World Governments Summit 2026 opens in Dubai with record global participation

The World Governments Summit 2026 opened on Tuesday in Dubai under the theme “Shaping Future Governments,” marking the largest international participation in the summit’s history, according to the state-run WAM news agency.

The event is being attended by a distinguished group of heads of state and government, decision-makers and experts from around the world, WAM said.

The summit’s agenda aligns with major global shifts and rapid developments across vital sectors, offering what organizers described as a future-forward vision. It addresses key challenges and opportunities while outlining the role of governments in laying the foundation for community development worldwide.

More than 6,250 decision-makers and thinkers are convening at the summit, which aims to formulate shared strategies and visions to enhance governance and international cooperation.

Through a broad agenda of discussions and panels, the summit seeks to identify realistic and effective solutions to mounting global challenges, according to WAM.

The 2026 edition features what organizers described as the largest leadership participation since the summit’s launch. It is hosting more than 60 heads of state and government and their deputies, over 500 ministers, and representatives from more than 150 governments, alongside leading thinkers and global experts.

WAM separately said the summit will bring together more than 45 heads of state and government, over 15 deputy heads of state, more than 500 ministers and representatives from over 150 governments, marking the largest leadership participation in its history.

The summit’s agenda includes more than 445 sessions and over 450 global speakers, including heads of state, ministers, experts, thinkers and decision-makers.

More than 700 CEOs of major corporations are participating in the sessions, along with 87 laureates of prestigious global scientific awards, including the Nobel Prize, WAM said.

The gathering also includes over 80 international and regional organizations, as well as global and academic institutions.

The summit is expected to attract extensive media coverage. More than 840 international, regional and local journalists are attending, along with 44 media partners.

This year’s expanded program features 25 global forums and more than 45 ministerial and high-level meetings, according to WAM.

In addition to forums and meetings, the summit will issue 36 strategic reports in cooperation with international knowledge partners.

It will also launch the third edition of the Global Ministers Survey.

Honors to be awarded at this year’s summit include the Best Minister Award, the Most Reformed Government Global Award, the Dubai International Best Practices Award for Sustainable Development, and the Global Teacher Prize, WAM said.