The World Green Economy Summit in Dubai: a key pillar in shaping the future of a sustainable economy

Since its launch in April 2014, the World Green Economy Summit (WGES), held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has established its position as a key platform for advancing the transition to a sustainable green economy and supporting sustainable development. This aligns with the UAE's pioneering journey and ongoing efforts in global climate action.

Organised by the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) and the World Green Economy Organization (WGEO), the summit provides a globally leading platform that brings together decision-makers, officials, experts, innovators and representatives from government organisations, the private sector and academia around the world. They convene to discuss policies and strategies, exchange expertise and best practices, and strengthen impactful partnerships in global sustainable development.

The 11th edition of the summit will be held on 1-2 October 2025 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, under the theme ‘Innovating for Impact: Accelerating the Future of the Green Economy’. The summit will focus on core themes, including technology and innovation, clean and renewable energy technologies, policy and regulation, finance, climate equity, climate adaptation and resilience, and youth in climate action.

HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, MD and CEO of DEWA and Chairman of WGEO, noted that the 11th WGES will focus on accelerating the transition to a global green economy by providing effective solutions to address climate change and supporting the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals 2030.

“The World Green Economy Summit is a significant milestone in the UAE's efforts to support global climate action and promote the transition to a green economy. It provides a pioneering platform that brings together governments, the private sector, academic institutions and civil society to discuss critical issues that keep pace with accelerating global developments in technology, energy, climate policy and urgent environmental challenges. This supports countries' commitments under relevant international agreements, contributes to driving momentum towards achieving global climate goals and builds more resilient, sustainable and just economic systems. It also leverages the role of youths as a key driver in shaping a sustainable future. This year's summit will focus on vital issues, including the role of artificial intelligence in enhancing energy efficiency and predicting environmental risks, the future of clean energy in light of the growing global demand, the evolution of carbon markets and financing mechanisms that ensure the comprehensiveness of the energy sector transformation,” said Al Tayer.

WGES over 11 years

10th WGES (2024)

The 10th edition of WGES was held under the theme ‘Empowering Global Action: Unlocking Opportunities and Advancing Progress’. It featured 22 sessions with the participation of a large number of speakers, including current and former heads of state, ministers, decision-makers, international experts, specialists and representatives from the public and private sectors. The summit highlighted key topics including decarbonisation, clean energy advancements, climate finance, the circular economy and using technology and AI to tackle climate change, as well as carbon markets, climate justice, smart agriculture, green hydrogen and youth in climate change.

The summit also witnessed the signing of several MoUs and international agreements, reflecting a broad international commitment to support the transition to a green economy and promote mutual climate action. It paved the way for COP29 by highlighting the UAE’s pioneering role in leading global efforts for sustainability and climate action. The summit showcased key initiatives such as the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park and green hydrogen projects, emphasised the importance of engaging youths and NGOs, and expanded public-private partnerships. It also called for investment in clean infrastructure and steps to foster innovation. The summit's outcomes emphasised the need to accelerate climate technology financing, expand the application of circular economy solutions and develop flexible legislative systems that support green growth, contributing to the achievement of sustainable development goals and net zero by 2050.

9th WGES (2023)

Held under the theme ‘Bridging the Gap to the Future: Advancing the Global Green Economy’, the ninth edition of WGES hosted a diverse cohort of stakeholders, empowering developing regions and encouraging global co-operation and public-private partnerships. It focused on the UAE’s priority areas for COP28, which the UAE hosted in the same year, including mitigation, adaptation, finance and loss and damage across key pillars. These included the green policy pillar, which focused on the global stocktake, global carbon market, national and corporate approaches, sustainable development goals and policies for a just green transition, as well as the green finance pillar, which focused on securing access to financing in low and middle-income countries, de-risking investments, financing technology, the global economic landscape and private sector solutions.

WGES 2023 also witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the World Green Economy Organisation (WGEO) and the United Cities and Local Governments of Africa (UCLG Africa) to foster sustainable development and green initiatives across the African continent. Additionally, WGEO announced during this edition that 86 countries had joined the Global Alliance on Green Economy (GAGE), with the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy launching the fifth edition of Emirates Energy Award (EEA) 2023–2025.

8th WGES (2022)

The 8th WGES 2022 was held under the theme ‘Climate Action Leadership through Collaboration: The Roadmap to Net-Zero’. The summit covered several topics, including clean energy and decarbonisation of existing energy systems, financing and attracting investments to achieve green development, and promoting sustainable mobility and transport networks. It also discussed legislation and strategy for environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) practices, and how the urban environment keeps pace with future changes. In addition, the summit covered innovative technologies that support the transition to a low-carbon future, as well as food security, youth engagement in climate action and making net zero a reality.

The summit witnessed the launch of the Global Alliance on Green Economy (GAGE), which aims to mobilise the efforts of participating countries to achieve green economy goals. This global partnership empowers climate action and sustainable development, contributes to enhancing the capacity of developing countries, supports their green economy transition projects and facilitates the exchange of knowledge and best practice.

7th WGES (2021)

The 7th edition of the summit was held under the theme ‘Galvanising Action for a Sustainable Recovery’. Its agenda covered innovation, energy, women’s role, youth and sustainability among other important topics. WGES 2021 concluded with the Dubai Declaration 2021, which acknowledged that a sustainable and green recovery should steer our efforts to rebuild the economy after the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as limit temperature increases to well below 2°C, aiming for 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels in line with the Paris Agreement. It highlighted the importance of inclusive partnerships in which governments, businesses and civil society are part of collective action for current and future generations. It encouraged further support for the low-carbon transition by developing a strategy and road map for green hydrogen in Dubai.

6th WGES (2019)

The 6th WGES, held under the theme ‘Innovative Technologies for a Sustainable Economy’, focused on three main pillars: sustainable development, international co-operation towards a green economy system and the adoption of innovative green solutions. Global leaders and decision makers attended the summit, which attracted around 4,000 participants, experts and opinion leaders in various fields of the green economy and sustainable development, including representatives of global markets from 78 countries. Sixty speakers led 14 seminars and discussion sessions.

The summit concluded with the announcement of the Dubai Declaration, which highlighted the importance of international co-operation in addressing global challenges and promoting sustainable development worldwide. The establishment of the Regional Co-operation Centre (RCC) for the Middle East and North Africa, as well as the hosting of regional ministerial conferences by the World Green Economy Organisation (WGEO) on the green economy to enhance co-operation between countries, reflects global efforts to advance a sustainable future.

5th WGES (2018)

The 5th edition of WGES was held under the theme ‘Driving Innovation, Leading Change’ and focused on three main pillars: green capital, digital transformation and leadership and social engagement. It also discussed the latest smart technologies and digital innovations that accelerate the shift towards a green economy and sustainable development. The summit identified mechanisms for optimal public-private partnerships by developing legislation and regulations that encourage investment opportunities in energy, water and infrastructure projects and improve service quality.

4th WGES (2017)

One of the most notable achievements of WGES 2017, held under the theme ‘Driving Innovation, Leading Change’, was the launch of the Green Fund by DEWA and National Bonds, with an initial value of AED 2.4 billion (USD 654 million). Moreover, WGEO launched the Countries Platform, with South Korea, Italy and the UAE as inaugural members. The fourth edition of WGES concluded with the announcement of the Fourth Dubai Declaration, reflecting the determination to make Dubai a global hub of the green economy.

3rd WGES (2016)

HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, launched the World Green Economy Organisation (WGEO) in collaboration with the UN Development Programme (UNDP) during WGES 2016, held under the theme ‘Driving the Global Green Economy’. The WGEO contributes to advancing the transition to a green economy and supporting countries and organisations seeking to implement their green strategies and plans. The summit also saw Dubai establishing a public-private partnership platform to facilitate and showcase innovative projects, partnerships and technologies related to the green economy.

2nd WGES (2015)

During WGES 2015, the annual Dubai Green Economy Report was launched, showcasing Dubai’s green economy projects and initiatives. The Dubai Supreme Council of Energy and UNIDO also signed an MoU to establish a regional R&D centre for sustainable energy.

The summit, held under the theme Global Partnerships, Sustainable Future, concluded with the Second Dubai Declaration, highlighting key objectives such as developing innovative financing solutions for the green economy, launching the Dubai Green Fund, accelerating green project development and enhancing investments in the emirate. The declaration also underlined Dubai’s commitment to fostering public-private partnerships and promoting co-operation among cities, service providers and financial institutions.

1st WGES (2014)

The 1st edition of WGES was held under the theme ‘Global Partnerships, Sustainable Future’. As the first green summit in the Middle East and North Africa, it aimed to foster new global partnerships to promote investment growth and green trade. The summit attracted prominent experts in energy, finance and business, as well as government leaders and international organisations. It facilitated dialogue to deliver practical recommendations that contribute to mitigating climate change effects and achieving sustainable development goals. This marked the beginning of an ongoing journey of contribution and achievement that continues to play an essential role in global efforts.