World Government Summit to honour minister who best served their country during Covid-19 pandemic

Ministers within the UAE are not up for nomination

The Best Minister Award has previously been handed to four ministers from three continents. Ministry of Cabinet Affairs

The World Government Summit launched a special  version of its 'Best Minister Award' to recognise a leader who has taken significant steps in helping ease the fallout caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

As part of the World Government Summit programme, the winning candidate will be chosen based on their response to the pandemic, including initiatives implemented to help citizens in their country.

The title will be decided by a panel of judges in the UAE and ministers in the Emirates will not be up for nomination.

Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, said the award honours those with "exceptional ideas to serve humanity".

“The coronavirus pandemic has imposed unprecedented challenges on all governments around the world, forcing them to reshuffle their priorities, plans, and methods of work, and to take quick and timely decisions to keep pace with the changes and mitigate the risks and consequences of this global pandemic,” he said.

“After more than a year has passed since the pandemic, governments cannot continue working in traditional ways.

“They will need to focus on enhancing their readiness for future challenges by adopting the innovative concepts, and be proactive in all fields of work."

Launched by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, at the fourth edition of the summit in 2016, the 'Best Minister' award has been handed to four ministers from three continents.

This year's nominees will be evaluated based on the programmes they curated and launched to mitigate the impact of Covid-19.

The judges will make their final decision from a shortlist, with innovation, creativity and leadership all coming under the microscope.

The evaluating committee will include a selection of experts from international organisations, academia and the private sector. The title will be awarded to the winner on a date yet to be announced.