Future-ready Governments Defined By Tangible Outcomes, Kuwait PM Says At World Governments Summit 2026

Kuwait’s Prime Minister, H.H. Sheikh Ahmed Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, used the World Governments Summit 2026 to state that governments should be judged by the concrete services and outcomes delivered to people, not by statements or documents, stressing that such a results-based approach defines how future public administrations need to operate.

Sheikh Ahmed Al-Sabah told delegates that real change relies on decisive leadership, strong institutions, and implementation that matches commitments, while stressing that cooperation between public and private sectors is essential so that government programmes move from concept to practice and create measurable progress for citizens and investors.

The Prime Minister explained that Kuwait has already begun translating past visions into reality, pointing to reforms launched after his address at the previous summit, where he had focused on ideas for the future, and noting that Kuwait is now presenting implemented measures that aim to secure long-term financial stability and sustainable growth.

Among the main steps, Sheikh Ahmed Al-Sabah highlighted the approval of the Financing and Liquidity Law, which sets a legal framework for handling public debt and obligations, and he said Kuwait is nearing adoption of its first law for issuing sovereign sukuk, both locally and abroad, aligned with Islamic sharia to improve medium and long-term fiscal planning.

These reforms, according to Sheikh Ahmed Al-Sabah, helped restore international confidence in Kuwait’s financial management, supporting the country’s return to global debt markets through the issuance of $11.25 billion in sovereign bonds, achieving full membership in the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, and recording the highest development spending level in five years.

He stressed that Kuwait is targeting a diversified and sustainable economy by creating deeper partnerships with the private sector, and he linked fiscal reforms to broader structural changes designed to encourage private investment, expand non-oil income sources, and support projects that can generate employment and support stable economic cycles.

World Governments Summit 2026, infrastructure plans and regional context

Sheikh Ahmed Al-Sabah outlined a priority programme to build an integrated transport and logistics system that would reposition Kuwait as a regional gateway, mentioning the contract signed to construct Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port on Boubyan Island, a multi-phase maritime hub meant to expand trade capacity and serve as a core element of Kuwait’s Vision 2035.

He added that infrastructure upgrades include the new control tower and third runway at Kuwait International Airport, continuing work on the new passenger terminal, signed contracts for studies and designs of the national railway project, and ongoing progress on the rail link between Kuwait and Riyadh, forming an interconnected sea, air, and land transport network.

The Prime Minister said these projects are designed to support economic diversification, supply-chain integration, and sustainable development, and he noted complementary efforts to build a predictable, investment-friendly environment by seeking partnerships in energy, research, technology, and knowledge transfer, with the aim of reinforcing Kuwait’s role within regional and global economic systems.

Addressing current geopolitical conditions, Sheikh Ahmed Al-Sabah called for calm dialogue and rational approaches to regional and global crises, expressing particular hope for peaceful outcomes regarding Iran and related negotiations, which he said influence security and stability both within the region and internationally.

Warning against reliance on short-term fixes, he stated: "The world cannot be governed by temporary solutions. It needs a stable international order based on clear rules," adding that the absence of order creates unpredictable and possibly dangerous scenarios, which can affect investment flows, trade routes, and overall development agendas.

Sheikh Ahmed Al-Sabah expressed appreciation to the UAE leadership, government, and people for hosting the event, describing the summit as a global meeting point where ideas are tested and policy responses are examined, and he also welcomed the special recognition given to Kuwait during the "UAE and Kuwait… Brothers Forever" week held from January 29 to February 4.

The Prime Minister stated that Kuwait’s recent progress is supported by a clear political will, willingness to take firm decisions, and fast execution of agreed plans, and he linked these factors to the country’s wider vision for a future-ready state aligned with the discussions at the World Governments Summit 2026 on "Shaping the Governments of the Future."

The World Governments Summit 2026 runs for three days until February 5 and hosts more than 60 heads of state and government and deputies, over 500 ministers, representatives from more than 150 governments, more than 80 international and regional organisations, over 700 CEOs, and more than 6,250 participants, reflecting its scale as a government and business policy forum.

With inputs from WAM