.
• IMF periodically revises global growth projections.
• AI is increasingly viewed as a driver of productivity growth.

Scale and Global Participation

The summit has attracted over 6,250 participants, including more than 60 heads of state and government, over 500 ministers, and representatives from more than 150 governments. It also features 87 Nobel laureates, over 700 global CEOs, and delegates from more than 80 international, regional, and academic organisations. The deliberations are expected to generate policy ideas and partnerships that will influence future governance models, focusing on resilience, inclusivity, and responsiveness in an increasingly complex global environment.