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May 14 - May 15

Main Events

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08:00 am - 09:00 am | Guests arrivals & registrations

Panel Overview: Public-Private Collaboration in Regional Growth

Regional prosperity depends on the strength of partnerships between governments, businesses, and community organizations. This panel explores how strategic collaboration between the public and private sectors can unlock innovation, attract sustainable investment, and retain local talent across diverse industries. By aligning regional priorities with business innovation and workforce development, these partnerships can bridge resource gaps, enhance competitiveness, and drive inclusive economic growth.
The discussion will highlight successful collaboration models from Canada and abroad, revealing how shared investment in infrastructure, digital transformation, and skills training can transform regions into thriving, future-ready economies.


Key Takeaways

  1. Collaborative Frameworks — Proven models for building strong public-private partnerships that accelerate innovation and regional development.

  2. Investment Attraction — How coordinated regional strategies can enhance investment readiness and support the growth of local industries.

  3. Talent Retention — Practical approaches for developing and retaining skilled, homegrown talent through education, innovation hubs, and community engagement.

Panel Overview: Inclusive AI & Automation for Economic Equity

As artificial intelligence (AI) and automation continue reshaping industries, the global challenge lies not in adopting these technologies—but in ensuring they serve everyone equitably. This session explores how AI can be a powerful tool for inclusive growth, empowering women, youth, and SMEs to thrive in the digital economy. Experts will examine real-world applications of AI in entrepreneurship, workforce development, and public policy, with a focus on bridging the digital divide and ensuring that automation enhances human potential rather than replaces it.
By centering inclusion at the core of AI strategy, this panel will highlight pathways for governments, investors, and innovators to create technology-driven economies that are fair, sustainable, and accessible to all.


Key Takeaways

  1. Equitable AI Adoption — How inclusive frameworks and policies can ensure AI development benefits underrepresented communities, including women and youth.

  2. Empowering SMEs — Practical strategies for small and medium enterprises to leverage AI and automation for competitiveness and innovation.

  3. Building Digital Resilience — The role of training, mentorship, and ethical governance in preparing the workforce for a future shaped by intelligent technologies.

Panel Overview: Workforce Transformation & Skills Trade

As the global economy evolves under the forces of digitalization, automation, and shifting trade dynamics, the demand for adaptable, skilled talent has never been greater. This panel explores how governments, industries, and educational institutions can collaboratively future-proof the workforce by embedding reskilling, digital literacy, and technical trades into regional development strategies. The discussion will examine innovative approaches to bridging the skills gap, empowering youth and underrepresented communities, and leveraging trades and technology as dual drivers of inclusive economic resilience. Participants will gain practical insights into how workforce transformation can sustain competitiveness, support diversification, and ensure long-term economic stability across regions.


Key Takeaways

  1. Reskilling for the Future — Learn how continuous learning programs and vocational training can meet the evolving demands of digital and green economies.

  2. Bridging Industry and Education — Explore models for aligning post-secondary education and trade programs with industry needs to build job-ready talent.

  3. Inclusive Workforce Development — Understand how equity-driven workforce strategies can empower women, youth, and newcomers to participate meaningfully in future industries.

Panel Overview: Inclusive AI & Automation for Economic Equity

As artificial intelligence and automation transform global economies, this panel explores how technology can serve as a driver of equity rather than exclusion. “Inclusive AI & Automation for Economic Equity” will examine strategies to ensure that technological innovation uplifts women, youth, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), rather than widening existing social and economic divides. The session will highlight how ethical AI design, equitable access to digital tools, and workforce adaptation can foster shared prosperity and close opportunity gaps. Participants will gain insights into how policy, innovation, and inclusive investment can align to make the digital economy more representative and fair for all.


Key Takeaways

  1. Empowering Through Access: Understand how AI and automation can be leveraged to create inclusive opportunities for women, youth, and SMEs, expanding participation in high-growth industries.

  2. Bridging the Digital Divide: Learn best practices for ensuring equitable access to digital tools, data, and training to prevent automation from exacerbating inequalities.

  3. Building Ethical and Inclusive Systems: Explore frameworks and policies for developing AI systems that reflect diverse perspectives, protect human rights, and promote long-term economic equity.

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08:00 am - 09:00 am | Guests arrivals & registrations

 

Reimagining FDI: Building Resilient Economies in a Fragmented World

Overview:
In an era defined by shifting trade alliances, geopolitical uncertainty, and tariff disruptions, the future of FDI demands agility and innovation. This panel will explore how countries can reinvent their investment frameworks to attract sustainable, inclusive, and high-value investments that strengthen supply chains and economic resilience.

Key Takeaways:

  • Understand how policy predictability and diversification attract long-term FDI.
  • Explore emerging sectors—renewable energy, digital infrastructure, and advanced manufacturing—where investment potential is growing.

  • Learn strategies for balancing foreign capital attraction with domestic economic sovereignty.


 

 


Overview:

As geopolitical shifts, supply chain disruptions, and emerging technologies redefine global commerce, the future of trade demands adaptability, innovation, and inclusion. This panel will explore how countries and businesses can modernize trade frameworks, leverage digital tools, and strengthen partnerships to ensure fair, sustainable, and diversified trade growth. Panelists will also examine how regional collaboration and smart trade policies can help mitigate risks, promote equity, and drive global competitiveness.



Key Takeaways:

  1. Trade Resilience & Innovation: Understand how digital transformation and policy reform can help build more resilient, tech-driven trade ecosystems.

  2. Inclusive Globalization: Explore how equitable trade practices can empower women, youth, and SMEs to participate meaningfully in global markets.

  3. Sustainable Supply Chains: Learn how nations and industries can future-proof trade by embracing green logistics, ethical sourcing, and circular economies.

 

Overview:

As artificial intelligence continues to transform industries, workplaces, and global markets, the challenge lies in ensuring that automation uplifts workers rather than replaces them. This session will explore how governments, businesses, and innovators can balance technological progress with inclusive labor policies. Experts will discuss strategies to promote fair transitions, reskill displaced workers, and create sustainable, AI-powered employment ecosystems. The discussion will emphasize the importance of equity, ethics, and adaptability in building a future economy where human potential and machine intelligence coexist harmoniously.

 


Key Takeaways:

  1. Inclusive Policy Frameworks: Learn how smart regulations and workforce programs can safeguard jobs while enabling innovation-driven growth.

  2. Reskilling for the AI Era: Discover strategies for equipping workers—especially youth, women, and SMEs—with digital literacy and adaptable skills for emerging industries.

  3. Ethical and Human-Centered Automation: Understand how ethical AI deployment can drive both productivity and social equity, ensuring no one is left behind in the transition to an AI-powered economy.

 


Overview:

In an era of economic uncertainty, shifting alliances, and evolving digital ecosystems, international trade stands at a pivotal crossroads. This panel will examine how nations, businesses, and global institutions can adapt to an increasingly complex trade environment shaped by technological advancement, climate policies, and protectionist measures. Discussions will focus on balancing globalization with national interests, strengthening trade resilience through innovation, and ensuring inclusivity in cross-border commerce. Participants will gain insights into how international collaboration can rebuild trust, enhance competitiveness, and drive shared prosperity.


Key Takeaways:

  1. Reimagining Global Trade Systems: Explore strategies for modernizing trade agreements and institutions to reflect the realities of the 21st-century digital and green economy.

  2. Inclusive Economic Growth: Understand how inclusive trade policies can empower underrepresented regions, SMEs, and developing nations to thrive in global markets.

  3. Innovation & Sustainability: Learn how technological transformation, green logistics, and circular trade practices can drive sustainable and equitable international trade.