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

Guest Arrivals & Registration

We’re excited to welcome you to the Global Economic Diversification (GED) Summit, taking place May 14–15, 2026. From the moment you arrive, our team is committed to making your Summit experience seamless, welcoming, and impactful.

All delegates and invited guests are kindly asked to check in at the Registration Desk upon arrival to collect their summit badge, welcome kit, and access credentials. Our on-site guest services team will be available throughout the event to assist with directions, session access, networking spaces, and any logistical support you may need.

Arrive early to ensure a smooth check-in, connect with fellow participants, and get ready for two days of high-level dialogue, powerful connections, and global opportunity.

Musical Interlude

Take a moment to pause, recharge, and be inspired during our Musical Interlude—a curated cultural experience woven into the GED Summit program. This special segment brings the rhythm, creativity, and diversity of global cultures to the stage, offering a refreshing break between high-level discussions.

Enjoy live performances that celebrate artistic expression, foster connection, and set the tone for meaningful dialogue. It’s a moment to reflect, connect with fellow participants, and return to the Summit energized for the conversations and collaborations ahead.

Dr. Hilda Fankah-Arthur

President/Founder

Global Economic Diversification Council

Opening Remarks

The Opening Remarks by Dr. Hilda Fankah-Arthur will set a powerful and inspiring tone for the Global Economic Diversification (GED) Summit, welcoming senior leaders from government, investment, business, chambers of commerce, development institutions, and the innovation ecosystem from across the world. Her address will speak to the urgency of economic diversification in a rapidly changing global landscape shaped by geopolitical uncertainty, trade realignment, technological disruption, climate pressures, and shifting labour markets.

Dr. Fankah-Arthur will highlight how the GED Summit serves as a global convening platform for action, not just dialogue—bringing together decision-makers and practitioners to share practical strategies on investment attraction, market diversification, SME competitiveness, AI and innovation adoption, and inclusive economic growth. She will emphasize the Summit’s role in supporting countries, regions, and cities to move beyond single-sector dependency and build diversified, resilient economies that can withstand global shocks and unlock sustainable prosperity.

The remarks will also underscore GED Council’s commitment to bridging global policy with local impact, ensuring that insights generated at the Summit translate into real outcomes for entrepreneurs, youth, women-led enterprises, and underrepresented communities. Dr. Fankah-Arthur will call on participants to leverage the Summit as a space for forging cross-border partnerships, mobilizing investment, sharing best practices, and co-creating solutions that support economic development pathways across emerging and advanced economies alike.

Special Remarks

Asamoah Gyan | FIFA World Cup Icon & UAE Top Goal Scorer (Three-Time)

The Special Remarks by Asamoah Gyan, GED Council’s Global Goodwill Ambassador, will bring a powerful global perspective to the GED Summit—bridging sport, leadership, and economic opportunity. As a FIFA World Cup icon, Africa’s all-time leading World Cup goal scorer, and a three-time UAE top goal scorer, Mr. Gyan’s journey across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Africa reflects resilience, excellence, and the value of global connectivity.

In his address, Mr. Gyan will speak to the importance of discipline, talent development, entrepreneurship, and cross-border opportunity in building resilient futures for youth and emerging entrepreneurs. Drawing on his transition from elite sport to enterprise and impact leadership, he will highlight how global networks, mentorship, and access to opportunity can unlock pathways to investment, innovation, and inclusive growth. His remarks will inspire participants to think boldly about how people-to-people connections and global partnerships can accelerate economic diversification and open doors for the next generation.

Asamoah Gyan

FIFA World Cup Soccer Icon

UAE Top Goal Scorer/Entrepreneur

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.

Mariette Mulaire

Board Managing Director

Coffee Break & Networking

Take a moment to recharge and connect during our Coffee Break—a relaxed networking pause designed to spark meaningful conversations and new connections. Enjoy a curated selection of freshly brewed coffees, teas, juices, and light refreshments, with a variety of options to suit different tastes and dietary preferences.

This informal break provides the perfect setting to continue conversations from the sessions, meet potential partners and investors, and build relationships that extend beyond the Summit. Whether you’re grabbing a quick refreshment or settling into a conversation, the Coffee Break is designed to help you refuel, reconnect, and return energized for the next round of high-impact discussions.

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.

Benjamin Talin

CEO
MoreThanDigital

Donnovan Simon

Board Member
CeFIE Canada

Panel Overview: 

 

Strengthening Local Economies: The Chamber of Commerce Role in Innovation, Trade, and Inclusive Growth examines how chambers of commerce are evolving from traditional business advocates into strategic drivers of economic diversification and resilience. This panel brings together chamber executives, policymakers, and economic development leaders to explore how chambers support innovation adoption, facilitate trade and market access, and champion inclusive growth for SMEs. Discussions will highlight practical tools, partnerships, and policy influence that enable chambers to strengthen local business ecosystems while ensuring broad-based economic participation.

 

Key Takeaways

 

  1. Chambers as Innovation Enablers: Chambers play a critical role in helping businesses adopt new technologies and innovative practices that enhance competitiveness.

  2. Trade and Market Access Are Core Functions: By connecting SMEs to domestic and global markets, chambers help diversify local economies and reduce sectoral risk.

  3. Inclusive Growth Strengthens Resilience: Supporting diverse and underrepresented businesses is essential to building stronger, more sustainable local economies.

Zachary Barker

Director of Entrepreneurship

International Economic Development Council

Keynote Address

The Keynote Address by Mr. Zachary Barker, Director of Entrepreneurship at the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), will offer a high-level, practitioner-driven perspective on how entrepreneurship ecosystems can be strategically designed to drive economic diversification, SME growth, and resilient local economies.

Drawing on IEDC’s global leadership in economic development practice, Mr. Barker will share insights on building inclusive entrepreneurship ecosystems, strengthening startup-to-scale pathways, and aligning local, regional, and national strategies to support innovation, investment readiness, and job creation. His address will highlight actionable approaches that cities and regions can adopt to better support entrepreneurs—particularly youth, women-led enterprises, and underrepresented founders—while connecting local innovation to global markets and investment networks.

GED Lunch Break

Enjoy a thoughtfully curated Lunch Break designed to refresh, reconnect, and recharge in the midst of a high-impact Summit experience. Participants will have access to a variety of nutritious meal options, including vegetarian, halal, and other dietary-friendly selections, ensuring everyone can enjoy a comfortable and inclusive dining experience.

Beyond nourishment, the Lunch Break offers a dedicated moment to network with fellow delegates, speakers, policymakers, investors, and partners in a relaxed setting. It’s an ideal time to continue conversations sparked during the morning sessions, explore collaboration opportunities, and build meaningful relationships that extend beyond the Summit—so you can return to the afternoon program energized and ready to engage.

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.

Jeff Griffiths

Program Director
Alberta Talent Pipeline Management

Sylvain Cote

Economic Consultant
U.N.D.P

Dr.Khwezi Mbolekwa

Former Vice-President People, Culture & Innovation
Keyano College

Dr. Shindale Seale

CEO
Sade Coaching and Consulting

Panel Overview: 

 

As the global economy becomes increasingly digital, the integration of technology, data, and connectivity is reshaping industries, markets, and communities. This panel explores how Canada—particularly Alberta and the Prairie provinces—can harness the power of the digital economy to drive inclusive, resilient, and future-ready growth. From artificial intelligence and fintech to e-commerce and creative media, the digital transformation presents opportunities to enhance productivity, enable cross-border trade, and create high-quality jobs.

Panelists will examine how digital ecosystems can empower women, youth, and SMEs, ensuring equitable participation in the rapidly evolving global marketplace. The discussion will also address key challenges, including digital infrastructure gaps, cybersecurity, and access to digital skills training, emphasizing strategies for scaling innovation and regional competitiveness.

Key Takeaways

  1. Bridging the Digital Divide: Understanding how equitable access to digital tools and infrastructure can unlock economic participation and innovation across urban and rural communities.

  2. Empowering SMEs and Entrepreneurs: Exploring how digital adoption, e-commerce, and tech innovation can expand market access and improve competitiveness for small and medium-sized enterprises.

  3. Future-Ready Workforce: Highlighting the importance of digital literacy, reskilling, and inclusive policies that prepare Canadians for the jobs of tomorrow in a rapidly transforming global economy.

Claudia Romo Edelman

Founder & CEO
We Are All Human & Hispanic Star

Tom Viinikka

CEO
Edmonton Unlimited

Dr. Renata Thiébaut

COO
Green Proposition Consulting

Panel Overview: 

Building Multi-Sector Municipal Economies: Lessons in Investment Readiness, Talent Retention, and Global Connectivity explores how municipalities can move beyond single-industry dependence to build resilient, diversified local economies. This panel brings together municipal leaders, economic development practitioners, and global experts to examine practical strategies for attracting diversified investment, retaining and developing talent, and positioning cities and regions within global trade and investment networks. The discussion will highlight policy tools, partnership models, and ecosystem approaches that enable municipalities to compete globally while ensuring inclusive and sustainable growth for local communities.

 

Key Takeaways

 

  1. Investment Readiness Starts Locally: Municipal policies, land-use planning, and streamlined processes are critical to attracting diversified domestic and foreign investment.

  2. Talent Is a Core Economic Asset: Retaining and upskilling local talent—especially youth and underrepresented groups—is essential to sustaining multi-sector growth.

  3. Global Connectivity Drives Resilience: Strong international partnerships, export pathways, and global networks help municipalities mitigate shocks and unlock new economic opportunities.

Josée Touchette

Executive Director
OECD

FireSide Chat -Managing Risk in the Age of AI

 

Overview:
As artificial intelligence rapidly transforms industries and organizational processes, leaders must rethink how risk is identified, managed, and governed across enterprises. This fireside chat will explore how Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) frameworks can evolve to address the opportunities and risks associated with AI adoption. The discussion will examine the implications of AI on workforce productivity, operational efficiency, governance, and institutional resilience. Drawing from global policy and operational leadership experience, the session will provide practical insights on how organizations can responsibly integrate AI while maintaining strong risk oversight and sustainable performance.

Key Takeaways:

  • AI Risk Governance: Understanding how organizations can incorporate AI-related risks into enterprise risk management frameworks.

  • Productivity Transformation: Insights on how AI is reshaping workflows, decision-making, and organizational productivity.

  • Workforce Evolution: Strategies for adapting leadership, talent development, and workplace structures in an AI-enabled environment.

  • Responsible Innovation: Balancing innovation and technological adoption with governance, accountability, and ethical considerations.

Coffee Break & Networking

Take a moment to recharge and connect during our Coffee Break—a relaxed networking pause designed to spark meaningful conversations and new connections. Enjoy a curated selection of freshly brewed coffees, teas, juices, and light refreshments, with a variety of options to suit different tastes and dietary preferences.

This informal break provides the perfect setting to continue conversations from the sessions, meet potential partners and investors, and build relationships that extend beyond the Summit. Whether you’re grabbing a quick refreshment or settling into a conversation, the Coffee Break is designed to help you refuel, reconnect, and return energized for the next round of high-impact discussions.