• ADFD participates in WGS 2017 activities 
• His Excellency Al Suwaidi: Summit will build solid partnerships and align goals towards enhancing tomorrow’s world

Abu Dhabi-UAE: 12 February, 2017:  In the role of strategic partner, Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) attended and participated at the fifth edition of the World Government Summit (WGS) 2017, running under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

Themed ‘Shaping Future Governments’, WGS 2017,  has drawn participation from 139 countries and the largest international organisations and global institutions to discuss challenges and opportunities such as globalization, education, health, sustainable development, innovation, youth and happiness - to empower governments with greater insights to enhance the future for their people and the world at large. 

His Excellency Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director General of ADFD, said: “ADFD’s involvement in the fifth addition of the World Government Summit is aimed at supporting our wise leadership’s efforts to bring together key decision-makers, innovators, ministers, private and public sector representatives, experts and futurists, to examine the world’s most pressing challenges and identify solutions as well as examine best practices to deal with them. WGS will help build solid partnerships and align goals towards enhancing tomorrow’s world.”

“WGS 2017 will focus on shaping the future of governments in accordance with sustainable development work. Governmental bodies, non-profit organisations, international institutions and the private sector will lead deliberations and share insights on the how to improve infrastructure, processes and long-term goals to guarantee achieving a fruitful future for people- wherever they may be.”

Moreover, ADFD has sponsored the first-of-its-kind Arab Youth Forum held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs. Running in parallel to the WGS 2017, the forum is convening 150 Arab youth representatives from 22 countries. In collaboration with youth organizations, UAE embassies across the region selected the attendees for their academic and work achievements as well as their positive contribution to society.

“The purpose of the Arab Youth Forum is to engage Arab youth in an open dialogue and create a vision that will help achieve sustainable development, stability and prosperity in their  countries.”

His Excellency Al Suwaidi added: “This is no doubt the need of the hour, and we are delighted to partner with WGS in supporting such an important initiative.”
As part of the forum, representatives of local and international youth organizations across the Arab world are participating in discussion circles to address a wide range of issues related to youth involvement in decision-making. The UAE has led the charge in enabling Arab youth to excel, grow and attain their aspirations for a better future.