ADAPTIVE LEADERSHIP, INNOVATION AND DIVERSITY: Fundamental Drivers For Economic Sustainability Say 2018 Global WIL Economic Forum Organisers

Smart investment in people, products and marketing fundamental for companies and governments looking to tap into US$28 trillion female economy; Naseba forum to highlight issues and strategies for success

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Naseba

Oct 08, 2018, 06:00 ET


DUBAI, UAE, Oct. 8, 2018 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- The Global WIL Economic Forum returns to Dubai from 14-15 November 2018 with a high-level diversity and inclusion-led agenda expected to attract 1,000 senior executives, entrepreneurs, policymakers and young future leaders.

Dubai, and the UAE, are spearheading regional impetus to place women front and centre as economic diversification strategies gain further momentum. HE Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansoori, Minister of Economy for the UAE is a key agent of change, both as a supporter of the Global WIL Economic Forum and at Federal Government level, where almost 30% of the UAE Cabinet is female.

The 2018 Forum will see representatives from 600 corporate brands join the discussion, with a growing community publicly supporting the platform, including Pfizer, FedEx Express, Sodexo and Aster DM.

"Our goal since the very beginning is to be an instrument for change. The Global WIL Economic Forum is championing diversity as a vital economic driver, and part of that is to support the game 'shapers' in building a more sustainable and impact-oriented society; one that we can be proud to leave to the next generation," said Sophie Le Ray, CEO, Naseba, and founder of the Global WIL Economic Forum.

Commenting on the business and social value-add of diversity in the workplace, Menassie Taddese, Africa Middle East Regional President for Pfizer, one of the world's premier innovative biopharmaceutical companies, said: "For years we have recognized that our ability to grow, develop and provide quality healthcare solutions across the globe, is not solely driven by technological innovation. The unique perspectives and experiences of our colleagues, brought through a mix of cultures, religious beliefs, gender and ethnicity, drive our innovation and growth. As a global company, Pfizer takes a broad view of diversity, expanding our focus to Inclusion, which is about embracing new ideas and encouraging others to make suggestions and offer solutions. These values and behaviors allow us to maintain our position as a world-leading company."

Nathalie Amiel-Ferrault, Vice President Customer Experience and Marketing of FedEx Express Middle East, Indian Subcontinent and Africa (MEISA), said: "Inclusion in the workplace makes good business sense. Our team members represent the diversity of our customers, and the world we serve, across markets with distinctive character and cultures, countless languages, and rich traditions. When we come together, we create a stronger and more flexible business that makes FedEx more capable of dealing with the requirements of both the regional population and the needs of the global marketplace." She added: "We have been supporters of the Global WIL Economic Forum for many years because, like our investment in our people, we believe this is a long-term investment for the broader workplace environment."

Established in 2009, the forum has consciously avoided a focus on the clichéd glass ceiling ideal and, in today's dynamically evolving global marketplace, the topic is no longer the primary driving force for the creation of sustainable economic value in the home, for companies, governments or countries.

In the Middle East, where the conversation about female economic empowerment and the US$28 trillion of untapped global value is a priority for all stakeholders, the Global WIL Economic Forum has focused its attention on real, actioned change in the region with 35 of this year's 45-strong line-up of speakers, GCC based.

With responsibility for the commercial success and growth of Aster Healthcare in the region, Alisha Moopen, CEO, is flying the flag for diversity and inclusion across all aspects of the business operation and internal culture.

"In today's world the requirement is not just limited to gender diversity any more, it is the inclusive thinking that can help to build strong countries, economies, businesses and companies. Women and men bring different strengths to the table, and the strongest companies are those that are able to utilize, leverage, and embrace these differences. Whilst earlier women tried to force-fit themselves into a "man's world" by playing the norms, we need to consciously shift this to women bringing their own unique view and angle to the table. I am glad that the Global Women in Leadership Economic Forum 2018 is bringing this dialogue to the forefront and giving an opportunity to key decision-makers to address this," she said.

Global hospitality company Sodexo is investing heavily in this space and has spent decades building a culture of change and diversity, according to Sylvia Metayer, CEO Corporate Services Worldwide. She commented: "At Sodexo we have proven that gender balance is directly correlated to business performance: client and consumer satisfaction, employee engagement, and cash generation. The business case is not about one gender over another, it is not about men only or women only, it is clearly about the balance of talent and views that are created in diverse and inclusive organizations."

Cutbacks in marketing expenditure in a challenging economic environment is being addressed by Naseba, with the Global WIL Economic Forum message homing in on the investment value that participating brands see in accessing talent, building their community, supporting others and educating their workforce.

"The forum is advocating for the development of annual plans that proactively address diversification needs covering employees, clients and the business model. By attending this year's event, delegates will have invaluable access to real world success stories and peer discussions that will equip them to embark on their own diversity journey and implement change from conceptualising a new product line and recruiting quality talent to accessing a new client audience," said Le Ray.

-ENDS-

About Naseba

Naseba creates growth opportunities, connecting people, partners and ideas. Focused on deal facilitation, it helps clients: raise capital, close sales, enter new markets, secure partners and educate workforces. Naseba's goal is to create opportunity and add economic value at every stage of its client's journey. It does this through three key areas: investor services, commercial services and leadership services.

Since 2002, Naseba has facilitated more than a billion dollars' worth of deals and has connected over 100,000 global executives through more than 1,000 proprietary business platforms in liquid growth markets.

Naseba is a signatory of the Women's Empowerment Principles – Equality Means Business, produced and disseminated by the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) and the United Nations Global Compact.

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