Conversations around the great Asian growth narrative were in top gear at the 10th Anniversary Edition of the spectacular Asian Business Leadership Forum in Dubai. Burj Khalifa was a fitting venue to host the assembly of tall leaders and extraordinary visionaries of the region who were honoured at this influential leadership platform, which continues to be under the Royal Patronage of H.H. Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Cabinet Member and Minister of Tolerance, UAE and in association with the UAE Ministry of Economy.
The ABLF Leadership Day 2017, with its Presenting Partners, National Petroleum Construction Company (NPCC) and Senaat, key contributors to the UAE’s economic growth, and with Dubai FDI, Hinduja Group and IndusInd Bank as its Associate Partners, rolled out with a forum that featured six compelling sessions focusing on the key sectors that influence the future of the global economy.
Speaking at the ABLF Leadership Day, H.E. Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, UAE, said: “In the past few years, renewable energy has been witnessing a remarkable growth due to the spread of renewable energy solutions, as well as the availability of necessary technologies and decline in their prices. In the UAE, renewable energy is a principle pillar in our National Vision 2021 and Green Growth Strategy, bolstering the country's leading position as a global hub for the latest economic, environmental and technological practices."
“It is highly important to strengthen public-private partnership to achieve the strategic goals of the National Climate Change Plan 2017-2050, the Green Development Agenda 2015-2030, as well as to set priorities and make proposals to support national climate adaptation efforts. Leading companies in the UAE play a vital role in supporting economic growth across all sectors and in spreading advanced technologies, employing sustainable resources and seeking innovative solutions to mitigate the impact of climate change”, His Excellency added.
H.E. Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, opened the session on a note that is both relevant and timely, addressing the protection and conservation of our planet, in the session titled, ‘The Earth and Us’, followed by an engaging address by H.E. Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, CEO and MD, DEWA, the facilitator of the Dubai’s sustainability narrative.
Joining His Excellency Al Tayer in the panel session that succeeded his powerful address were technology experts, Tsuyoshi Nakai, CEO, JCCP, Japan and Dr Chunyuan Gu, President AMEA, ABB who impressed upon the audience the significance of innovation in combatting global energy constraints.
The session titled ‘The Global Humanitarian’ rallied around the values of compassion and social responsibility. Emphasising the need for a global network of changemakers to collectively work towards building a society based on humanism, equality and economic growth, was Raza Jafar, Founder of Global Sustainability Network. Bringing in the perspective of women empowerment and the role of government and individuals in this regard was Diana Hamadé, a leading Sharia Law expert of the region.
Asia consists of diverse demographical, cultural, economic and social classes. This unique social ecosystem calls for an urgent need to prioritise the development of the two sectors that holds the key to a stable knowledge-based global economy. A keynote address by Dr. Mohammed Al-Mualla, Undersecretary for Academic Affairs of Higher Education, Ministry of Education opened this session titled, ‘The Economics of Education and Healthcare in Asia’. Highlighting the need and the role of collaborations between connected technology and government strategies was Dr Arjen Radder, CEO Middle East & Turkey, Philips. Throwing light on the studies and research as well as the innovative approach to inclusive healthcare, Dr Radder spoke convincingly on the impact of using connected technology to achieve this goal. Bringing in the perspective of ensuring quality and inclusive education and healthcare for a country of 1.3 billion people was Adil Zainulbhai, the Chairman of Quality Council of India, a pioneering initiative by the Indian Government to adopt and adhere to quality standards in different industry sectors, primarily promoting and protecting the interest of the citizens.
Debating the ethics and effectiveness of the new media landscape in the session, ‘The Responsibility Protocol for New Media’ was the advocate for using new media in diplomacy and international relations, H.E. Navdeep Suri, India’s Ambassador to the UAE. Highlighting the powerful influence and reach of the new media houses as tools for achieving government goals of growth and development was LinkedIn’s Rajai El Khadem. Suhel Seth, India’s marketing guru, commented on the impact and behavior of markets, consumers as well as private companies on the changing dynamics of the new communication landscape. Spinning the legal perspective of free speech, strategic and responsible communication was the renowned lawyer, Rajiv K. Luthra, Founder and Managing Partner, Luthra and Luthra Law Offices.
The technology revolution is leading to ‘The Disruption of Financial Ecosystem’. This panel session featured the banking doyens, Arundhati Bhattacharya, Former Chairperson, State Bank of India; P.S. Jayakumar, Chairman, Bank of Baroda and Sunil Kaushal, Regional Chief Executive of Standard Chartered Bank for Africa & Middle East. Highlighting the role of fintech in secure investments in the region was the Chief Executive of DIFC Courts, Mark Beer.
Highly inspirational was the final session which focused on the backbone of all economies, ‘The Edge of Entrepreneurship’ which opened with a keynote address by Najeeb Mohammed Al-Ali, Executive Director, Expo2020 Dubai Bureau. This was followed by a compelling conversation between H.E. Hussain J. Al Nowais, Chairman, Waha Capital and Chairman, Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development, H.E. Shaukat Aziz, Former Prime Minister of Pakistan and Gopichand Hinduja, Co-Chairman of the Hinduja Group, UK, where the legendary leaders addressed the challenges in the entrepreneurial sphere and the supporting the current and future generations of the enterprising youth capital in the region.
The ABLForum culminated with on a high note with a closing address by H.E. Kamal Nath, Member of Parliament, India and an avid supporter of the leadership platform.
The recognition platform of the ABLF witnessed a legion of extraordinary leaders and stalwarts along with the trailblazers of the current economy.
Addressing the audience at the glittering ABLF Awards Ceremony and Gala that followed, H.H. Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Cabinet Member and Minister of Tolerance, UAE said, "It is fitting that the ABLF conversations today concentrated on global issues. It is further fitting that the recipients of awards tonight come from five different countries. The global nature of this Forum calls to mind the global society that this country, the UAE, has become."
The prestigious ABLF trophies were presented by H.H. Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan and UAE’s beloved leader, H.H. Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman, Emirates Group.
Receiving the ABLF Stateswoman Award, H.E. Dr Amal Abdullah Al Qubaisi, President and Speaker, Federal National Council, UAE commented, “The awarding of a distinguished prize takes on a vital additional dimension if it is linked to the progress of the coming generations towards a better future, and this is what you are doing here. I emphasise to you that my successes have been achieved by virtue of the unbounded support of the “Mother of the Nation,” Her Highness Sheikh Fatima Bint Mubarak. The support of our wise leadership supplies us with opportunities for success, excellence, and creativity in our various fields of work.
I look upon myself as an ambassador for the values, principles, ideals and identity of the Emirates. I do all that I can to support the dreams and ambitions of the daughters of the Emirates, and I am proud of the ABLF prize because of its link to a forum that discusses vital issues of the utmost importance for the future of coming generations. I also see it as an acknowledgement of the progress of women, and women’s role in achieving the Emirates’ dream.
I am confident that the ABLF Award promotes noble values and I am pleased to receive this recognition and proud of the Emirati people’s confidence, the leadership vision, and of being an Emirati woman, embracing and applying the UAE values, principles and identity through my parliamentary work and seeking to play an effective role in the efforts made by my country in spreading the culture of peace and welfare.
My thanks to His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, the Minister of Tolerance, and the organising committee of the forum.”
Accepting the ABLF Global Asian Award, H.E. Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of State, UAE and CEO, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) said, “I thank the Asian Business Leaders Forum for this award. It is a tangible recognition of the impact and contribution ADNOC has on the global economy, and in particular across Asia. We take great pride in contributing to the socio-economic development across our markets by being a reliable and responsible supplier of energy. At the same time, ADNOC is dedicated to creating more opportunities for our youth to develop the skills necessary to fulfil their potential and support our nation’s progress.”
The Awards Grand Ceremony saw the felicitation of great inspirational leaders across Asia:
H.E. Dr Amal Abdullah Al Qubaisi, President and Speaker, Federal National Council, UAE – The ABLF Stateswoman Award
H.E. Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of State, UAE and CEO, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) – The ABLF Global Asian Award
Cai Chunyan, Senior Executive Officer, Regional Head, Bank of China – The ABLF Rising Star Award Tsuyoshi Nakai, CEO, Japan Cooperation Center Petroleum (JCCP), Japan – The ABLF Business Courage Award
H.E. Hussain Jassim Al Nowais, Chairman, Waha Capital and Chairman, Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development – The ABLF Lifetime Achievement Award
H.E. Majid Saif Al Ghurair, Chairman, Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry – The ABLF Ambassador of Commerce Award
H.E. Matter Mohammed Al Tayer, Director General, Chairman of the Board Of Executive Directors, Roads and Transport Authority – Dubai – The ABLF Outstanding Business Citizen Award
Moafaq Al Gaddah, Chairman & Founder, MAG Group, UAE – The ABLF Business Excellence Award
Arundhati Bhattacharya, Former Chairperson, State Bank of India – The ABLF Outstanding Business Economist Award
P.S. Jayakumar, Chairman, Bank of Baroda – The ABLF Business Innovator Award
Adil Zaiinulbhai, Chairman, Quality Council of India – The ABLF Outstanding Business Achiever Award
Suhel Seth, Managing Partner, Counselage, India – The ABLF Social Influencer Award
Raza Jafar, Founder, Global Sustainability Network – The ABLF Humanitarian Award
Nirmal Sethia, Chairman, N. Sethia Group, UK – The ABLF Trailblazer Award
The ABLF Leadership Day 2017 also witnessed the presence of some of the brightest minds and success stories of the region such as Marwan Jassim Al Sarkal, CEO, Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), Fahad Al Gergawi, CEO, Dubai FDI; Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman, DMCC; H.E. Dr Maitha Salem AlShamsi, Minister of State, UAE, Ashok P. Hinduja, Chairman, Hinduja Group, India among others.
The storytellers of the region’s leadership narratives, the ABLF Series in 2017 stayed true to its mandate of shaping perspectives, promoting collaborations and celebrating excellence.
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