World Green Economy Summit to discuss climate adaptation, resilience and the most pressing climate action issues

Under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the 11th edition of the World Green Economy Summit (WGES) will address many of the most pressing issues in climate action and carbon neutrality. The summit will explore strategies for adapting to the impact of climate change and innovative solutions to enhance climate resilience, reduce risks and increase everyone's ability to cope with the repercussions of global warming.

WGES will take place on 1-2 October at the Dubai World Trade Centre, under the theme ‘Innovating for Impact: Accelerating the Future of the Green Economy’. The summit is being organised by the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) and the World Green Economy Organisation (WGEO).

The summit will discuss forward-thinking policies and innovative solutions designed to turn the global challenges of climate change into unprecedented opportunities for sustainability and economic diversification. These efforts aim to support the crucial goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. The summit supports the Green Climate Fund, which was activated during COP28. It also supports the Paris Agreement to strengthen the global response to climate change.

As awareness grows among both large and small investors about the risks that climate change poses to their portfolios, WGES is gaining even greater momentum. Climate change will inflict losses to the global economy worth an annual USD 38 trillion by 2049 as extreme weather ravages agricultural yields, harms labour productivity and destroys infrastructure, according to researchers at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research.

Shaikha Mohammad Sharif, an energy professional at Masdar, said: ”The future of COP lies in adopting an implementation mindset – one that moves beyond pledges towards delivery. To truly advance global climate goals, it is crucial to ensure that climate action is responsive to socioeconomic realities, supports inclusive transitions and is rooted in international co-operation. This is how we move the needle from commitment to impact.”

Seneca Cottom, Head of Sustainability at Alshaya Group, said: “We can’t solve climate challenges with outdated strategies.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 innovation 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.”

Stwart Peña Feliz, Co-founder & CEO of MacroCycle Technologies, said: ”Circularity can only be achieved by bringing together all the stakeholders across the value chain. This event is a monumental opportunity to engage in fruitful conversations to achieve an economical pathway towards true circularity.”

Floriana Cimmarusti, Secretary General of Safe Food Advocacy Europe, 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.”

Neeshad Shafi, climate policy strategist, said: “Accelerating climate finance through carbon markets is key to unlocking scalable solutions for a just and green transition, particularly in emerging markets which face significant funding shortfalls.”

During WGES 2025, decision-makers, officials, experts, innovators and representatives from government institutions, the private sector and the academic community from around the world will discuss the importance of bridging the huge investment gap in renewable energy, resilient water supplies, early warning systems and climate-resilient infrastructure. They will also discuss strategies to improve agricultural practices, including the adoption of solar-powered irrigation systems, as well as measures to protect mangrove forests along the world's coastlines and support ecosystems and biodiversity. The summit will also highlight the need for financing to mitigate economic and non-economic loss and damage from extreme weather events (such as rising global temperatures, floods, wildfires, powerful storms and other natural disasters), along with climate justice and a serious commitment to reducing emissions, achieving net zero and exporting green technology to the most vulnerable and climate-affected communities.