• Seven comprehensive pillars bring together leaders and experts to accelerate climate action and strengthen the global green economy
• Dubai consolidates its position as a global bridge for dialogue and partnerships for a low-carbon future
The green economy is one of the essential pillars for confronting climate change and promoting global sustainability. It has become a top priority within international efforts and climate ambitions aimed at building a safe and sustainable future for generations to come. 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, is one of the most important international events in this field, leveraging innovation and cross-border partnerships to drive constructive dialogue and unite international efforts to accelerate the transition towards a low-carbon economy.
The summit, organised annually by the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) and the World Green Economy Organization (WGEO), 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 11th edition is an extension of the summit's journey, which has established itself as one of the world’s most prominent sustainability and climate action events. This year, it brings together decision-makers, government leaders, experts, researchers and entrepreneurs from around the globe to discuss the most innovative and effective solutions to accelerate the transition towards a green economy. The summit aims to forge strategic partnerships between the public and private sectors, as well as enable developing societies to benefit from green solutions and enhance international co-operation in confronting climate challenges, thus consolidating the position of the UAE and Dubai at the forefront of global efforts aimed at building a sustainable future.
“Under the vision and directives of the wise leadership, Dubai continues its mission to build a more sustainable future through the World Green Economy Summit, which has become a prestigious international platform that brings together decision-makers, experts and innovators from around the world to exchange visions and launch pioneering initiatives and partnerships. Since its inception, the summit has contributed to developing practical solutions that have supported the green transition regionally and globally, and has consolidated the UAE's position as a beacon of sustainability and a centre for constructive dialogue and joint action. Under the theme ‘Innovating for Impact: Accelerating the Future of the Green Economy’, the 11th summit will address integrated aspects that not only reflect the inclusiveness of the green economy but also enhance Dubai's position as a global bridge linking climate ambitions and economic opportunities, and as a platform capable of transforming challenges into opportunities for growth and prosperity,” said HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, MD and CEO of DEWA and Chairman of WGEO.
This year's summit sessions revolve around the following main pillars:
1. Technology and Innovation: Sessions will explore how cutting-edge technology is driving climate resilience and sustainability, with a particular focus on artificial intelligence (AI) and smart innovations. Discussions will highlight how the Internet of Things (IoT) and AI-powered solutions optimise renewable energy integration, enhance predictive analytics for environmental risk mitigation and improve carbon emissions monitoring. Additionally, the role of energy storage innovation and public-private collaboration in advancing green technologies will be examined, showcasing real-world AI-driven projects that align with long-term sustainability goals.
“To tackle climate change, we need practical and scalable solutions – and AI is already proving its value. From making renewable energy more efficient to predicting environmental risks and tracking carbon emissions, AI helps us act with greater speed and accuracy. At WGES, I look forward to sharing more on how AI is driving meaningful and profitable climate action and supporting the global push towards a more sustainable future and economic growth,” said Anand Verma, founder and CEO of ExpectAI and one of the speakers at WGES 2025.
Dr Amalia Pantazidis, President of Lummus Consultants International, highlighted AI’s potential to transform every aspect of the energy transition.
“With AI, we can optimise the performance of key sectors of the energy value chain – including renewable power, refining and petrochemical production – to make complex, carbon-intensive industrial operations more sustainable. Predictive maintenance, real-time optimisation, smart forecasting and other digital tools are not just improving efficiency. They're making clean energy more reliable, economic and accessible. At Lummus, we are integrating AI and digital solutions to help our customers unlock new levels of energy efficiency, waste reduction, resilience and lower emissions,” said Dr Pantazidis, one of the speakers at WGES 2025.
2. Clean and Renewable Energy Technologies: As global energy demands surge, particularly with the rise of AI-driven data centres, this pillar explores innovative solutions to meet sustainability goals. Discussions will cover the role of renewable energy in supporting the clean power needs of technology giants. They will also explore the viability and challenges of scaling up the green hydrogen economy and the growing demand for critical minerals essential for renewable energy and electrification. With a focus on ethical sourcing, investment acceleration and technological advancements, these sessions will examine the pathway to a resilient and sustainable energy future, and discuss the latest developments in energy storage technologies.
“Green hydrogen has captured global imagination but imagination alone won’t decarbonise heavy industry or fuel our future. To move from MOUs to megawatts, and to start building a new energy economy, we must move from pilot projects to scalable deployment, with bold policies, bankable offtake agreements and regional co-operation, turning ambition into reality,” said Elie Adaimy, Group Director of Business Development, Technology and Innovation at Gulf Cryo Group, and one of the speakers at WGES 2025.
Jessica Scopacasa, co-founder of Olive Gaea and one of the speakers at the summit, emphasised that the urgency of the climate crisis is escalating, adding that action must follow.
“AI offers a powerful path to accelerate decarbonisation and make sustainability a true source of value – not just a reporting exercise. But we must build and use it ethically, transparently and with long-term impact in mind,” said Scopacasa.
3. Policy and Regulation: These sessions will explore the dynamic shifts in climate policy and regulations, examining how competing priorities such as energy security, industrial policy and global competitiveness shape decision-making in key markets like the EU and the US. Discussions will highlight the resilience of renewable energy investments despite regulatory uncertainty, as well as the expansion of global carbon markets and the implications for trade and industry, and the evolving role of COP in advancing international climate agreements. With a focus on policy alignment, private sector engagement and governance reforms, these sessions will assess the future of climate policy in driving sustainable economic growth.
“Achieving carbon neutrality is imperative in the fight against climate change, to which the Arab region is particularly vulnerable. This requires a transition away from fossil fuel extraction and consumption. Leading Arab oil-producing countries have been diversifying their economies, including huge investments in renewable energy and efficiency, and technological innovations for cleaner use of fossil fuels. Hosting WGES in Dubai is a manifestation of this genuine commitment. Ultimately, the green economy is rooted in sound resource management, which respects nature’s regenerative capacity. Defying nature might buy time but it does not save the environment or deal with long-term climate challenges,” said Najib Saab, Secretary General of the Arab Forum for Environment & Development, and one of the speakers at WGES 2025.
Engi Jaber, Associate Partner – Sustainability at +impact and Head of Climatize, said climate policy is no longer evolving in a vacuum.
“It’s being shaped by a complex interplay of priorities – from energy security to economic resilience and industrial growth. As governments recalibrate their strategies, businesses must stay agile and engaged, not only to remain compliant but to lead in a landscape where sustainability and competitiveness are increasingly intertwined,” said Jaber, one of the speakers at this year’s summit.
4. Finance: These sessions will explore the financial mechanisms driving the green transition, addressing key challenges in scaling up renewable energy, financing climate solutions and ensuring credibility in carbon markets. Discussions will examine innovative strategies for overcoming barriers to renewable energy deployment, in addition to exploring the evolving role of voluntary carbon markets in achieving net-zero goals and how private sector investment aligns with international climate commitments. By highlighting case studies, regulatory considerations and emerging financial instruments, these sessions will provide a road map for mobilising capital towards a resilient and sustainable global economy.
“As the IMF projects 3% global growth in 2025, the USD 7.9 trillion green economy is surging ahead. It is growing by 15% a year and drawing USD 2.2 trillion in clean energy investment. The Middle East’s USD 3.8 trillion sovereign wealth funds are leading the charge, and the UAE is reaching nearly 28% in renewables, showcasing what ambitious commitments can achieve. The race towards a sustainable future is on, yet 31% of investors remain held back by policy uncertainty. Our real task is not choosing between energy security and climate action; it is building bold, integrated policies that successfully unlock both,” said Jaison John, founder of Avia & Co and one of the speakers at the summit.
Rahul Ghosh, Managing Director and Global Head of Sustainable Finance at Moody's Ratings, said the Middle East faces an annual energy transition investment gap of USD 168 billion by 2030.
“Debt capital markets will play an important role in bridging the gap and we expect greater issuance from governments and companies across the region to fund transition assets and activities,” said Ghosh, one of the speakers at WGES 2025.
5. Climate Equity: These sessions will focus on the disproportionate effects of climate change on vulnerable communities, particularly in the areas of health, food security and water access. Speakers will examine the increasing risks posed by extreme heat, air pollution and resource scarcity, while highlighting innovative solutions such as AI-driven smart farming, agrivoltaics and advanced water management technologies. With an emphasis on sustainability, resilience and cross-border collaboration, these sessions will explore strategies to ensure equitable access to essential resources in a changing climate.
“In Madagascar, climate justice is part of our everyday struggle. It means standing with those who lose their harvests to drought, their homes to floods and, too often, their future to indifference. The green transition must be just – or it will fail. It must restore fairness, protect the vulnerable and create opportunities where they are needed most. At this year's WGES, I will carry the voice of those the world forgets – and show how Madagascar is turning adversity into leadership, and resilience into lasting change,” said HE Max Andonirina Fontaine, Madagascar’s Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development, and one of the speakers at WGES 2025.
Dr Tarifa Alzaabi, Director General at the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA), said achieving a truly green economy requires solutions grounded in science, innovation and global collaboration.
“At ICBA, we transform advanced scientific research into practical strategies that strengthen climate-resilient agriculture, safeguard water and food security, and empower communities in the world’s most arid and saline regions. WGES provides an invaluable platform to advance these conversations and accelerate collective climate action,” said Dr Alzaabi, one of the speakers at the summit.
6. Climate Adaptation and Resilience: These sessions will explore strategies to help societies adapt to the escalating effects of climate change while ensuring a just and equitable transition. Conversations will address the complexities of loss and damage, highlighting recovery efforts through nature-based solutions, early warning systems and resilience metrics. Additionally, the role of climate justice in securing energy affordability, protecting vulnerable communities and balancing economic development with sustainability will be examined. Through innovative adaptation approaches and international collaboration, these sessions will focus on building a more resilient and fair future in the face of climate challenges.
“We can’t solve climate challenges with outdated strategies. Sustainability is no longer a tick-box exercise; it creates business opportunities to leverage smart technologies, circular economy principles and energy innovations that will directly impact the bottom line and protect natural resources. The leaders who will excel during this time are those who take bold action and embrace collaboration across sectors and industries to align technology, strategy and purpose. These leaders will use green innovation to drive economic growth and environmental progress,” said Seneca Cottom, Head of Sustainability at Alshaya Group, and one of the speakers at WGES 2025.
Floriana Cimmarusti, Secretary General of Safe Food Advocacy Europe and one of the speakers at the summit, said: “Over one quarter of global GHG emissions come from food systems, including land use, processing and transport. We must work to create shorter food chains that protect consumers and the environment alike.”
7. Youth in Climate Action: These sessions will explore the role of young people in driving climate solutions through technology, entrepreneurship and activism. Discussions will also address the growing demand for conscious and sustainable capitalism, highlighting the influence of younger generations in shaping a greener future.
“We inhabit one interconnected world. Its resources are not without end and its ability to withstand humanity’s assault is not unlimited. Each individual from each country must bear this in mind as [their nation] seeks to develop,” said HE Flavien Joubert, Minister of Agriculture, Climate Change and Energy in the Seychelles, and one of the speakers at WGES 2025.
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