World Government Summit in Dubai to Host 15 Global Forums in Late March

Mohammed Abdullah al-Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Chairman of the WGS Organization. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Mohammed Abdullah al-Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Chairman of the WGS Organization. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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World Government Summit in Dubai to Host 15 Global Forums in Late March

Mohammed Abdullah al-Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Chairman of the WGS Organization. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Mohammed Abdullah al-Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Chairman of the WGS Organization. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The World Government Summit (WGS) revealed it will host this year 15 forums to explore the most important global trends defining the next decade.

The Summit’s eighth edition, which will be held at the Expo 2020 Dubai at the Dubai Exhibition Center in late March, will bring together the world’s most prominent talents to discuss vital sectors and develop ideas and visions for a new future.

The WGS will host for the first time this year the Global Crypto Forum and the Global Metaverse Forum to discuss the most prominent global trends during the current decade.

It will also organize the first Arab Meeting for Young Leaders, the Arab Government Administration Forum, Cybersecurity in Aviation Forum, the Investopia Investment Summit, in addition to the TIME 100 Gala, and the Forbes 30 Under 30 Forum.

The WGS continues to host major forums that comprise key pillars for global communities and their future, namely: the Climate Change Forum, which focuses on the UAE hosting of the (COP28), and the Global Energy Forum, the Global Health Forum, the SDGs in Action, the Government Services Forum, the Women in Government Forum, and the Gender Balance Forum.

Mohammed Abdullah al-Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Chairman of the WGS Organization, said the Summit has become the largest global platform for shaping the future of governments.

His remarks were made in a speech delivered at the WGS Dialogue, which was held at the Museum of the Future in Dubai on Monday.

He said that the Summit – which will soon complete its first decade of operations – has “evolved into an incubator of innovative solutions at the decision and policymaking level, where ideas, knowledge and success stories are shared and transferred by pioneering government officials, leaders and industry experts.”

“We need to enhance the participation of young people – who make up two-thirds of the region’s population – in decision-making positions to provide a platform where their voice can be heard,” Gergawi said, noting that the Summit provides an annual platform for Arab youth to share their aspirations and future visions.

“WGS also witnessed the appointment of the UAE’s youngest minister of youth, the launch of youth councils and youth strategies, the creation of youth policies, and the launch of the Arab Youth Center to prepare a pioneering model for empowering the largest social segment in the Arab world,” he added.

Gergawi pointed out that hosting the Summit at Expo 2020 Dubai is symbolic of the UAE’s connected, forward-looking philosophy.

“Organizing WGS 2022 at Expo 2020 Dubai will make for an exceptional event,” he said.

“It will build on the achievements of this incredible expo which overcame unprecedented challenges and disruption to bring people together in the most challenging of times.”

“We are connecting the world’s greatest minds to create the future we all want,” he stressed.



Global Corporate Social Responsibility Forum to Kick off in Riyadh on Monday

A view of the Saudi capital Riyadh. (Getty Images)
A view of the Saudi capital Riyadh. (Getty Images)
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Global Corporate Social Responsibility Forum to Kick off in Riyadh on Monday

A view of the Saudi capital Riyadh. (Getty Images)
A view of the Saudi capital Riyadh. (Getty Images)

The Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development will hold in Riyadh on Monday the inaugural Global Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Forum under the patronage of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

The event, held under the theme "From Commitment to Impact", aligns with the Saudi Vision 2030 and the ministry's strategy to promote social responsibility by driving the Kingdom's development and building economic partnerships to foster a vibrant and collaborative society.

The forum will feature an extensive program that showcases local and international success stories, fosters communication among participants, and facilitates the exchange of insight and expertise in adopting sustainable policies globally.

Over 40 panel discussions led by more than 100 experts from 60 countries are planned during the forum. Participants include local and international ministers, private sector CEOs, experts, specialists, and decision makers.

Discussions will focus on the role social responsibility plays in aligning business strategies with the Saudi Vision 2030, global sustainability, and the role of modern technology toward reaching set goals.

The sessions will cover the use of AI to enable social responsibility and digital transformation, social responsibility in the industrial and financial sectors, corporate social responsibility initiatives that support the business environment and smart cities, and boost the global impact of corporate social responsibility.

The two-day forum will underscore Saudi Arabia's rising international status as one of the world's largest and fastest-growing economies.

According to the Global Competitiveness Report, Saudi Arabia ranks 16th globally in social responsibility, which makes it a leader in addressing global challenges.