World Governments Summit redefines global relations empowering South America

The World Governments Summit (WGS) serves as a critical platform for fostering international cooperation and dialogue among nations.

While the summit held in Dubai from 11 to 13 February highlighted various global challenges, the ongoing focus now shifts to South America as it seeks to redefine its role in international relations.

A focal point of the February 2025 WGS was the vision for the future presented by President Luis Abinader of the Dominican Republic.

His dialogue emphasised the importance of strengthening cooperation between countries in the Global South, particularly between the Arab world and South America.

President Abinader outlined his country’s strategic orientations, underscoring the significance of tourism, trade, and innovation for sustainable development. He introduced a transformative leadership model for the Dominican Republic that encourages strategic investment to drive growth.

Building on the discussions held at the WGS, a forthcoming High-level Regional Dialogue is scheduled for 28-29 October in Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic.

This dialogue will focus on collaboration priorities with South America and the Caribbean, particularly addressing high-priority issues in the transport sector, which is essential for economic development and regional integration.

Stakeholders will engage in discussions about key challenges and opportunities, aiming to develop actionable strategies to enhance transport infrastructure in the region. This dialogue seeks to empower nations in the Global South by prioritising regional needs and sustainable transport solutions.

The upcoming dialogue will explore sustainable transport solutions aimed at minimising environmental impact while ensuring economic viability. Participants will discuss the adoption of green technologies and practices that align with global sustainability goals.

Additionally, modernising transport systems through technological advancements is crucial, with an emphasis on integrating smart technologies and data analytics to enhance safety and improve the overall user experience.

Enhancing ties within the Global South

The cooperation established at the WGS, alongside the interactions between countries in South America and the Caribbean, aims to enhance ties and promote collaboration within the Global South.

The dialogue will facilitate the exchange of experiences and collaborative solutions to common challenges, empowering local governments and stakeholders to implement effective measures for development.

Establishing integrated transport networks among countries in the region is a key topic, as it facilitates trade and mobility. Addressing cross-border transport issues and optimising logistics will be significant aspects of the discussions. Partnerships between governments and private sector stakeholders will be essential for mobilising resources and driving innovation in the transport sector.

The WGS includes South America through various regional initiatives and partnerships, notably with organisations like the Association of Caribbean States (ACS) and the Latin American Centre for Public Administration. These collaborations aim to enhance regional representation and foster stronger ties among governments.

High-level meetings have been held in South American countries, including Mexico and Colombia, where WGS representatives presented the summit’s objectives to government officials and discussed avenues for future cooperation.

South American ministers and high-ranking officials have actively participated in WGS roundtables, focusing on critical issues such as government digitalisation, innovation, and artificial intelligence (AI) during the 2025 event.

The WGS’s goal of "Shaping Future Governments" reflects its commitment to engaging with Latin American and Caribbean governments to explore innovative solutions for shared challenges.

By bringing together diverse government representatives from these regions, the summit fosters a global dialogue on effective governance and collaborative strategies.

As these discussions unfold, the focus remains on fostering collaboration and developing solutions that meet the evolving needs of the region, ensuring sustainable growth and prosperity for all involved.