World Governments Summit 2026 to see largest international participation to date
The World Governments Summit (WGS) 2026 is set to record the largest international participation in its history, reinforcing its growing global influence and role as a platform for shaping the future of governance. The upcoming edition will convene world leaders, international organisations, and decision-makers, alongside several landmark global forums.
The Summit will welcome participation from more than 35 heads of state and government, delegations from over 150 governments, and leading global institutions. Among the prominent organisations taking part are the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, in addition to a wide range of global corporations and knowledge institutions.
WGS 2026 will host a series of high-level forums, including the New Silk Road Forum, the IFC-led Investment Forum for Latin America and the Caribbean, the 10th International Cooperation Conference held in collaboration with the Association of Caribbean States, and the Future of Economy Forum. These platforms aim to address emerging global economic and development priorities while fostering international cooperation.
A major highlight of the 2026 edition is the global debut of the World Laureates Summit (WLS) outside Shanghai, China. Taking place from 3 to 5 February, the Summit will be hosted in collaboration with the World Laureates Association and will bring together recipients of the Nobel Prize, Turing Award, Fields Medal, Great Arab Minds award, and other leading international scientific honours. The event will unite laureates and global leaders to advance science-driven solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges.
Notable confirmed participants include Michael Levitt, recipient of the 2013 Nobel Prize in Chemistry; Kip Thorne, winner of the 2017 Nobel Prize in Physics; and John Hopcroft, recipient of the 1986 Turing Award. The outcomes and recommendations of the World Laureates Summit will be announced during WGS 2026.
The World Governments Summit 2026 will be held from 3 to 5 February under the theme “Shaping Future Governments.” The programme will feature more than 320 sessions and host over 450 global figures, including presidents, ministers, policymakers, experts, and thought leaders. More than 100 international and regional organisations are expected to participate.
The agenda also includes 24 specialised global forums focused on anticipating future trends across key sectors, reflecting the Summit’s role as a forward-looking platform for global dialogue and policy innovation.
