First lady to represent PH at World Govts Summit

FIRST lady Liza Araneta-Marcos will represent the Philippines at the World Governments Summit 2025 in Dubai this month, Malacañang said. In a text message, Presidential Communications acting Secretary Cesar Chavez said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. would not be joining the first lady during the summit. In a Facebook post, Araneta-Marcos shared a photo of a preliminary meeting at her office in preparation for her attendance at the summit. In another post on her official Instagram account, the first lady expressed enthusiasm about participating in the international gathering. "Excited and [a bit nervous] when I received the invitation to be part of the World Governments Summit in Dubai two weeks from now," Araneta-Marcos said. "We discussed several MOAs (memoranda of agreement), including the progress of our Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), so as to advance the mutual prosperity of both our countries," she added. The World Governments Summit 2025 is scheduled from Feb. 11 to 13. It has been recognized as a global benchmark for improving government work and formulating long-term strategies for constructive international cooperation. The summit is expected to host over 6,000 attendees, including over 200 speakers and representatives from over 80 international, regional, and intergovernmental organizations. It is slated to have over 110 interactive sessions and workshops. The program will focus on shaping a better future for humanity and will highlight six main thematic conversations. The thematic conversations include effective governance and accountability; financing the future and the global economy; climate, crisis, mitigation and resilient cities; human-centric futures and capacity building; global health transformations; and emerging frontiers and the future. This year's World Governments Summit carries the theme "Shaping Future Governments."