The World Governments Summit 2026 opened in Dubai of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Tuesday, drawing a record number of world leaders, government ministers, and key policymakers to discuss issues surrounding global governance at a time of significant geopolitical turmoil.
The three-day summit has brought together more than 60 heads of state and government and their deputies, as well as over 500 ministers, and representatives from more than 150 nations, according to organizers, making this the largest ever gathering since the event's inception back in 2013.
Held under the theme "Shaping Future Governments," attendees will conduct in-depth discussions around five core topics -- global governance and effective leadership, societal wellbeing and capacity building, economic prosperity and emerging opportunities, urban futures and evolving demographics and future realities and next frontiers.
More than 6,000 participants are taking part in the event, which focuses on future governance, international cooperation, trade, and climate change. Organizers say the agenda has been designed to address pressing global economic, technological, and social challenges.
A primary focus within the broader field of economic governance remains the resilience and management of global supply chains, which have already faced disruption over the last year in the wake of U.S. tariffs and other challenges.
John Denton, Secretary General of the Paris-based International Chamber of Commerce, praised China's efforts in maintaining the stability of global supply chains amid these difficulties. He said he frequently attends the China International Supply Chain Expo in Beijing, the world's first state-level expo dedicated to global supply chains.
"I participate on an annual basis in the supply chain conference in China, and one of the points we always make there is that if you want that supply chain to function properly you need to ensure that it's resilient. And increasingly, what we are trying to help is encouraging access on the basis that there will be sustainable supply chains, so that there will be investment in green supply chains, etc. And that's actually important for developing and emerging economies, their ability to participate that in that as well. And I see an openness in China to engage in that discussion, and I see evidence of that happening on the ground as well," said Denton.
The Dubai summit also features 24 global forums, and is hosting multiple thematic discussions covering areas such as global trade and logistics, artificial intelligence and future technologies.
Organizers also note the event will feature dozens of high-level ministerial meetings and the release of a series of research reports developed in coordination with international partners.
World Governments Summit opens in Dubai with record int'l participation
