World Governments Summit And International Finance Corporation Strengthen Partnership For Sustainable Development Initiatives

The World Governments Summit Organisation (WGS) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) have taken a significant step in their collaboration by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This agreement aims to organise joint initiatives both in the UAE and globally. The MoU was signed by Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications, and Makhtar Diop, Managing Director of the IFC.

Present at the signing ceremony were Mohamed bin Hadi Al Hussaini, Minister of State for Financial Affairs, and Mohammed Yousef Al Sharhan, Managing Director of WGS. The MoU seeks to enhance strategic cooperation between WGS and IFC by expanding their collaboration to include new projects. A key initiative is the Annual Investment Forum focusing on Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), scheduled during the World Governments Summit in February 2026.

Al Olama highlighted that this new MoU extends a successful partnership between WGS and IFC. He noted that it focuses on creating future opportunities for nations by identifying promising sectors to advance development. This partnership aims to uplift societies and shape a better future for upcoming generations through strategic collaborations.

Makhtar Diop stated, "This partnership builds on our longstanding collaboration with the World Governments Summit to turn shared ideas into real investments — connecting capital with opportunity." He emphasised that their goal is to establish new investment corridors between the GCC and emerging markets like Latin America and the Caribbean, eventually expanding to Africa, Asia, and beyond.

The MoU aims to broaden cooperation between WGS and IFC across new areas while building on their existing successful partnership. This includes launching joint initiatives, exchanging knowledge, sharing best practices, and organising events within and beyond the UAE. These efforts are designed to amplify their positive global impact.

Diop also mentioned that "IFC’s ability to combine knowledge, capital mobilisation, and risk management makes it a trusted partner in unlocking investment opportunities across the Global South." This collaboration can strengthen the UAE’s global leadership while creating jobs and advancing sustainable development where it is most needed.

Future-Driven Visions

The agreement will facilitate joint organisation of forums and projects that empower economies through innovative tools. It aims to provide forward-looking solutions that accelerate development across vital sectors. The focus remains on enabling communities through future-driven visions that support sustainable growth.

This MoU builds upon a strategic partnership established in October 2022 between WGS and IFC. It was launched to enhance collaboration in finance, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development. By fostering global dialogue on these topics, they aim to contribute towards creating a better future for all involved parties.

The ongoing efforts by WGS are committed to expanding global partnerships covering vital sectors relevant to human life. These initiatives aim at empowering governments, organisations, and communities to adapt swiftly to global changes while enhancing preparedness for future challenges.

With inputs from WAM