The World Government Summit (WGS) 2026 announced a new set of global initiatives to recognize government reform, ministerial leadership and policy innovation. In partnership with PwC Middle East, the Summit launched the third edition of the Global Ministerial Survey and the ninth edition of the Best Minister Award. At the same time, WGS unveiled the Global Most Reformed Government Award, awarded for the first time in partnership with EY.
The announcements were made in the presence of Mohammad Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Chairman of the World Government Summit Organization. During the ceremony, Ohood Khalfan Al Roumi, Minister of State for Government Development and the Future and Vice-President of the World Government Summit Organization, signed a cooperation agreement with Hani Ashkar to launch the ninth edition of the Best Minister Award.
Al Roumi also signed a separate cooperation agreement with EY Partner – Client and Industries Firas Qoussous to present the world’s first Most Reformed Government Award. Furthermore, Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Working Applications and Vice-Chairman of the World Government Summit Organization, signed another agreement with Ashkar to launch the third edition of the Global Ministerial Survey.
World Most Reformed Government Award
The new Global Most Reformed Government Award recognizes governments that have implemented critical and measurable reforms in institutional structures, processes and policies, generating tangible economic value while building transparency and citizen trust.
The award is designed to champion excellence in governance, accountability and quality service delivery, and to highlight transformative and scalable innovations based on evidence and data. It evaluates reforms based on efficiency, responsiveness to challenges and measurable social impact, while encouraging continuous improvement and knowledge exchange in the public sector.
Launched as part of the World Government Summit, the award is described as the first of its kind globally, consolidating key dimensions of public sector excellence – transparency and accountability, governance, digital transformation, citizen-centric innovation and system-wide contribution – into a single global benchmark.
Global survey of ministers
The Global Ministerial Survey aims to gather the views of ministers around the world on the most pressing global challenges, serving as a platform for dialogue, collaboration and coordinated responses.
The survey’s findings play a central role in identifying development priorities and shaping public policy, while enabling governments to work together on more effective and forward-looking solutions to shared global challenges.
Best Minister Award
The Best Minister Award recognizes ministers who have demonstrated exceptional leadership in tackling complex challenges with digital solutions, cutting-edge technologies and forward-thinking strategies.
The award recognizes successful and scalable initiatives that have made a positive social impact through resilience, preparedness, innovation and foresight. It also highlights a strong commitment to quality and transparency in governance, while recognizing ministers who inspire their peers and service providers, fostering a culture of innovation and knowledge exchange.
“Transformative Milestones”
Speaking at the launch, Al Roumi said the Best Minister Award reflects the Summit’s core mission. “The Best Minister Award recognizes government leaders who have achieved transformational milestones that have contributed to improving the effectiveness of the public service and ensuring the sustainability of government policy.
Rami Nazer, Head of Clients and Markets and Head of Government and Public Sector EMEA at PwC Middle East, said: “The Global Government Summit continues to serve as a valuable platform for governments to exchange ideas and shape the future of public service. PwC is proud to support this mission through our long-term engagement with the Summit and through initiatives such as the Global Ministerial Survey.
Mona Abou Hana, Director of Business and Networks at PwC Middle East, added: “At its core, effective government is about people, leadership and capacity. We are proud of our partnership with the World Government Summit, the thought leadership we publish, and the various initiatives we engage in that help strengthen these foundations and help governments address increasing complexity and achieve meaningful results for communities.
At EY, Qoussous said: “At EY, we believe that transformation is the cornerstone of progress. Governments around the world face complex challenges that demand bold and innovative action. He added: “The Global Most Reformed Government Award honors those who lead with vision, implement impactful reforms and set new benchmarks for governance excellence. EY is proud to partner with the Global Government Summit to celebrate these trailblazers who are shaping a better working world for all.