Abu Dhabi summit to spotlight global development challenges

The Mohamed bin Zayed Foundation for Humanity and the Gates Foundation have joined forces to host an Abu Dhabi edition of Goalkeepers — the flagship event dedicated to achieving the 17 Global Goals for Sustainable Development.

For the first time, the event will be held in the Middle East and North Africa region, with Abu Dhabi hosting the gathering on December 8, bringing together changemakers, innovators and global partners working to tackle challenges like poverty, health, education and climate.

Dr. Shamma Khalifa Al Mazrouei, Acting Director-General of the Mohamed bin Zayed Foundation, said the event celebrates human potential and reflects the UAE’s leadership in building a brighter future.

Bill Gates, Chair of the Gates Foundation, also welcomed the partnership, praising the UAE’s commitment to improving maternal and child health and fighting infectious diseases, saying the partnership will help accelerate progress on urgent global issues.

Launched in 2017, Goalkeepers is usually held in New York during the UN General Assembly, and is known for its powerful storytelling, global community and high-profile speakers.

It's a platform to energise and inspire progress towards addressing the Global Goals, an ambitious blueprint set out by the United Nations in 2015 and adopted by all member states.

With targets in 17 areas ranging from poverty to health, hunger and education, the goals are a commitment to build a greener, better, fairer world by 2030.

The Abu Dhabi edition is expected to spark new ideas, partnerships, and momentum toward achieving the Global Goals.

Mohamed Bin Zayed Foundation For Humanity, Gates Foundation to host 'Goalkeepers' event in Abu Dhabi on 8th December#WamNews https://t.co/TsrwzyJ6kk pic.twitter.com/zefJPPw9gx

— WAM English (@WAMNEWS_ENG) September 29, 2025