This year's World Government Summit to be the 'biggest yet', says minister

Dubai - The World Government Summit will look at how governments play an important role in reinforcing the well-being of humans.

The aim of this year's World Government Summit (WGS) is to improve the lives and well-being of the seven billion humans on earth through focused dialogue on health, energy, education, food security and technology, among others.
Speaking at a dialogue session on Wednesday, Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and the Future and Chairman of the WGS, discussed the summit's agenda ahead of its seventh edition, which is set to take place from February 10 to 12.
He also revealed that the world's best minister will be announced, adding that the winner is from an Asian country.
"The WGS will look at how governments play an important role in reinforcing the well-being of humans. The world has suffered a lot due to the failure of governments, and these failures have created a burden on people and societies."
To face these issues and make the changes that are needed for a better future, Al Gergawi said the UAE government and governments around the world need to focus on key issues, including education, health and transportation.
"We need to be ready for these changes. Change is coming fast and the difference between a country's success and failure is simple. Those who have knowledge of this change and are looking to embrace it will succeed, and those who do nothing to move with the change will not," he said.
More than 6,000 visitors are expected at this year's WGS and it is set to host participants from 140 countries including 600 speakers, ranging  from heads of states, leading organisations, and makers of the future.
The three-day event will have 200 panel sessions along with 16 forums that aim to start a dialogue on issues of the future. Additionally, 20 reports will be launched during the WGS.
Al Gergawi said it will be "the biggest yet" with a big increase on numbers from the 2018 edition.
Additionally this year, the WGS will honour three guest countries: Estonia, Costa Rica and Rwanda.
"We aim to look at the experiences of these countries and their success in different areas that have proven to help and reach the people. Estonia is one of the best countries in Europe embracing technology. Costa Rica is a pioneer in quality of life using sustainability. And Rwanda is a country that, despite recently facing the challenge of civil war, is now a pioneer for sustainability."
Among some of the discussions taking place at the forums include dialogues for global happiness and well-being; the role of AI, including "positive and pessimistic" discussions; a discussion centred on Arab Youth and their political and social role; and gender balance. 
"One of the core highlights of this summit is to look at the skills that are needed to prepare future generations. We'll be questioning how information will be in the future in the midst of all these changes. And how we can best use that information to benefit the people."
KT NANO EDIT
For the greater good
Collective planning and collective efforts pay. Discussions and cooperation at the global front can offer solutions to problems staring at us in the face, and allow deeper engagements. The World Government Summit is a step in that direction, to engage and collaborate more in the region and beyond. It's an effort to start conversations that matter, take initiatives that deserve to be promoted, and uphold causes that is for the larger good of all.
kelly@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE