The World Green Economy Summit (WGES) is set to take place on October 1-2 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The event, now in its 11th edition, will be held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Organised by the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), and the World Green Economy Organisation (WGEO), WGES aims to address urgent issues related to climate action and carbon neutrality.
This year’s summit carries the theme ‘Innovating for Impact: Accelerating the Future of the Green Economy’. Participants will discuss strategies for adapting to climate change, enhancing resilience, reducing risks, and improving global responses to environmental challenges. The agenda includes discussions on forward-thinking policies and innovative solutions intended to transform climate change challenges into opportunities for sustainability and economic diversification.
The summit aligns with international efforts such as the Paris Agreement by supporting actions that limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. It also supports initiatives like the Green Climate Fund activated during COP28.
Investor awareness about climate-related risks is growing as research from the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research projects annual global economic losses of USD 38 trillion by 2049 due to extreme weather affecting agriculture, productivity, and infrastructure.
Shaikha Mohammad Sharif, an energy professional at 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.”
Seneca Cottom, Head of Sustainability at Alshaya Group, commented: “We can’t solve climate challenges with outdated strategies.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 remarked: “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, a climate policy strategist added: “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 attendees—including decision-makers from government institutions as well as private sector representatives—will examine topics such as closing investment gaps in renewable energy projects; building resilient water supplies; improving early warning systems; developing climate-resilient infrastructure; advancing agricultural practices like solar-powered irrigation; protecting mangrove forests; supporting biodiversity; financing loss mitigation from extreme weather events; addressing climate justice; reducing emissions; achieving net zero targets; and exporting green technology especially toward vulnerable communities affected by climate change.
