World Governments Summit Holds Ambassadors’ Retreat to Boost Cooperation

Dubai, UAE – September 13, 2025 - The World Governments Summit (WGS) convened its Ambassadors’ Retreat in collaboration with the UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reinforcing its mission to strengthen global partnerships and shape the future of governance.

The event brought together over 100 ambassadors and heads of diplomatic missions in the UAE to discuss new pathways for international cooperation, innovation, and sustainable development in an increasingly interconnected world.

A Historic Turning Point for Governments

Opening the retreat, Mohammed Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Chairman of WGS, emphasized the urgent need for proactive leadership in today’s rapidly evolving global landscape.

“Humanity stands at a historic turning point that requires enhanced readiness to transform challenges into opportunities,” Al Gergawi said. “The success of governments in keeping pace with future developments lies in their ability to act proactively and move faster than the changes around them.”

Al Gergawi credited the vision of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, for making the WGS the world’s largest platform for government collaboration and innovation.

Global Impact of the Summit

Since its launch in 2013, the Summit has achieved remarkable milestones:

• Hosted 100+ heads of state and government representatives
• Engaged participants from 140 countries
• Welcomed 3,070 speakers and over 48,000 attendees

Facilitated the signing of 100+ MoUs and bilateral agreements

The WGS has become the leading global hub for exchanging expertise, driving cooperation through initiatives such as the Government Experience Exchange Forum, which accelerates the adoption of future-oriented policies and practices worldwide.

Addressing Global Governance Challenges

At the retreat, Al Gergawi discussed findings from the Global Ministers Survey, conducted in partnership with PwC, which revealed:

• 74% of governments require more financial resources to build capacity.
• 68% face challenges in retaining talent.
• 30+ governments are not adequately prepared for the future.

“These results are a call for collective action to transform challenges into opportunities,” Al Gergawi said, praising ambassadors and diplomats for their vital role in strengthening partnerships and expanding the Summit’s reach.

Looking ahead to the 2026 edition, Al Gergawi announced:

• 200 sessions and 15 strategic reports
• 400+ speakers and 80+ global and regional organizations
• Attendance by 6,000 leaders from governments, the private sector, and international institutions
• A second Economic and Investment Forum, co-hosted with the Government of Ecuador, launched by Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa

High-Level Dialogues at the Retreat

The retreat featured interactive sessions and high-level discussions, including:

Programmable Sovereignty: What’s at Stake?

• Led by Professor Soumitra Dutta, Dean of the Saïd Business School, University of Oxford
• Focused on navigating the digital landscape while safeguarding digital trust and competitiveness.

Redefining Trade Diplomacy

• Featuring Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade
• Moderated by Dubai Abulhoul, Founder of Fiker Institute
• Highlighted how nations can adapt trade and investment strategies to build resilient supply chains and foster sustainable growth.

Diplomacy in Action: Collaborative Pathways for a Shared Future

• Speakers included Dr. Samir Saran, President of the Observer Research Foundation (ORF), and Rashid Sesay, Ambassador of Sierra Leone to the UAE.
• Discussions emphasized the need for innovative diplomatic frameworks to address systemic challenges and promote equitable development.

Strengthening Partnerships and Networks

The retreat also included the Partners’ Networking Breakfast, which gathered 60+ senior leaders from:

• Private sector institutions
• Summit members
• Leading editors and media executives

The forum provided an open space to foster collaboration across industries, including technology, real estate, logistics, tourism, urban planning, energy, education, and healthcare.

Global Reach and Recognition

The Summit’s message continues to resonate worldwide, achieving nearly one billion media impressions through global media partnerships.

The Best Minister in the World Award, presented at WGS, has become the largest international recognition of government leadership, celebrating outstanding contributions to public service and community development.

About the Ambassadors’ Retreat

The Ambassadors’ Retreat is a flagship initiative of WGS, serving as a vital platform for:

• Exchanging perspectives between nations
• Strengthening international cooperation
• Designing future-ready governments

By engaging governments, private sector leaders, and civil society, the Summit continues to drive collective action, address global megatrends, and shape sustainable solutions for humanity’s most pressing challenges.