Global youth forum shapes next generation

Following Dubai's Ruler directives to empower young UAE entrepreneurs, the CSR division of Al Ahli Holding Group (AAHG), and Sony Mobile, are hosting the 4^th edition of the Global Youth Forum (GYF) . Under the theme "Social Entrepreneurship and Business Ethics", this years' event will gather national and international speakers such as Madi Sharma and Peeta Brothers, on the 26^th and 27^th of May. The event's partner, Zabeel Ladies Club, opened its doors to receive GYF at the venue's auditorium.

The initiative aims to provide youth with the opportunity to discover, identify and grow their entrepreneurial skills, create global networks and discuss significant issues concerning their future and the society pressing problems. The GYF invited CSR practitioners and social entrepreneurship experts that will prepare the 250 Emirati university students, plus a dozen of international students, to set-up their social enterprises. Speaking about the program, Lina Hourani, Director of Al Ahli Holding Group's CSR division said: "Al Ahli CSR created the GYF platform to give our youth the chance to listen, learn and network with the best national and international practices in doing business. This year our focus is on business ethics and the socially responsible business concept, which is inspired by our CEO's, Mr. Mohamed Khammas, message to the young generation. We wish our young generation and participants a truly fruitful experience."

Among the speakers, Gita Ghaemmaghami, Marketing Communications Manager at Sony Mobile Middle East & Africa - the main sponsor - will talk to the audience about the importance of technology and mobility for young entrepreneurs. The exclusive governmental partner of the event - Dubai SME, the agency of the Department of Economic Development mandated to develop entrepreneurship and SMEs in Dubai, will present success stories of social enterprises in the region and facts and figures on entrepreneurship and SMEs in Dubai and the UAE."

Focusing on women empowerment projects, Madi Sharma, member of the European Economic and Social Committee - the consultative assembly of the European Union -, and CSR expert will talk about the impact of social enterprises in Europe, Africa and the Middle East. Khalid Al Ameri, Emirati columnist on Education and Youth Development, will enlighten students on how they can pursue their dreams and make a difference in their communities; the so-called Peeta Brothers - Mohamed and Peyman Al Awadhi - will also share tips on how students can get their message through and present their social enterprise projects.

The program also includes workshops dedicated to the DOS and DONT'S of social entrepreneurship lead by C3 - Consult and Coach for a Cause that will also run attendees through all the steps to create a social enterprise. Because setting up a business requires some financial education Emirates Islamic Bank will give a workshop on this topic teaching students how to manage their investments and money.

These workshops will prepare students for a competition to select the best social enterprise project presented during the two-day event. Those who don't want to enter the competition can participate on the speed networking session, enjoy the entertainment activities at the venue and search for additional information on the Learning and Career fair. This one-stop shop will have a company representing every service that future entrepreneurs will need once they start setting up their businesses. The GYF will start at 9 am and will finish at 7 pm on the first day, and 4:30 pm on the second day. All guests have free admission.

-ZAWYA