The World Green Economy Summit (WGES) is set to return for its 11th edition, focusing on the role of climate policy in supporting sustainable global transformation. The event, which will take place on October 1-2, 2025 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, is organized by the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), and the World Green Economy Organization (WGEO). It operates under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
This year’s summit will address rapid changes in global energy markets, increased demand for data centers and artificial intelligence technologies, and ongoing efforts to achieve net zero emissions. The theme for WGES 2025 is ‘Innovating for Impact: Accelerating the Future of the Green Economy.’
HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, MD and CEO of DEWA and Chairman of WGEO said: “Thanks to the vision and directives of the wise leadership, the World Green Economy Summit continues to strengthen the UAE’s role as a global model in leading the transition to a low-carbon economy, based on innovation and effective international partnerships. Climate policies and legislation are a fundamental pillar to ensure and accelerate the sustainability of this transition, keeping pace with global challenges and changes, as well as enhancing investment opportunities in promising technologies. The summit is gaining increasing global importance as a strategic platform for formulating shared visions and strategies, guiding the path of the green economy internationally and driving climate action that positively impacts societies and economies around the world. It also consolidates the position of Dubai and the UAE at the forefront of global efforts to build a more prosperous and sustainable future for us and for generations to come.”
A central focus at WGES 2025 will be how climate policies shape priorities such as energy security, industrial strategy, and competitiveness in regions like Europe and North America. Recent data shows that investments in low-carbon energy worldwide grew by 11% in 2024 to reach $2.1 trillion USD; however, this represents only about one-third of what is needed annually between 2025-2030 to meet net-zero targets by mid-century. Most funding went toward established technologies like electrified transport or renewables while emerging solutions such as hydrogen or carbon capture received significantly less support.
The summit will also discuss developments in carbon markets. In 2024 alone, revenues from carbon pricing reached $117 billion USD globally with compliance market values totaling $1.169 trillion USD. There are now 75 carbon pricing instruments active worldwide covering roughly one-quarter of greenhouse gas emissions.
Speakers at WGES highlighted regional vulnerabilities as well as opportunities tied to climate action:
Najeeb Saab, Secretary General of AFED said: “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 fuels 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 does not save the environment or deal with long-term climate challenges.”
Naila Farouky from AFF commented: “The climate crisis demands regional solutions. With the first Arab Philanthropy Commitment on Climate Change, AFF is bringing together foundations, civil society and public and private actors to forge a unified response – one that centres local realities and long-term sustainability. This helps philanthropy in the Arab region meet its responsibility to back bold ideas, frontline communities and long-term solutions rooted in equity and care.”
Shaikha Mohammad Sharif from Masdar stated: “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.”
Engi Jaber from Climatize noted: “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.”
Craig Preston from Ducis remarked: “The global transition to green energy requires fundamental political, economic, technological and cultural change. No great change has been achieved without great leadership. We need to explore examples of where leadership has made the difference and , crucially , understand why? We can also learn important lessons from where change has gone wrong in past years ,and prepare ourselves ,as leaders ,to make sure we successfully lead our people into a hugely different future .”
Aditya Saraswat from Rystad Energy added: “Green hydrogen has faced setbacks ,yet it retains significant potential where right conditions exist .While renewables & gas ensure stable supply ,green hydrogen & ammonia will grow only when policy support ,local demand & competitive imports align .In sectors such as steel ,shipping & aviation this alignment could turn early promise into tangible momentum .India’s recent green ammonia auction demonstrates progress possible when policy partnerships & skilled people back ambition .”
WGES aims through its sessions not only at aligning national policies with international objectives but also at strengthening private sector involvement while promoting transparent governance reforms.
