Ex-UK PM Tony Blair to speak at WGS

Former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair will join world leaders and leading figureheads from global organisations as part of an expanded World Governments Summit, set to take place in Dubai from February 11-13.

This year's Summit will explore major global transformations, focusing on the resulting opportunities and challenges across various sectors and key issues.

Through inclusive dialogues, the Summit aims to foster the development of shared strategies and visions for enhanced government performance and stronger international cooperation, ultimately accelerating development and prosperity worldwide.

Record international participation is expected as the event hosts over 30 heads of state and government, delegations from 140 governments, and representatives from more than 80 international and regional organisations and global institutions. The Summit will also convene prominent thought leaders, global experts, and over 6,000 attendees.

Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Chairman of the World Governments Summit, Mohammad Al Gergawi, affirmed the Summit reflects the vision of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and the Ruler of Dubai to cultivate proactive and future-ready governments. He noted that the Summit continues to provide exceptional support in empowering governments worldwide to navigate rapid transformations and evolving challenges across various sectors.

Al Gergawi said, "The rapid transformations unfolding around us portend a new world with its unique set of tools, challenges, and opportunities. This demands that governments prioritize resilience and efficiency in a continuous race against time to ensure a future of sustainable progress and development for all, meeting the aspirations of generations to come.

“The Summit is committed to being the premier global platform to anticipate and explore the future, developing innovative solutions and forging international partnerships to benefit all communities based on scientifically and realistically grounded insights," he added.

Sir Tony Blair, the 51st Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, will have a conversation with Larry Ellison, Co-Founder of Oracle, on Reimagining Technology for Government. Ivica Dačić, Prime Minister of Serbia will also deliver a keynote address.

Heads of state, including the President of Indonesia, the President of Poland, President of Madagascar and the President of Sri Lanka will deliver keynote speeches and sessions.

The Summit will also host a dialogue with Elon Musk and another with Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund.

Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, UAE, Vice Chair, World Governments Summit, will engage in a dialogue with Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google, while the implications of emerging economic blocs will be analysed by Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy, and Faisal Al Ibrahim, Saudi Minister of Economy and Planning.

Pedro Alliana Rodríguez, Vice President of Paraguay, and Louise Araneta-Marcos, First Lady of the Philippines, will deliver keynote addresses. A session on revitalising cities after crises will include the Director-General of UNESCO Audrey Azoulay and the UAE Minister of Culture, Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi.

The state of the Arab world will be discussed by Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, and Jassim Al-Budaiwi, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council.

The event runs from February 11 - 13.