العربية World Government Summit: Innovation is the Key to Building Future Economies 17 February 2025 The World Government Summit (WGS) has transformed into a global hub for shaping the future of governance, solidifying the UAE’s position as a leading country in making the future. Driven by the vision of its wise leadership, the summit has made innovation and strategic planning a cornerstone of government work. With every new edition, the summit brings fresh discussions on the future of government, international cooperation, and solutions to economic challenges, further bolstering the UAE’s reputation as the capital of the future industry. But the WGS is more than just a gathering of governments. It is a platform for redefining the role of governments in an ever-changing world, where economic resilience is paramount, and technological transformations drive future progress. This year, the summit made one thing clear: thinking ahead isn’t a luxury anymore—it’s a necessity. As the world grapples with rapid shifts, from climate change and digital revolutions to economic volatility, the ability to anticipate, adapt, and act is what will define success. Governments must not only respond to change but be the architects of it. Against this backdrop, the Ministry of Finance presented an ambitious agenda at WGS, emphasising the need to strengthen public financial resilience, foster innovation in financial policies, and reinforce public-private partnerships. These are not just priorities; they are imperatives for building an economic system robust enough to navigate future crises and challenges. Additionally, WGS discussions deepened the global dialogue on the future of the economy, with the 9th Arab Fiscal Forum providing a key platform to address public finance sustainability in an era of uncertainty. The forum’s sessions stressed the importance of multilateral cooperation and the evolution of tax systems to align with major economic transformations. In this context, the UAE’s approach has emerged as a global model, promoting financial stability and economic sustainability through balanced policies that drive growth while ensuring fiscal discipline. The current economic shifts leave us with no options but to rethink and adapt our financial tools and policies to be more responsive to change. As a result, the Ministry of Finance prioritises international partnerships and innovative financial solutions to ensure sustainable economic growth. At the summit, we reaffirmed our commitment to driving positive economic transformations and collaborating with global partners to create more inclusive and sustainable financial policies. The challenges ahead are complex, but through collaboration and strategic foresight, we can create financial systems that are more inclusive, resilient, and capable of withstanding global disruptions. The summit also offered a unique opportunity to explore the future of economic collaboration among GCC countries. Panel discussions highlighted the need for deeper economic integration and strategic partnerships to realise sustainable development goals. With innovation at the heart of building future-ready economies, the summit shed light on the potentials of financial technology and how it can boost transparency and improve the efficiency of financial systems. Beyond financial resilience, sustainability was a key theme throughout the summit, with discussions highlighting the importance of formulating financial policies that take into account environmental and social factors and strike a balance between economic growth and the preservation of natural resources. The UAE is leading by example in this regard, with the Ministry of Finance playing a key role in supporting green initiatives and promoting sustainable investments that will benefit future generations. As the summit came to a close, one truth became even clearer: effective governance is not just about planning for the future. It’s about having the agility to adapt quickly to global transformations and establishing flexible financial policies that can support growth while maintaining stability. As such, the Ministry of Finance will continue to support these objectives, in line with the vision of our wise leadership, which has positioned the UAE as a global player in designing the future. Though the summit has ended, the mission continues. The future is not merely a topic of discussion; it is shaped through action, vision, and commitment. Here in the UAE, dialogue transforms into policy, and policy into tangible progress, fuelling the country’s economic development journey and inspiring global advancement. With strong foundations and a people-centred approach, we will continue to move forward with clarity and ambition, shaping a prosperous tomorrow with the knowledge and foresight of today. Mohamed bin Hadi Al Hussaini Minister of State for Financial Affairs
