SUVA- The Fiji Government is being represented at the World Governments Summit 2026 (WGS 2026) in Dubai by the Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Risk Management, Hon. Mosese Bulitavu, reaffirming Fiji's commitment to global engagement and forward-looking governance that delivers tangible outcomes for its people.
The Summit officially opened today at Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, and will run from 3-5 February 2026 under the theme "Shaping Future Governments." It serves as a premier international platform bringing together world leaders, policymakers, and innovators to deliberate on emerging global challenges and opportunities shaping the future of governance.
Minister Bulitavu is leading the Fiji delegation as Head of Delegation and is accompanied by His Excellency Siddiq Faizal Riyad Koya, Ambassador of the Republic of Fiji to the United Arab Emirates; Mr. Mitieli Cama, Acting Permanent Secretary for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Risk Management; and Ms. Salaseini Tunabuna, Permanent Secretary for Tourism and Civil Aviation. Fiji's participation reflects a whole-of-government approach to advancing national and regional priorities through strategic international partnerships.
The World Governments Summit 2026 has attracted more than 6,250 participants, including over 35 Heads of State and Government and more than 500 Ministers, with representation from over 150 governments worldwide. The opening sessions set the tone for high-level discussions on global governance reform, artificial intelligence, sustainability, human wellbeing, and long-term economic prosperity.
Across more than 445 sessions, the Summit is organised around six core thematic areas, including global governance and international cooperation, human wellbeing and inclusive development, economic resilience, future urban ecosystems, and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence. These discussions emphasise the urgency of building future-ready public sectors, accelerating sustainable development, and strengthening international cooperation in an increasingly complex global environment.
Fiji's participation at WGS 2026 provides an important opportunity to advance national interests while amplifying the collective voice of Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Through Minister Bulitavu's engagement, Fiji aims to strengthen bilateral relations with the United Arab Emirates, particularly in areas of climate resilience, renewable energy, disaster risk management, sustainable tourism, and rural and maritime development.
The Summit also allows Fiji to engage with global partners on disaster preparedness and climate adaptation strategies that are directly relevant to Pacific Island countries, while contributing to dialogue on inclusive, people-centred governance, digital transformation, and sustainable economic growth. These engagements are aligned with Fiji's development priorities and its commitment to resilience-building in the face of climate change and natural disasters.
In addition, Fiji will utilise the Summit platform to further discussions on deepening diplomatic ties with the United Arab Emirates, including progress toward the anticipated opening of the UAE's first Embassy in Fiji and the wider Pacific region. This development would mark a significant milestone in strengthening political, economic, and people-to-people relations between Fiji and the UAE.
The World Governments Summit seeks to chart a roadmap for a more equitable, resilient, and forward-looking global future through collaborative policymaking and innovation. Fiji looks forward to contributing meaningfully to these discussions and to forging partnerships that deliver lasting benefits for its people and the Pacific region.