Lisa Maree Williams via Getty Images SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 09: Federal Environment Minister Greg Hunt delivers a climate change address on December 9, 2015 in Sydney, Australia. Mr Hunt spoke to a business forum on the anticipated outcomes from the UN Climate Change negotiations between global leaders currently underway in Paris. (Photo by Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images)

CANBERRA -- Australia's environment minister Greg Hunt, who has overseen the first increase in domestic emissions in a decade and approved dredging by a coal mine on the cusp of the Great Barrier Reef, has been named the world's best minister.

The honour was bestowed on Hunt by the World Government Summit in the United Arab Emirates overnight.

Hunt told Fairfax Media he was "genuinely humbled" by the prize, but noted "this is really an award for Australia".

The summit describes itself as "the primary global forum dedicated to shaping the future of government worldwide."

"The aim of this award is to recognise innovation in global government work and highlight ministerial initiatives that have resulted in positive changes in their communities," said Mohammed Al Gergawi, UAE's Minister of Cabinet Affairs and chairman of the organising committee

“Our world today needs ministers to serve as role models of thought and action, which bring about progress and welfare and improve general societal well-being.”