30 October 2024
8:30am to 3:00pm
St. Regis Doha
In the dynamic world of global leadership, Qatar is pioneering a path toward becoming a hub of innovation and leadership excellence. In line with this revolutionary approach, Qatar Leadership Centre (QLC) will organize the inaugural Leadership Innovation Forum (LIF).
Set to take place in Doha on October 30 2024, under the theme of “Leadership Innovation in the Digital Age”, the forum will be held under the patronage of Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa Bint Hamad Al Thani, Chairperson, Qatar Leadership Centre.
The prestigious event, during the milestone year of QLC’s 15th anniversary, aims to establish itself as Qatar’s primary arena for exploring and defining the future of innovation in leadership development. It will not only bring together the nation’s vibrant communities of innovators to benefit from the experiences of regional and international industry leaders but also connect the numerous QLC alumni who occupy senior roles in various sectors.
Designed to spark significant discussions, enable strategic partnerships, and highlight transformative innovations on a global level, LIF 2024 is set to establish itself as a landmark event for leaders looking to shape the future.
Theme: " Leadership Innovation in the Digital Age "
The concept of leadership development has evolved significantly, particularly in the digital age. Traditionally, leadership was often associated with hierarchical structures and top-down decision-making processes. However, the advent of digital technology has revolutionised how organizations operate and how leaders inspire, guide, and influence their teams.
In a fast-growing economy like Qatar, the pace of change necessitates leaders who are not only visionary but also adaptable, technologically savvy, and capable of fostering a culture of continuous innovation. The digital age has introduced tools and platforms that facilitate real-time communication, data-driven decision-making, and agile project management. These advancements require leaders to be proficient in leveraging technology to enhance productivity and drive organisational success.
Moreover, the rise of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and big data analytics has transformed how leaders approach problem-solving and strategy development. Future leaders must be equipped with the skills to harness these technologies, interpret complex data, and make informed decisions that propel their organizations forward.
In addition to technological proficiency, the digital age emphasises the importance of emotional intelligence, creativity, and collaboration. Leaders today must cultivate environments where diverse ideas are encouraged, and innovation can thrive. This requires a shift from traditional command-and-control models to more inclusive and participatory leadership styles.
The inaugural Leadership Innovation Forum aims to address these emerging trends and challenges by providing a platform for thought leaders, industry experts, and practitioners to share insights and best practices.
Forum Objectives
Cultivate innovation in leadership
Position Qatar
Strengthen networking
Forum Format
The forum will feature and provide:
Keynote speeches
Panel discussions
Fireside Chats
Networking sessions
Speakers
Dr. David H. Langstaff
Executive Vice President, Leadership Division, Aspen Institute
Speakers
Dr. Hessa bint Sultan Al Jaber
Chairperson, Malomatia
First-ever Minister of Information and Communication Technology in Qatar
Dr. David H. Langstaff
Dr. Ali Qassim
Professor Munthir Dahleh
Dr. Yasar Jarrar
Dr. Yosik Kang
Agenda
Registration & Networking Breakfast
Attendees are invited to register and enjoy a networking breakfast, setting the stage for a day of insightful discussions and transformative ideas.
Abdulla Mohammed Khalifa Albinali, General Manager, Qatar Leadership Centre - Keynote Address
Introduction by Afshin Molavi, Senior Fellow at the Foreign Policy Institute of the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS), and former journalist.
Saleh Al-Khulaifi, President of the Alumni Association, Qatar Leadership Centre - Alumni Address
An esteemed QLC alumnus will share insights on the impact of innovative leadership on their professional journey, offering valuable lessons for current and future leaders.
Speaker
Saleh Al-Khulaifi
President of the Alumni Association, QLC, and Assistant Undersecretary for Commerce Affairs at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
Saleh Al-Khulaifi
Focusing on driving industrial development, entrepreneurship, and attracting foreign direct investment to help in shaping Qatar's economic landscape. He helped developing and implementing national manufacturing strategy.
Within the ministry, he lead e ̧orts to improve customer-facing services for businesses, ensuring procedures are e1cient, accessible, and supportive of business growth. Streamlining company set-up processes, creating a business-friendly environment to boost entrepreneurship.
Drawing on his extensive experience, he has held key positions in both the public and private sectors. Notably, he served as the Executive Director of Business Localization at Qatar Development Bank (QDB), where he Managed the establishment of a QAR 500 million industrial cluster (Jahiz) as well as identifying oppurtunities for the private sector worth more than 1.2B Qe.
Educationally, Mr. Al-Khulaifi holds a Master of Science in Technology Entrepreneurship (MSc) from the University College of London, which he completed. Additionally, he earned a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from Carnegie Mellon University.
Innovation in Leadership Roundtable: “Developing Leaders for the Digital Age”
Speakers
Dr. Ali Qassim
President, Royal Academy of Management.
Dr. Ali Qassim
Dr. Ali Qassim Jawad is a recognized expert in one of the most difficult segments of public sector transformation: how to bridge the gap between grand strategic visions and concrete changes on the ground. He is also widely known as a pioneering figure in world-class leadership development. His programs have established groundbreaking improvements in national leadership capacity, with numerous graduates ascending to C-suite and prominent government roles. Additionally, Dr. Ali has catalyzed the development of innovative leadership skills among youth. He has a deep passion for helping people reach their full potential through innovative learning.
He is the founding president of the Royal Academy of Management in Oman. The Academy became a focal point for senior and emerging leaders from public service, the private sector, and local governance, championing innovation and forward-thinking.
Dr. Ali is currently Executive-in-Residence at Said Business School, University of Oxford. He was Professor of Practice at Thunderbird School of Global Management, Arizona State University, a Scholar-in-Residence at INSEAD, a visiting Scholar at Yale School of Management, and Visiting Fellow at National University of Singapore. Moreover, Dr. Ali has extensive consulting experience, working Booz Allen & Hamilton (USA) and PA Consulting (UK).
His publications include the following books: “Government Reimagined” (2020), “Leadership Intelligence: The 5Qs for Thriving as a Leader” (2018), “Redefining Wellbeing in Nations and Organizations” (2016), and “Leading Smart Transformation” (2011)
Professor Munthir Dahleh
William A. Coolidge Professor, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, MIT
Professor Munthir Dahleh
Munther A. Dahleh received his B.S. in Electrical Engineering from TAMU in 1983, Ph.D. degree from Rice University, Houston, TX, in 1987 in Electrical and Computer Engineering. Since then, he has been with the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS), MIT, Cambridge, MA, where he is now the William A. Coolidge Professor of EECS. He is also a faculty affiliate of the Sloan School of Management. He is the founding director of the MIT Institute for Data, Systems, and Society (IDSS).
Prof. Dahleh Leads a research group that focuses on Decisions Under Uncertainty. He is interested in Networked Systems, information design, and decision theory with applications to Social and Economic Networks, financial networks, Transportation Networks, Neural Networks, agriculture, and the Power Grid. He is also interested in causal learning (machine learning, reinforcement learning) for the purpose of intervention and control. His recent work focused on understanding the economics of data as well as deriving a foundational theory for data markets. He is a fellow of IEEE and IFAC. Prof. Dahleh is a leader in online education focusing on advanced data science topics as well as professional education in machine learning and AI.
Dr. Aiman Erbad
VP of Research and Graduate Studies and Professor of Computer Science and Engineering at The College of Engineering in Qatar University
Dr. Aiman Erbad
Prof. Aiman Erbad is the VP of Research and Graduate Studies and Professor of Computer Science and Engineering at the College of Engineering in Qatar University. In 2005, Dr. Erbad obtained an MSc in Embedded Systems and RoboHcs from the University of Essex (United Kingdom). In 2012, he obtained his PhD in Computer Science from the University of BriHsh Columbia, Vancouver (Canada). Dr Erbad served as the Head of the InformaHon and CompuHng Technology Division at the College from Sept 2021 to May 2024. Prior to this, he was the Director of Research Planning and Development at Qatar University from 2018 to 2020. He also served in Qatar University as the Director of Research Support responsible for all grants and contracts from 2016 to 2018, and as the Computer Engineering Program Coordinator from
2014 to 2016.
Dr. Aiman Erbad has extensive academic and technical experience in the areas of edge intelligence, cloud compuHng, Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain, and private and secure networks. Dr. Erbad received the PlaHnum award from HH The Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani at EducaHon Excellence Day 2013 (PhD category). He received four internaHonal best paper awards and more than 12 major research grants from Qatar NaHonal Research Fund programs at Qatar Research, Development, and InnovaHon Council. He is an editorial board member in four internaHonal journals. He published more than 200 papers in top conferences and journals and helped organize many internaHonal IEEE and ACM conferences. Dr. Erbad obtained a Master in Business AdministraHon (MBA) in 2023 and currently serves as a board member in Qatar Mobility InnovaHons Center (QMIC).
Mr. David H. Langstaff
Executive Vice President, Leadership Division, Aspen Institute
Mr. David H. Langstaff
David H. Langstaff serves as Executive Vice President, Leadership of the Aspen Institute. He oversees the Aspen Global Leadership Network and its dozen fellowships, Executive Leadership and Justice & Society Seminars, the Office of Curriculum and Moderators, and Weave: The Social Fabric Project. David has been actively involved with the Institute for over twenty-five years as a moderator of values-based leadership seminars and as Chairman of the Advisory Board of the Aspen Business and Society Policy Program.
David currently serves as Chairman of the board of Idemia-National Security Solutions.
Previously, he served as a director of Premier, Inc (NASDAQ); Boston Dynamics; SRA International (NYSE) and QinetiQ Group PLC (LSE), as well as a Special Advisor to the private equity firm, General Atlantic, LLC. In 2009, David was named Chairman of the Board of Directors of TASC, Inc., and later served as President and Chief Executive Officer until 2013. Previously, he was Founder, President and Chief Executive Officer of Veridian Corporation, which he took public in 2002 (NYSE). He is a Director of the Wolf Trap Foundation and served as a member of the Defense Business Board from 2009-2018, as well as on the boards of a number of community, arts, and educational institutions.
David has performed from time to time as a baroque soloist with amateur and professional orchestras and was Executive Producer of the Emmy and Grammy-nominated, eight-episode PBS television special on the history of recorded music called Soundbreaking, with Sir George Martin. He earned a B.A., cum laude, from Harvard University and an M.B.A. from Harvard Graduate School of Business Administration. He resides on a farm in Comus, MD with his wife of more than forty-five years.
Moderator
Razan Salman
CNN Business Arabic
Razan Salman
Razan Salman is the Senior Economy and Government Reporter at CNN Business Arabic, who works on delivering regional and global news in a clear and visual way across all platforms.
With a decade of experience in journalism and media, prior to joining CNN Business Arabic, Razan spent over three years as an Acting Bureau Chief and a Senior News Correspondent based in Beirut - Lebanon, for the German international broadcaster Deutsche Welle. She also spent five and a half years working as a S. Producer for BBC while based in Beirut, where she researched, produced, wrote, and recorded a series of news segments and programs.
Razan’s interest in government news and policies led her to begin her professional career working on a project between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Lebanon and UNDP on a conference about cluster munitions that took place in Beirut in 2011.
Razan also holds a Masters' degree in Business Law (LLM) and a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and International Affairs, both from Lebanese American University.
Session Details
As digital transformation continues to redefine industries, the need for adaptive and visionary leadership is more critical than ever. This roundtable will explore how to develop leaders who are not only adept at navigating technological changes but also capable of driving innovation and growth in a rapidly evolving landscape.
The discussion will focus on evolving leadership development content, innovative teaching approaches, and the essential qualities required to lead effectively in the digital era. A key question will be around balancing technology with human-centric leadership, emphasising the importance of emotional intelligence, ethical considerations, and human-centric leadership approaches in an era increasingly
dominated by technology.
Networking Break
Keynote Speech: “Innovative Mindsets: Smart Life”
This keynote will delve into the future of “smart living,” where innovation transcends technology and redefines our daily lives. Will discuss how innovative mindsets can lead to the development of smart cities, advanced healthcare systems, and sustainable solutions that enhance the quality of life and drive global progress.
Speaker
Dr. Yo Sik Kang
President of Seoul Digital Foundation
Dr. Yo Sik Kang
Dr. Yo-Sik Kang is the president of Seoul Digital Foundation, playing a pivotal role in driving Seoul's digital transformation. Under his leadership, the organization has significantly contributed to enhancing Seoul's smart city initiatives by leveraging technologies such as AI, big data, and the metaverse. Dr. Kang places a strong emphasis on bridging the digital divide, ensuring that all citizens, including those who are digitally marginalized, can benefit from Seoul's technological advancements.
He is also actively involved in promoting Korean startups at international events such as CES and SCEWC, helping these companies gain global recognition. His eJorts have led to significant achievements, including Seoul being awarded the Smart City Strategy Grand Prize and receiving recognition for metaverse innovation.
Recently, Dr. Kang authored a book titled Digital Innovation Leadership, reflecting his commitment to integrating cutting-edge technology with urban governance. His work aims to create a more inclusive and innovative digital environment in Seoul.
Dr. Kang's leadership continues to shape Seoul's digital landscape, ensuring that the city remains at the forefront of global technological advancements while fostering an environment where every citizen can thrive.
Session Details
This keynote will delve into the future of "smart living," where innovation transcends technology and redefines our daily lives. Dr. Kang will discuss how innovative mindsets can lead to the development of smart cities, advanced healthcare systems, and sustainable solutions that enhance the quality of life and drive global progress.
Leading Through Uncertainty: Innovative Strategies from Qatar
Speakers
Ahmed Al-Sumaiti
Ahmed Al-Sumaiti is a Co-founder and CEO of the Alfaytri Trading and Maintenance Company and Integrity Team Lead at Shell
Ahmed Al-Sumaiti
Ahmed Al-Sumaiti is a Co-founder and CEO of the Alfaytri Trading and Maintenance Company and Integrity Team Lead at Shell. Alfaytri helps homes and facilities owners to provide the maintenance they need to provide reliable and comfortable environment. Ahmed Al-Sumaiti is leading Alfaytri to enhance the level of offered home maintenance services in Qatar by providing the best practices available for AC and Water tank maintenance services, linking it to automated operation systems and managed to get business investment turnover within one year of operation.
Ahmed Al-Sumaiti is having Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Texas A&M and Masters of Science in Engineering Management from Qatar University. He worked at Qatar Foundation at the Facilities Management Department and then moved to Oil and Gas industry working with Shell at Mechanical Integrity Department. He enjoys playing Football and free diving
Ahmed Mohammed Yousef Al Kuwari
CEO of Qatar National Broadband Network
المهندس أحمد محمد يوسف الكواري
يشغل المهندس أحمد الكواري منصب الرئيس التنفيذي للشركة القطرية لشبكة النطاق العريض. يمتلك المهندس الكواري أكثر من 23 عامًا من الخبرة الواسعة في قطاع تكنولوجيا المعلومات والاتصالات. بفضل نهجه الديناميكي في القيادة، أظهر المهندس الكواري قدرته على توجيه المؤسسات التي قادها نحو النجاح، وذلك من خلال تعزيز الفعالية وتحسين الهياكل الادارية وتنفيذ استراتيجيات عمل واهداف واضحة وقابل للتنفيذ.
كرئيس تنفيذي حالي للشركة القطرية لشركة للنطاق العريض (QNBN)، يقود المهندس الكواري فريقه المتخصص في أنظمة الألياف البصرية لتطوير بنية تحتية لدولة قطر، محققًا نموًا تجاريًا كبيرًا من خلال التخطيط الاستراتيجي والمبادرات المبتكرة التي تركز على خدمة العملاء. وتحت إشرافه، شهدت QNBN تطورًا بارزاً وإطلاقًا لمنتجات جديدة وبرامج تتمحور حول العملاء.
منذ بداية مسيرته المهنية ركز المهندس الكواري على الابتكار والقيادة التحويلية في قطاع تكنولوجيا المعلومات والاتصالات في قطر. فكمدير لبرنامج الحكومة الإلكترونية في المجلس الأعلى للاتصالات وتكنولوجيا المعلومات (ICT-Qatar)، قدم مساهمات كبيرة في تعزيز خدمات الحكومة الإلكترونية للمواطنين وللشركات. كان له دوراً كبيراً في توسيع خدمات الحكومة الإلكترونية عبر الإنترنت، وتحسين توفرها وإمكانيتها وفعاليتها. ومن خلال التخطيط والرؤية الاستراتيجية، ساهم المهندس الكواري في تطوير وتنفيذ بنية تحتية على مستوى الحكومة سهلت العمليات وعززت توفر الخدمات المشتركة عبر الإدارات الحكومية. وكان للمهندس الكواري الدور في إنشاء آلية تمويل صناعية واسعة النطاق رسخت من التزامه بتعزيز التقدم التكنولوجي في قطر وخارجها.
وبعد نجاحه في برنامج الحكومة الإلكترونية، تسلّم المهندس الكواري مهام الرئيس التنفيذي لشركة “ميزة”، التابعة لمؤسسة قطر. حيث قام بمواءمة خدمات تكنولوجيا المعلومات والعمليات والمبيعات والتسويق مع أهداف ورؤية مؤسسة قطر. وقد ساهمت جهوده الإستراتيجية في تطوير نظام الداخلي وتحسين العمليات وفي تقديم منتجات استثنائية وخدمات تكنولوجيا المعلومات بما في ذلك مراكز البيانات وخدمات السحابة والأمن السيبراني.
وتولى المهندس الكواري من بعدها منصب الرئيس التنفيذي لـمؤسسة قطر للعمل الاجتماعي (QSW)، حيث قاد فريقاً يضم أكثر من 1700 موظف. وأسهم نهجه بشكل كبير في زيادة رضا المستفيدين وتحسين إنتاجية الموظفين وجودة الخدمة.
أما من حيث تحصيله العلمي، اجتاز المهندس الكواري برنامج القيادات التنفيذية من مركز قطر للقيادات و على درجة الماجستير في إدارة الأعمال بتقدير من جامعة ويلز، كارديف، المملكة المتحدة. وهو حائز أيضاً على درجة البكالوريوس في الهندسة الكهربائية من جامعة قطر.
Dr. Noora Fetais Al Marri
Associate Professor at the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at Qatar University (QU)
Dr. Noora Fetais
Dr. Noora Fetais is a certified Innovation Leader and a fellow at the Institute of Innovation and Knowledge Exchange (UK). She is also an Associate Professor at the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at Qatar University (QU), where she has forged strong academic and industrial collaboration with national and multinational universities and companies. She is the founding Secretary-General of the Arab Association for Cyber Security (ArCS) under the Federation of Arab Scientific Research Councils at the Arab League. Her expertise spans contemporary computer science and engineering technologies, especially cybersecurity, and is supported by top-tier publication records and US patents in this area.
Dr. Fetais is a distinguished speaker, presenter, and moderator at numerous regional and international conferences. Dr. Fetais successfully worked on making ArCS accredited as the only Arab NGO to participate in the UN OEWG on Security and the use of ICT. She also represents Qatar University at ITU-UN.
Dr. Fetais is the founder of the Qatar Women in Cyber Security Middle East (WiCSME) Affiliate group, former ambassador of the Women in Data Science at Stanford University, member and lately advisor at UK-GCC Women in Cyber Fellowship program, mentor at the ITU (UN) Women in Cyber Mentorship Programme. She is the only woman to chair the Faculty Senate of QU by-election and was the director of QU's KINDI computing research center. She leads and manages several cybersecurity teams at QU and abroad, supervising PhD students in Qatar, France, and the UK.
Dr. Fetais is a senior member of IEEE, ACM, and other international professional associations.
Dr. Fetais was awarded a NATO-SPS grant to support her Cyber Women’s initiative. She also won various awards, including the “Arab Women of the Year 2024 for Achievement in Cyber Security,” the “She Inspires 2022—Global Raising Star” award from the UK, and Qatar University Outstanding Faculty Service Award.
Dr. Fetais's academic qualifications and leadership training have equipped her with the necessary skills to excel in her field. She holds a PhD from the University of Sussex (UK), an Executive master’s degree in leadership from Georgetown University (US), and is a member of the first batch of the Qatar Leadership Center for current and future leaders program.
Dr Abdulla Nasser Alkaabi
Development Director Barwa Real Estate Company
Dr Abdulla Nasser Alkaabi
As a committed Qatari professional, I focus on enhancing Qatar's leadership through strong team leadership, collaboration, strategic planning, and effective project management for the betterment of State of Qatar.
My career includes managing diverse mega projects in infrastructure, organizational transformations, Real Estate, and FIFA 2022 related projects with a portfolio exceeding 18 billion QAR. I work effectively at both managerial and operational levels, coordinating with national and international teams.
My approach to project implementation emphasizes competitiveness and innovation, leveraging my technical skills and experience to deliver sustainable projects, while maintaining high-quality standards and fostering positive stakeholder relationships.
Leading through uncertainty: innovative strategies from Qatar
Subject: Innovative Leadership in Fast-Track Mega Projects
Innovative leadership in project management means succeeding despite the challenges. Every project faces obstacles like delays, budget limits, and unexpected issues.
A strong leader stays focused on the overall vision while adapting when things don’t go according to plan. Flexibility, creative problem-solving, and encouraging teams to think outside the box are essential. It’s during these challenges that new solutions often come to light where setbacks are seen not as failures, but as opportunities for growth and improvement.
Dr Asmaa Al Fadala
Assistant Professor at the College of Public Policy, HBKU
Dr Asmaa Al Fadala
Dr. Asmaa Al Fadala, an Assistant Professor at the College of Public Policy at HBKU, holds a rich 28-year career encompassing K-12 education, higher education, and policy development. Her diverse journey includes roles as a governmental policy writer, professor,
author of leadership reform publications, and board member of educational organizations. Dr. Al Fadala's research expertise covers leadership for learning, education transformation, entrepreneurship education, teacher professional development, innovation in education,
and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Dr Alfadala holds a Ph.D. and M.Phil from the University of Cambridge in Educational Leadership and Policy. In addition to her scholarly achievements, Dr. Al Fadala advises global entities like Hughes Hall Development Strategy Group at Cambridge University, while also serving on advisory committees for organizations like Greater Share. She is also a jury member for the Riyada Award in Oman and served as a member of the board of the University of Doha for Science and Technology from 2020-2023. She also serves as a Member of the Comparative International Education Society and a board member of the International Congress for School EXectiveness and Improvement.
Moderator
Laila Humairah
Executive Producer and Presenter, Euronews
Dr Asmaa Al Fadala
Dr. Asmaa Al Fadala, an Assistant Professor at the College of Public Policy at HBKU, holds a rich 28-year career encompassing K-12 education, higher education, and policy development. Her diverse journey includes roles as a governmental policy writer, professor,
author of leadership reform publications, and board member of educational organizations. Dr. Al Fadala's research expertise covers leadership for learning, education transformation, entrepreneurship education, teacher professional development, innovation in education,
and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Dr Alfadala holds a Ph.D. and M.Phil from the University of Cambridge in Educational Leadership and Policy. In addition to her scholarly achievements, Dr. Al Fadala advises global entities like Hughes Hall Development Strategy Group at Cambridge University, while also serving on advisory committees for organizations like Greater Share. She is also a jury member for the Riyada Award in Oman and served as a member of the board of the University of Doha for Science and Technology from 2020-2023. She also serves as a Member of the Comparative International Education Society and a board member of the International Congress for School EXectiveness and Improvement.
Session Details
This panel will explore how innovative leadership can drive success during times of uncertainty, with a special focus on Qatar's unique challenges and opportunities during the past 10 years. Leaders from various sectors will share real-world examples of navigating economic shifts, technological disruptions, and social change.
Networking Lunch
Prayer break, followed by a networking lunch where participants can continue to exchange ideas and foster connections.
Side interviews with Influential Leaders /key figures.
Fireside Chat: Innovating Qatar's Economy Through Leadership
Speaker
Dr. Steven Wright
Associate Professor of International Relations and an Associate Dean for Student Affairs, HBKU.
Dr. Steven Wright
Steven Wright is an Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and an Associate Professor of Interna3onal Rela3ons in the College of Humani3es and Social Sciences at Hamad bin Khalifa University (HBKU). He is also a Research Associate at HBKU's Global Ins3tute for Strategic Research. Dr. Wright obtained his Ph.D. from the University of Durham, where he specialized in US foreign policy towards the Gulf region. Prior to joining HBKU, he served as the Head of the Department of Interna3onal Affairs and an Associate Dean at Qatar University. His academic career includes Research Fellowships at the London School of Economics and Poli3cal Science (LSE), and the Universi3es of Durham and Exeter.
Dr. Wright's research exper3se spans the interna3onal rela3ons and poli3cal economy of the Gulf region, in addi3on to global energy geopoli3cs. He has published extensively on these areas and his work has been translated into several languages. Dr. Wright has been a speaker at numerous high-profile events hosted by prominent organiza3ons such as the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the US Department of Defense, the Bri3sh Ministry of Defence, World Bank, NATO, the Baker Ins3tute for Public Policy, and Chatham House, among others. His exper3se has seen him engage widely with several governments, and he has served as a consultant to the Government of Japan and a range of prominent mul3na3onal corpora3ons in the fields of energy, security, and finance
Dr. Wright's perspec3ves on global affairs have been quoted in leading interna3onal media outlets, including The Economist, Financial Times, The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, CGTN, and Reuters. He has also made television appearances discussing Qatar and regional issues. His most recent book is Japan and the Middle East: Foreign Policies and Interdependence, which was published in 2023 by Palgrave Macmillan.
Eman Ahmad Al Kuwari
Director of the Digital Innovation Department at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology in Qatar
Eman Ahmad Al Kuwari
Steven Wright is an Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and an Associate Professor of Interna3onal Rela3ons in the College of Humani3es and Social Sciences at Hamad bin Khalifa University (HBKU). He is also a Research Associate at HBKU's Global Ins3tute for Strategic Research. Dr. Wright obtained his Ph.D. from the University of Durham, where he specialized in US foreign policy towards the Gulf region. Prior to joining HBKU, he served as the Head of the Department of Interna3onal Affairs and an Associate Dean at Qatar University. His academic career includes Research Fellowships at the London School of Economics and Poli3cal Science (LSE), and the Universi3es of Durham and Exeter.
Dr. Wright's research exper3se spans the interna3onal rela3ons and poli3cal economy of the Gulf region, in addi3on to global energy geopoli3cs. He has published extensively on these areas and his work has been translated into several languages. Dr. Wright has been a speaker at numerous high-profile events hosted by prominent organiza3ons such as the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the US Department of Defense, the Bri3sh Ministry of Defence, World Bank, NATO, the Baker Ins3tute for Public Policy, and Chatham House, among others. His exper3se has seen him engage widely with several governments, and he has served as a consultant to the Government of Japan and a range of prominent mul3na3onal corpora3ons in the fields of energy, security, and finance
Dr. Wright's perspec3ves on global affairs have been quoted in leading interna3onal media outlets, including The Economist, Financial Times, The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, CGTN, and Reuters. He has also made television appearances discussing Qatar and regional issues. His most recent book is Japan and the Middle East: Foreign Policies and Interdependence, which was published in 2023 by Palgrave Macmillan.
Moderator
Laila Humairah
Executive Producer and Presenter, Euronews
Eman Ahmad Al Kuwari
Steven Wright is an Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and an Associate Professor of Interna3onal Rela3ons in the College of Humani3es and Social Sciences at Hamad bin Khalifa University (HBKU). He is also a Research Associate at HBKU's Global Ins3tute for Strategic Research. Dr. Wright obtained his Ph.D. from the University of Durham, where he specialized in US foreign policy towards the Gulf region. Prior to joining HBKU, he served as the Head of the Department of Interna3onal Affairs and an Associate Dean at Qatar University. His academic career includes Research Fellowships at the London School of Economics and Poli3cal Science (LSE), and the Universi3es of Durham and Exeter.
Dr. Wright's research exper3se spans the interna3onal rela3ons and poli3cal economy of the Gulf region, in addi3on to global energy geopoli3cs. He has published extensively on these areas and his work has been translated into several languages. Dr. Wright has been a speaker at numerous high-profile events hosted by prominent organiza3ons such as the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the US Department of Defense, the Bri3sh Ministry of Defence, World Bank, NATO, the Baker Ins3tute for Public Policy, and Chatham House, among others. His exper3se has seen him engage widely with several governments, and he has served as a consultant to the Government of Japan and a range of prominent mul3na3onal corpora3ons in the fields of energy, security, and finance
Dr. Wright's perspec3ves on global affairs have been quoted in leading interna3onal media outlets, including The Economist, Financial Times, The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, CGTN, and Reuters. He has also made television appearances discussing Qatar and regional issues. His most recent book is Japan and the Middle East: Foreign Policies and Interdependence, which was published in 2023 by Palgrave Macmillan.
Session Details
The speaker will share insights on the evolving landscape of innovation globally and in Qatar. The discussion will delve into Qatar’s strategy and roadmap to fostering an innovation-based economy, emphasizing the key actions leaders across various sectors can take to turn this vision into reality. Additionally, exploring global trends in innovation, their impact on the global economy, and their relevance to the Qatari context will add immense value to the forum and to the knowledge of the participants. The speaker will also address the role of collaboration between public and private sectors in driving innovative solutions.
Leveraging Strategic Foresight to Drive Leadership Innovation in Governance and Business
Speakers
Dr. Hussein Fadlallah
Assistant Teaching Professor of Management at Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar
Dr. Hussein Fadlallah
Hussein Fadlallah is an Assistant Teaching Professor of Management at Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar. He holds a Ph.D. in Business Administra@on from York University in Canada, an MBA from the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom, and a BEng in Computer and Communica@ons Engineering from the American University of Beirut. In conjunc@on with the academic background, his professional experience in consul@ng and within several industries spans a wide range of roles, func@ons, and geographies across the Middle East, Europe, and North America. His research focuses on strategic management and the related drivers of sustainable compe@@ve advantage, corporate responsibility and governance, and the impact of digitaliza@on on strategy and business models.
Mr. Jamil Ahmad
Director, United Nations Environment Program, New York
Mr. Jamil Ahmad
Mr. Jamil Ahmad is Director, UN Environment Programme, New York Office. He leads work on sustainable development and the environment in support of the organization’s policies and programmes since 2014.
Apassionate advocate of sustainability, he regularly engages with governments, academia, industry and speaks to official delegations, students, civil society, and others about environment, climate change and sustainable development. He has been representing the
UN Environment Programme in international events.
Mr. Ahmad joined UNEP in 2008 as the Secretary of the Governing Bodies based in Nairobi, Kenya (2008-14). He led the organization of sessions of Governing Bodies and served as the focal point of UNEP’s external relations interacting with governments and diplomatic representations.
A senior career diplomat, Mr. Jamil Ahmad entered the Foreign Service of Pakistan in 1986 and has worked in several duty stations across Asia, Europe, and Africa with rich experience of multilateral affairs and sustainable development in his national capacity, as a multilateral diplomat representing developing countries and as an international civil servant of the UN.
He participated in numerous important UN and other intergovernmental meetings, including the World Summit on Sustainable Development, sessions of the United Nations General Assembly, the High Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development, the UN Environment Assembly of UNEP, the Governing Council of UN-HABITAT and Food and Agriculture Organization. He was the lead negotiator on Climate Change for the Group of 77 & China, representing more than 130 member countriesin climate change talks in 2007 under UNFCCC.
Mr. Jamil Ahmad holds a master’s degree in political science.
His interests include photography, walking in the countryside, reading, and cooking.
He is married and has two sons.
Dr. Yasar Jarrar
Professor, Hult International Business School
Dr. Yasar Jarrar
• Professor Of Practice, Hult International Business School, UAE/USA
• Member, Board of Trustees, Mohammed Bin Rashid School of Government, UAE
• Visiting Fellow, Cranfield School of Management, UK
• Advisory Board Member, Emirates Nature – WWF, UAE
• Global Economy Fellow, MasterCard Center for Inclusive Growth, USA
• Managing Partner, GovCampus (IAG)
• Founding Partner, The Posterity Institute, www.theposterityinstitute.org
Yasar is a senior strategy advisor focused on Emerging Markets, with experience in Public Sector Modernization, Technology for Development, and Education. He is Co-founder specialized advisory firms, International Advisory Group and Gov-Insights.
Yasar is a former Partner at Bain & Company (head of Public Sector practice in Middle East) and prior to that, a Partner at PwC, leading the Middle East Strategy Group and the PwC Global Education Practice. Before PwC, he served as Strategy Director at the Executive OXice of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum in Dubai. He was also the founding Executive Dean of the Dubai School of Government, and a Fellow at the Kennedy School of Government in Harvard University. He also Co-Chaired of Global Agenda Council on the Future of Government (at the World Economic Forum).
Dr. Jarrar obtained a Ph.D. in Manufacturing and Engineering from BirminghamUniversity (UK) and worked as a Research Fellow at Cranfield School of Management(UK). He is a published author, and a regional speaker at global events.
Dr. Muna Al-Marzouqi
Head of Strategy and Development, Qatar University
Dr. Muna Al-Marzouqi
Dr Muna Al-Marzouqi earned her LL.B. in Law with Order of Excellence from Qatar University. She holds an LL.M. (Master’s degree) from University of California Berkeley in the USA and an S.J.D. (Doctorate degree) from Tulane University in USA in the field of maritime law. She graduated from Qatar Leadership Center in 2018. From Fall 2018 until her appointment as Associate Vice President for Academic Planning & Quality Assurance, she was the Associate Dean for Research & Graduate Studies at the College of Law. She was the acting Dean of the College of Law in addition to her AVP role from Feb-May 2022. Dr. Muna is now Chief Strategy and Development Officer at Qatar University. She teaches maritime law and commercial law. She is also a licensed lawyer (Cassation level before the Supreme Judicial Council Courts) in the State of Qatar. Additionally, she is a registered arbitrator in Qatar International Center for Conciliation and Arbitration. She is also a Judge at Qatar International Court since 2020. Dr Muna has several publications. She co-authored the Qatari maritime law book, which is the first book in Qatar explaining maritime law. She presented several papers at various scientific national and international events. Moreover, she contributed to supervising master’s students at the College of Law and Hamad Bin Khalifa University.
She also provided her legal opinion to several public entities in the State of Qatar. She is a member of the National Committee for Qualifications and Academic Accreditation (NCQAA), a member of the Qatar Lawyers Association, and a member of Qatar Experts and Arbitrators Association.
She received the Education Excellence Award (Secondary School category) in 2006. She has been awarded the Excellence Medal by Qatar University in 2011 and Excellence in Teaching Award by Qatar University College of Law in 2013. In 2017, she was granted the Georgetown University Fellowship Award. She received the Education Excellence Award (doctorate degree category) in 2018 from HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani. In the same year, she was awarded the Excellence in Research Award from Qatar University College of Law.
Moderator
Afshin Molavi
Senior Fellow at the Foreign Policy Institute of the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS), and former journalist.
Afshin Molavi
AFSHIN MOLAVI is a senior fellow at the Foreign Policy Institute and founder of the Emerging World Initiative at the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies in Washington DC, where he writes, researches and speaks broadly on the key global trends shaping our world.
Over a career spanning nearly three decades, Molavi has worked as a journalist, geopolitical risk analyst, think tank fellow, professor, executive education leader, syndicated columnist, development bank staffer, award-winning filmmaker, and advisor to companies worldwide. He has lived in and worked and traveled to dozens of countries across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
Today, Molavi is a regular keynote speaker for institutional investor conferences and trade associations (see – www.afshinmolavi.com ), where he speaks on themes related to global megatrends, national competitiveness, innovation, and the deeper tectonic shifts shaping our world. In addition, he is a Senior Adjunct Research Fellow at the New America Foundation, a non-partisan think tank.
Molavi has also worked as a senior global advisor at Oxford Analytica, a global macro advisory and analysis firm, and co-founder of the World Economy Roundtable, where he convened conversations around the key geo-economic themes shaping the world. During this time, he was also appointed a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum.
Molavi has also worked on the staff of the International Finance Corporation, the private sector development arm of the World Bank Group, and has served fellowships with the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars and the Hoover Institution of Stanford University, among others.
Molavi writes regular columns for Forbes, and his dispatches and essays have been published in The New York Times, Financial Times, Foreign Affairs, Smithsonian, Newsweek, Businessweek, Journal of Commerce, National Geographic, and dozens of academic and specialty publications.
He believes profoundly in the power of travel, still reads (and collects) physical newspapers and magazines, plays competitive tennis and basketball (or so he thinks), and harbors nostalgia for eras he never knew.
Closing Remarks
A closing note will summarise the key takeaways from the forum
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