At the World Governments Summit (WGS), former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson strongly advocated for the long-promised Palestinian state while addressing the ongoing crisis in Gaza. He described the situation as a “failure of governance” and stressed the urgent need for a resolution.
Speaking at a keynote session, Johnson tackled pressing global issues, including conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, as well as shifts in US leadership. When asked about US President Donald Trump’s controversial proposal to relocate Palestinians from Gaza to Jordan and Egypt, Johnson dismissed the idea of a simple solution, calling the situation “an absolute tragedy.”
“It’s not my role to dissect the US President’s remarks, but I believe his comments reflect Gaza’s vast potential,” Johnson said. “The real issue here is governance failure. We cannot sustain a scenario where Gaza is ruled by a government that seeks Israel’s destruction.”
Despite his criticism of Gaza’s leadership, Johnson emphasized the fundamental rights of its people. “The Palestinian people deserve the state they were promised decades ago,” he asserted. “Their suffering must end, and hostages must be returned.”
US Leadership and Global Conflicts
Johnson also shared his thoughts on the US administration’s approach to the Ukraine conflict, expressing optimism about their efforts to maintain stability. “There hasn’t been an immediate surrender to Putin, which would have been catastrophic. I remain confident that this administration will work towards ending the war,” he noted.
On America’s role in global affairs, Johnson voiced strong support for Trump’s leadership, emphasizing that the world is generally safer when the US projects strength. “The American presidency has a four-year window to make an impact, and decisive action is crucial,” he said.
Economic Responsibility and Government Reform
The former UK leader urged governments to avoid reckless spending, citing inefficiencies in European and British fiscal policies. “We are using too much taxpayer money without delivering promised results. Scrutinizing budgets line by line and eliminating waste is essential,” he argued.
Reflecting on his tenure, Johnson highlighted major achievements, including Brexit implementation and the UK’s rapid COVID-19 vaccination rollout. “We reclaimed control of our laws, borders, and finances. Our approach to vaccine distribution was faster and more effective than many others,” he said.
However, he acknowledged the challenges of pandemic-era governance. “COVID-19 required unprecedented state intervention and spending, but now it’s time to move past that phase. People want a shift away from excessive government control.”
The Future of UK Politics
Turning to the UK’s political landscape, Johnson criticized the current government’s economic strategies, claiming it is “overtaxing, overspending, and over-regulating.” He warned of excessive bureaucracy but remained hopeful about the Conservative Party’s recovery before the next election.
As for his political ambitions, Johnson remained noncommittal. “I would only return if I felt I could truly make a difference. For now, I don’t see that opportunity.”
Global Summit for Future Governance
The WGS, held under the theme ‘Shaping Future Governments,’ has brought together over 30 world leaders, 80 international and regional organizations, and 140 government delegations. With more than 300 speakers and 400 ministers participating, the event is a hub for high-level discussions on global governance, innovation, and economic strategies.
The summit, running until February 13, will also unveil 30 strategic reports in collaboration with international knowledge partners, aiming to shape policies for a rapidly evolving world.