SARA ALZAABI/AMEINAH ALZEYOUDI (DUBAI)
The World Governments Summit (WGS) 2026, which concluded on Thursday in Dubai, served as a key platform for the exchange of expertise, the forging partnership and the advancement of forward-looking policy dialogue aimed at enhancing governance, according to foreign delegates.
Speaking to Aletihad, they noted that the event continues to fulfil its purpose by addressing challenges facing humanity through its dialogue sessions and diverse engagements with a focus on harnessing innovation and technology for global good.
Lydia Lamisi Akanvariba, Minister of Public Sector Reforms of Ghana, described the summit as a space for learning and opportunity.
“This is an opportunity for me to share experience with my colleagues and government delegations, and for them to share their experience with me,” she said.
She also pointed to the summit’s role in economic engagement, noting her interest in meeting UAE investors to showcase investment opportunities in her country.
Alain Richardson, First Vice President of the Overseas Collectivity of Saint Martin, described the summit as “one of the most important and interesting summits” for the Global South and small jurisdictions.
He praised the UAE for providing “a means, a voice for this territory”, noting that Saint Martin is actively learning from the UAE’s experience in “technology, tourism, governance and education.”
“We truly look forward to partnership with the UAE government and its institutions,” he added.
Vidmantas Verbickas, Lithuania's Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, emphasised that his participation at WGS 2026 was an opportunity to further enhance Lithuania's ties with the UAE.
He said that the summit offered a valuable chance to discuss economic cooperation across a number of sectors directly with key counterparts from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Economy, as well as other institutions.
The talks centred on areas as food production, agriculture, sustainability, energy security, transport and logistics. Enhancing travel – particularly the introduction of direct flights between Vilnius and Dubai – also featured prominently in the discussions, he added.
Dr Esther Tumbare, CEO of Zimbabwe’s Friendship Bench, which provides community-based psychological interventions, said the summit offered a rare opportunity to elevate mental health on the global agenda.
“It is a great place to talk about the relevance of mental health in terms of economies, productivity, and the general well-being of people all over the world,” she added.