WORLD GOVERNMENT SUMMIT 2025

GS 2 – GOVERNANCE

The World Government Summit (WGS) 2025 began on February 10, 2025, in Dubai, UAE. This 12th edition of the summit is themed “Shaping Future Governments” and has witnessed unprecedented international participation, with over 30 heads of state and more than 400 ministers. The summit, running until February 14, hosts a series of forums and discussions on governance, innovation, and sustainable development.

Key Themes and Forums

The summit features multiple forums focusing on emerging global trends in governance and technology:

• Future of Work Forum – Examines changing workforce dynamics, automation, and skill development.
• Artificial Intelligence Forum – Discusses the impact of AI on governance, economy, and public services.
• Future of Mobility Forum – Explores technological advancements in transportation and their role in urban planning.

These forums facilitate high-profile discussions at the intersection of technology, governance, and societal needs.

Arab Fiscal Forum and Youth Engagement

The Arab Fiscal Forum, a key component of WGS 2025, focuses on fiscal policy reforms in response to global economic challenges. Discussions include:

• Subsidy reforms and their economic impact.
• Tax administration strategies for sustainable revenue generation.

Additionally, the summit hosts the Arab Meeting for Young Leaders, which fosters youth participation in governance. This platform connects decision-makers with young leaders, providing skills and insights for future leadership roles.

Global Dialogue and Future Trends

WGS 2025 serves as a crucial platform for global dialogue on governance and sustainable development. With over 200 interactive sessions and participation from leading global institutions, the summit addresses pressing governance issues. The discussions focus on shaping future policies and governance models in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.

 

GS 3 – ENVIRONMENT

GERMANWATCH REPORT ON EXTREME WEATHER EVENTS IN INDIA

India has faced significant consequences from extreme weather events over the past three decades. According to a report by Germanwatch, India ranked as the sixth-most affected country globally between 1993 and 2022. The report highlights 80,000 fatalities and economic losses amounting to around USD 180 billion, emphasizing the urgency of addressing climate change and its impact on vulnerable regions.

Overview of Extreme Weather Events

• India has witnessed over 400 extreme weather events since 1993, including floods, cyclones, and heat waves.
• Notable incidents include the Gujarat cyclone (1998) and the Odisha cyclone (1999).
• Floods affected a significant portion of the population, while storms caused the highest economic losses.

Global Context of Extreme Weather

• More than 9,400 extreme weather events globally have resulted in approximately 765,000 deaths and direct losses of nearly USD 4.2 trillion.
• The most affected countries include Dominica, China, and Honduras.
• The report highlights the disproportionate impact on nations in the Global South, where data collection is often insufficient.

Economic Implications for India

• The Asian Development Bank projects that India could face a potential GDP loss of 24.7% by 2070 due to climate change.
• Key contributing factors include rising sea levels and declining labor productivity.
• Storms accounted for 56% of India’s economic losses, while floods contributed to 32%.

Climate Risk Index Findings

• The Climate Risk Index shows that extreme weather events disproportionately impact lower-middle-income countries with limited adaptation capacities.
• The report calls for increased adaptation finance to help developing nations cope with climate challenges.

Urgency for Global Action

• The World Economic Forum identifies extreme weather events as the second-greatest global risk, following armed conflict.
• COP29 discussions emphasized the need for increased climate finance and stronger commitments from high-emitting nations to support vulnerable countries.