In a world defined by accelerating complexity, geopolitical fragmentation, and technological disruption, the question of how governments can effectively anticipate—and shape—the future has never been more urgent. Few platforms embody this quest for future-ready governance as powerfully as the World Governments Summit (WGS), an initiative born in Dubai that has, over the past decade, transformed from a regional forum into a global beacon for public policy innovation.
At the heart of this evolution stands Mohamed Al Sharhan, a driving force behind the Summit’s mission to not only convene leaders and thinkers but to engineer a new architecture for global cooperation. Under his stewardship, the WGS has become more than a gathering of policymakers—it is a strategic engine where actionable frameworks are forged, partnerships are born, and governments collectively confront the challenges of tomorrow.
In this exclusive conversation, Al Sharhan reflects on the most recent edition of the Summit, shares his vision for deepening ties with Latin America, and offers candid insights into why governments today must operate less like static institutions and more like living, adaptive systems.
His message is clear: in an era of exponential change, being merely reactive is no longer enough. True leadership demands anticipation, collaboration, and the courage to redesign governance for a rapidly evolving world.
The World Governments Summit: A Platform for Collective Foresight
At its core, the World Governments Summit was never just about convening—it was about constructing a new architecture for global cooperation. In a time when governments face increasingly complex and interconnected challenges, we believed that a space was needed where leaders, thinkers, and innovators could come together not only to anticipate the future but to shape it collectively. The Summit was founded on the idea that government cannot be reactive—it must be anticipatory, data-driven, and deeply collaborative. That remains our north star.
Dear Mohamed Al Sharhan, thanks for the opportunity for this conversation: Reflecting on the last edition of the World Governments Summit, what key achievements or milestones are you most proud of?
The most recent edition of the World Governments Summit was a defining moment in our journey to reimagine how governments prepare for—and lead in—a rapidly changing world. We’ve long believed that future-ready governance requires more than innovation; it requires global alignment, institutional courage, and platforms that turn ideas into action. That vision came to life more clearly than ever in our last edition.
We convened over 32 heads of state and government, including the Presidents of Poland, Sri Lanka, Colombia, and Bosnia, and the Prime ministers of Kuwai, Armenia, Uganda, Pakistan, Kenya, Georgia, Montenagro and others. Their presence signaled a shared recognition that governance today must be collaborative, fast-moving, and anticipatory.
What I’m most proud of is how the Summit is no longer perceived as just a dialogue platform—it has matured into a strategic policy engine. It is where global priorities are reframed, where nations exchange tested frameworks, and where partnerships begin that extend far beyond the stage. Whether addressing the governance of AI, climate transitions, or geopolitical fragmentation, the Summit has become a trusted convening ground for leaders seeking real solutions—not just rhetoric.
This milestone was not just in who we brought together, but what we achieved together—embedding the notion that governments must operate more like living systems: adaptive, intelligent, and globally interlinked.
How has the Summit evolved over the years in terms of participation, impact, and global reach?
From its inception, the Summit has been a living institution—constantly evolving, adapting, and expanding its sphere of influence. What began as a regional forum is now a global reference point for future governance. We’ve moved from hosting dialogues to shaping global narratives—launching forward-looking reports, housing taskforces on critical issues, and becoming a partner of record for governments and multilaterals alike.
This evolution is measured not only in participation but in relevance. Ministers, heads of state, Nobel laureates, tech leaders, and civil society actors are not just attending—they’re co-creating. That transformation has been deliberate. The Summit is no longer a moment in the calendar—it’s a year-round movement that reflects the UAE’s commitment to diplomacy, innovation, and global stewardship.
As you prepare for the next edition, what new themes or initiatives can the international community expect to see?
Governments today are facing a paradox: the speed of change is exponential, but institutional reform is often incremental. Our upcoming edition will directly address this gap by spotlighting new governance models that are more adaptive, inclusive, and tech-enabled.
Areas such as generative AI in public services, resilience in supply chains, energy transition, and cross-border digital regulation will feature prominently. Expect initiatives that not only anticipate disruption—but equip leaders to design with uncertainty in mind. We are also scaling our future foresight frameworks to help governments embed strategic thinking at the core of their decision-making.
Latin America is increasingly participating in global dialogues. How do you envision a stronger engagement of Latin American governments and leaders in the World Governments Summit?
Latin America represents not just an emerging voice—but an indispensable partner in reimagining global governance. The region brings a wealth of social innovation, policy experimentation, and institutional resilience. Our vision is to move beyond episodic engagement and toward structured, long-term collaboration with Latin American governments, think tanks, and private sector leaders.
We see the Summit as a shared platform—a space where Latin American priorities are not only heard but positioned as central to the global public policy agenda. As the UAE strengthens its partnerships with the region, the Summit acts as a bridge for deeper cooperation—anchored in mutual respect, shared challenges, and a desire to build inclusive growth.
Latin America represents not just an emerging voice—but an indispensable partner in reimagining global governance.
Are there specific success stories or innovations from Latin America that you believe the world can learn from and that could be highlighted in future Summits?
Absolutely. Latin America offers a growing portfolio of policy innovation. Argentina, despite economic volatility, has launched digital tools to improve transparency and public service delivery—reflected in its rise in the World Bank’s Government Effectiveness Index, scoring 0.1 in 2022, up from negative figures in earlier years. The Dominican Republic is setting a regional benchmark for digital public infrastructure, improving citizen access to health and education.
El Salvador stands out for its bold experimentation—becoming the first country to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender, while also achieving a dramatic drop in homicide rates from over 100 per 100,000 in 2015 to under 2 in 2023.
And these are just a few. Across the region, governments are testing new models—from participatory budgeting to digital ID systems—that deserve global attention. At the Summit, we aim to spotlight these examples not as prescriptions, but as proof that governance innovation knows no borders.
In your view, how can Latin American countries leverage platforms like the World Governments Summit to build stronger strategic partnerships with the Gulf region?
The World Governments Summit is an accelerator of trust. It offers a neutral, high-level platform where governments can explore not just bilateral ties, but multilateral frameworks for cooperation. Latin American countries can use the Summit to advance strategic dialogue around mutual priorities—such as climate resilience, food security, digital inclusion, and economic diversification.
Moreover, as both Latin America and the Gulf increasingly embrace innovation-driven growth models, the Summit can serve as a policy bridge—translating shared ambition into action through joint initiatives, knowledge transfer, and investment dialogues.
Latin American countries can use the Summit to advance strategic dialogue around mutual priorities—such as climate resilience, food security, digital inclusion, and economic diversification.
Finally, what message would you like to send to Latin American leaders, innovators, and institutions regarding the importance of contributing to global government dialogues?
Latin America’s voice is essential in reshaping the future of governance. The region brings bold ideas, pragmatic experimentation, and a grounded understanding of inclusive development. We need that perspective at the global table.
My message to Latin American leaders and institutions is this: the world is no longer waiting for permission to change—it’s already changing. Your insights, innovations, and leadership are not peripheral—they are central. The World Governments Summit is a space where you can not only contribute, but help define what comes next.
About WGS:
Since established in 2013, the World Government Summit (WGS) has consistently fulfilled its mission to shape the future of governance, fostering a more sustainable and equitable world for all.
Through dynamic partnerships with partners and stakeholders from both the Government and private sectors, the Summit has pioneered a revolutionary model for global collaboration.
By inspiring and empowering future leaders, it plays a pivotal role in equipping governments to address the emerging challenges of the modern era.
Driven by an unwavering commitment to innovation and transformative leadership, the Summit remains a powerful catalyst for redefining the ways in which governments can collaborate to create enduring, positive change on a global
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