DUBAI, Feb 4: The World Governments Summit is a leading global platform, an open laboratory for ideas, a live workshop for shaping solutions, and a bridge linking the ambitions of governments with the aspirations of peoples, said His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. In a speech at the World Governments Summit 2026, His Highness conveyed the greetings of His Highness the Amir, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, and His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, along with their best wishes for the success of the summit.

His Highness the Prime Minister expressed sincere appreciation to the UAE leadership, government, and people, for hosting the summit, praising the UAE’s distinguished model of fraternal, cultural and humanitarian relations with Kuwait. His Highness said that shaping the future of governments is important, but such visions must be actionable, stressing that the real challenge lies not in formulating aspirations, but in transforming them into decisions, policies and tangible results that directly impact people’s daily lives.

Recalling his address at the summit a year earlier on Kuwait’s future vision and global economic challenges, Sheikh Ahmad said that Kuwait today presents a reality shaped by determination, hard work and effective implementation, underscoring that future governments are built through action, not speeches. Over the past year, Kuwait has undertaken major reform steps to enhance financial stability, ensure fiscal sustainability, reform and diversify the national economy and increase private sector participation.

Among the most notable measures was the approval of the Financing and Liquidity Law to regulate public debt and financial obligations, alongside preparations to issue the first legislation governing sovereign sukuk locally and internationally in accordance with Islamic Sharia. These reforms, he noted, boosted international confidence in Kuwait’s economy, reflected in S&P Global Ratings upgrading Kuwait’s sovereign credit rating in November 2025 from A+ to AA- with a stable outlook

Kuwait translated this confidence into concrete action through a historic return to international debt markets with the issuance of USD 11.25 billion in sovereign bonds, full membership in the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, and achieving the highest development spending rate in five years, he added. Sheikh Ahmad stressed that such financial tools serve a broader objective of building a diversified, sustainable economy based on effective partnership with the private sector.

His Highness cited major infrastructure projects, including the contract for Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port, the inauguration of the new control tower and third runway at Kuwait International Airport, progress on the new passenger terminal scheduled to open in 2027, and advances in railway projects linking Kuwait with Riyadh as part of a broader GCC transport network. The Prime Minister also highlighted Kuwait’s success in fostering an attractive investment environment, reflected in the opening of Goldman Sachs’ office in Kuwait and Black- Rock obtaining a license to establish a local branch.

On energy, he pointed to strengthened partnerships in research, technology and knowledge transfer, including the 10th anniversary of cooperation with GE Vernova and the establishment of its regional technology center in Kuwait. He also announced new opportunities for global energy companies in major oil and gas projects, while maintaining full state ownership and sovereignty over resources.

On governance and public services, Sheikh Ahmad said future governments are measured not only by economic strength, but by service quality, noting progress in digital transformation, including the expansion of the “Sahel” app to more than 25 million transactions and the launch of integrated digital initiatives across government entities. During the past year, Kuwait introduced more than 50 legislative amendments, launched the Kuwait Visa platform, modernized residency systems and advanced tourism development, all within a comprehensive vision centered on economic diversification, effective governance, human capital investment and balanced openness to the world. His Highness stressed that Kuwait’s achievements stem from clear political will, bold decisions and rapid execution. “The future does not wait for the hesitant,” he said, stressing that Kuwait has chosen to shape its future, lead change and cooperate transparently with the world to build stable and sustainable development. (KUNA)