Christine Lagarde

Global leaders in government and public policy are gathering in Dubai for the World Government Summit, a forum dedicated to "shaping the future of governments".

In total, more than 4,000 decision-makers from 140 countries - including heads of state, ministers and business leaders - will help to shape the future of the planet at the event at Madinat Jumeirah this week.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel retains the top spot on the list for the 8th year in a row. While she recently stepped down as head of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and is not running for reelection in 2021, her leadership of Europe's largest economy makes her the defacto female leader of the free world.

This handout photo taken and released by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Oct. 11 shows IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde (L) greeting Pakistan Finance Minister Asad Umar (R) at the Bali Convention Centre during the 2018 IMF/World Bank annual meetings in Nusa Dua on the Indonesian resort island of Bali.

World leaders need to fix global trading systems instead of trying to tear them down, International Monetary Fund chief Christine Lagarde said on Oct. 10, in a rebuke to nationalist politicians pushing tariffs and protectionism.

After sounding the alarm in recent years about threats to the global economy, International Monetary Fund chief Christine Lagarde said risks had begun to materialize and were slowing growth.

It which focuses on free trade benefits at a time when a large number of countries advocate protectionism, the Serbian government announced.

In an introductory address to the guests, Michael Bloomberg stressed the importance of linking in business and said that today, more than ever, it is crucial to build bridges, not walls.

The head of Greece's  Independent Authority for Public Revenue admitted on Monday that tax authorities can no longer investigate the so-called Lagarde list for possible tax evaders, following two decisions by the Council of State last year.

In June 2017, the administrative court ruled any tax audits conducted that stretch back beyond a five-year limit are unconstitutional.

Christine Lagarde, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, commended Greece and its European partners for completing the country's final bailout review and but expressed reservations about the long-term outlook for the country's debt.

Below is the full statement by Lagarde:

The International Monetary Fund welcomed on Friday a deal on debt relief for Greece reached by Athens' eurozone creditors saying it will improve debt sustainability in the medium term, but maintained reservations on the long term.

One way or another, the International Monetary Fund will remain committed to Greece, IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde stated on Monday.

Speaking in Berlin after her meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, the IMF chief added that the terms of the Fund's engagement in Greece will probably become clearer after June 21.