
GCF 2021 Brings Leading Global Figures to the UAE
Global leaders, philanthropists, acclaimed artists, athletes, entrepreneurs, and world-class economists to convene in Ras Al Khaimah to lead conversations on human mobility and steps towards a more sustainable future.
Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, The Future in Motion — A New Momentum for Human Mobility will be hosted in Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates, from 12-13 December at the Al Hamra International Exhibition & Conference Centre.
The highly anticipated event follows a partnership between the Global Citizen Forum, a social action platform driven by a community of leaders committed to unlocking opportunities in global citizenship, and Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA), which has set its sights on becoming a regional leader in sustainable tourism by 2025.
The Future in Motion aims to ignite vital global conversations on the potential of human mobility and engage the world’s leading minds on pertinent and relevant initiatives designed to deliver a more sustainable and resilient future; from restoring the world’s oceans, to powerful refugee stories and redefining global citizenship in a post-pandemic world.
The line-up of over 60 inspiring global leaders and heads of state include the President of Colombia, H.E. Iván Duque Márquez, Vice President of Liberia, H.E. Jewel Taylor, Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo, H.E. Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde, the Prime Ministers of Tuvalu, Hon. Kausea Natano, Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, Hon. Philip Pierre, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Hon. Gaston Browne, former President of Mauritius, Dr. Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, and former Prime Minister of Italy, Matteo Renzi, among others.
Former FBI hostage negotiator and Masterclass coach, Chris Voss, environmental entrepreneur and marine biologist, Dr. Deborah Brosnan, Nobel Prize-winning economist, Nouriel Roubini, international journalist and CNN anchor, Richard Quest, Somali American activist and supermodel; Halima Aden, and many more will also share the stage.
An embellished fundraiser Gala will the close the event on the evening of December 13th, where notable global talents are set to illuminate the stage, including award-winning actress, producer and director, entrepreneur, activist and philanthropist, Eva Longoria who has been honored with the 2021 Global Citizen Forum Award, plus exclusive and intimate performances by Grammy-nominated singer and Special Olympics Ambassador, Nicole Scherzinger, DJs and producers, Steve Aoki and Afrojack, as well as Grammy award-winning artist Wyclef Jean.
Talimka Yordanova, CEO of the Global Citizen Forum, who will be moderating a selection of panel discussions at the forum, said: “The Covid-19 pandemic has contributed to an interesting phenomenon of increased connection and co-operation worldwide. We are looking forward to welcoming an inspiring line-up of speakers at this year’s Global Citizen Forum, where we will be providing a platform for global citizens to dissect international challenges, connect over solutions and deepen relationships.”
Raki Phillips, Chief Executive Officer of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, who will also be speaking at the event, said: “It is an honour to partner with the Global Citizen Forum to host ‘The Future in Motion’, bringing the world’s leading minds together to discuss some of the most pressing challenges the global community is currently facing and unlocking the potential for human mobility. It is a great opportunity to be involved in the dialogue that promotes sustainability and a new momentum for human mobility, which at Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority is the foundation of our long-term strategy for tourism in the emirate. Working together as dependable global citizens and committing to sustainable development, we can create a better future for future generations.”
As one of the most culturally rich and diverse global annual gatherings, Global Citizen Forum’s Annual Summits previously hosted in Dubai, Toronto, Monaco and Sveti Stefan have each welcomed more than 500 guests from over 65 countries.
As the Global Citizen Forum’s first carbon-conscious event, organisers are anticipating record turnout while following strict health and sanitation protocols to ensure the safety of the participants.