Image Credit : WAM
President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has presented Santiago Peña Palacios, President of the Republic of Paraguay, with the Most Reformed Government Global Award, one of the highest honours of the World Governments Summit.
The award was conferred during the World Governments Summit 2026, being held in Dubai from February 3 to 5, with wide participation from heads of state, government leaders, and senior officials from around the world.
Sheikh Mohamed emphasised that advancing government capabilities is a strategic priority for countries seeking to navigate an increasingly complex and fast-changing global landscape. He said this requires governments to strengthen their ability to anticipate change and stay ahead of rapid transformations through operational frameworks grounded in efficiency, excellence, innovation, and proactivity. Such an approach, he added, enables governments to deliver lasting value to their societies and secure a prosperous future for coming generations.
He further noted that the World Governments Summit reflects the UAE’s vision of creating an open global platform for dialogue, partnership-building, and the exchange of knowledge and expertise. The summit, he said, celebrates outstanding government experiences worldwide and highlights innovative models that have driven progress and delivered meaningful transformations for people’s present and future.
“I congratulate the Republic of Paraguay and President Santiago Peña Palacios on this well-deserved recognition,” Sheikh Mohamed said. “Paraguay has set an inspiring example of advancing government performance through efficiency, excellence, innovation, transparency, and good governance. I wish Paraguay, and all nations, continued success in serving their societies and driving sustainable prosperity.”
The ceremony was attended by Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, along with a number of Sheikhs, ministers, senior officials, and heads of state and their representatives participating in WGS 2026.
About the Most Reformed Government Global Award
The Most Reformed Government Global Award recognises countries that set leading international benchmarks in governance quality, transparency, sustainable development, and digital government. The award is based on a rigorous assessment framework using international indicators that highlight excellence in reform and innovation.
Nominations are evaluated by the World Governments Summit through a comprehensive process that measures economic progress, governance strength, institutional effectiveness, and the quality of development-focused policymaking. The evaluation is conducted in collaboration with knowledge partner Ernst & Young.
Assessment criteria examine the effectiveness, innovation, impact, and sustainability of public sector reforms across several pillars, including transparency and accountability, alignment with national strategies and the Sustainable Development Goals, clarity of long-term vision, and the ability to enhance government resilience, competitiveness, and citizen-focused service delivery.
A dedicated digital transformation pillar evaluates the originality and transformational depth of reforms, including the use of advanced technologies and the extent of structural, procedural, digital, or cultural change achieved. The governance pillar assesses leadership commitment, implementation strength, coordination mechanisms, and institutional capacity building.
The award also measures tangible outcomes such as improvements in efficiency, service quality, accessibility, cost optimisation, and citizen satisfaction, alongside the long-term systemic impact of reforms. Additional criteria assess sustainability, scalability, and the potential for reforms to be replicated at national, regional, or international levels.
Citizen-centric innovation forms another core pillar, focusing on inclusiveness, transparency, public participation, and collaboration with the private sector, academia, and civil society.
Through its awards programme, the World Governments Summit continues to serve as a global incubator for government innovation, recognising exceptional leaders, institutions, and initiatives that advance future-ready governance, technological innovation, sustainability, and impactful public service worldwide.
