May 21 - May 23
Main Events
08:00 am - 09:00 am | Guests arrivals & registrations
We are ready to welcome you!
Join Us!
🌍 Our Registration Team is Ready to Welcome the World!
Get ready for a seamless experience at the GED Summit! Our dedicated registration team is excited to welcome participants from around the globe with warm hospitality, efficient service, and all the information you need to make your summit experience unforgettable. Whether you’re arriving in person or joining virtually, we’re here to support every step of your journey. Let the connections begin!
09:00 am - 09:40 am | Access to Capital for Women-Led Businesses
Session Overview
This session will address the barriers that women entrepreneurs face in accessing financing, and will explore strategies such as dedicated funding pools, inclusive lending practices, and policy reforms to bridge the funding gap.
Speaker
Courtney Fingar is a leading expert on foreign direct investment (FDI) and a business editor with more than 20 years of experience.
She has covered business stories in all major regions of the world and has been on assignment to more than 80 countries, interviewing government and business leaders. She has appeared on television and radio in dozens of countries as a commentator and has twice been called to give evidence to the UK Parliament about inward investment.
Among her ongoing media work, she writes a column for Forbes.com on FDI and is a contributing editor for Real Asset Media.
An in-demand moderator, master of ceremonies, and keynote speaker, Ms Fingar has participated in hundreds of business events globally and advises event organisers on content and strategy.
Courtney Fingar
Main Stage
09:50 am - 10:30 am | The Informal Economy: Recognizing and Supporting Women’s Work
Session Overview
Panelists will discuss the critical role of women working in the informal economy, often without recognition or legal protections. Strategies for formalizing this work and ensuring women have access to resources will be key topics.
Speakers
Zehra Fattah
Main Stage
Rinsola Abiola
Main Stage
Dr. Janelle Sharee O'Mard
Main Stage
Zehra Fattah
Founder and managing director of Kent Consulting & Events. Based in the UAE, Kent Consulting & Events is a boutique economic development consultancy dedicated to facilitating cross-regional investment opportunities and promoting economic development across the MENAT region. Inspired by her late mother, a businesswoman, Zehra established this company to honour her legacy while making a significant impact on international business and economic development.
Rinsola Abiola
Ms. Rinsola Abiola is a youth and gender advocate who works at the intersection of politics and civil society. Ms. Abiola is a Public Relations professional with work experience in the public, private and non-profit sectors. In November 2023, she was appointed as Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Citizenship and Leadership; her office is charged with promoting civic education and youth leadership development.
Dr. Janelle Sharee O’Mard
Dr. Janelle Sharee O’Mard is a seasoned education and business development leader in Antigua and Barbuda. As the Education Officer for Business Education in the Ministry of Education, she leverages over 20 years of experience in education, entrepreneurship, and business consultancy. Prior to her current role, she served as Business Development Officer at the Antigua and Barbuda Science Innovation Park with responsibilities for Special Projects under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
10:40 am - 11:00 pm | Cultural Display
Session Overview
A celebration of diverse cultures, showcasing the rich traditions and artistic expressions of various communities, especially those from women-led initiatives in the arts.
Presentation Session
Main Stage
11:10 am - 11:50 am | The Role of Policy in Advancing Women’s Economic Participation
Session Overview
Presentation Session
Main Stage
Discover the critical role of policy in advancing women’s economic participation at the GED Summit. This session will explore how well-designed policies can bridge gender gaps in the workforce, promote equal opportunities, and empower women to contribute to sustainable economic growth, innovation, and leadership in various industries.
12:00 pm - 12:45 pm | Keynote Address
Session Overview
A featured speaker will set the tone for the summit, sharing insights into the state of the global economy and the role of women in driving change.
Speaker
Ms. Sarantogos Erdenetsogt has been a career diplomat since 1997. On October 13, 2023, she presented her letter of credence to Governor General of Canada Mary Simon. Prior to this, Ms. Sarantogos served as Ambassador of Mongolia to the Republic of Korea. In the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Ulaanbaatar, she was the Director-General of the Asia and the Pacific Department from 2017 and Director-General of the Policy Planning and Coordination Department from 2016.
Ms. Sarantogos served in the Embassy of Mongolia in Japan on several occasions on the positions of the Minister Counsellor/Deputy Chief of Mission, Economic Counsellor and Third Secretary. In the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, she started her career as an officer and then worked as Third Secretary, Second Secretary and First Secretary in the Asia Department as well as the Department of Policy Planning
H.E. Sarantogos Erdenetsogt
Main Stage
12:45 pm - 01:30 pm | Lunch
Lunch Break
Join us for a refreshing lunch break, where you can recharge, network, and connect with fellow attendees in a relaxed environment. Take this opportunity to exchange ideas, discuss key topics, and enjoy a variety of meal options provided on-site. Whether you’re looking to relax or continue conversations from the sessions, this break offers the perfect time to refresh before diving back into the day’s activities.
01:30 pm - 02:10 pm | Women & Youth in Entrepreneurship
Session Overview
This discussion will focus on the intersection of women and youth in entrepreneurship, providing insights into how young women can be empowered through mentorship, education, and policy support.
Speakers
Main Stage
Dr. Christabel Derby
Dr. Shindale Seale
Megan Vernon
Dr. Christabel Derby
Christabel Queensley A. Derby is an accomplished lawyer, development policy analyst, and renowned youth advocate with a proven track record of driving positive change across local, national, and global platforms. She has distinguished herself as a dynamic leader committed to promoting youth empowerment, gender equality, and human rights.
Dr. Shindale Seale
Dr. Shindale Seale is a cultural equity and leadership strategist who supports entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, and DE&I professionals in reaching organizational culture goals. With over 30 years of experience across corporate, academic, and non-profit sectors, she specializes in performance optimization, staff development, and building equitable work environments.
Megan Vernon
Born and raised in Jamaica is the dynamic powerhouse, Megan Vernon (MBA, MSc, BA, CME). As all the letters behind her name highlights, Megan values education. She also considers herself an autodidact and a lifelong learner. She moved to Toronto, Canada to complete her Bachelors in Psychology. In her final years, she was then chosen to represent Canada in Mexico to provide a psychological perspective on immigration in Mexico.
02:15 pm - 02:55 pm | The Digital Divide: Enhancing Women’s Access to Technology
Session Overview
Panelists will explore the barriers women face in accessing and utilizing digital technologies, and propose solutions for bridging the gender digital divide in business and everyday life.
Speakers
Suresh Yadav
Suresh Yadav serves as the Senior Director of Artificial Intelligence and Transformative Technology at the Commonwealth Secretariat, bringing over 25 years of experience across the private and public sectors, as well as international organizations. His expertise spans finance, technology, and governance, with a particular passion for integrating disruptive technologies to drive development and transformation.
Dr. Jen Fry
Dr. Jen Fry (she/her) ) is a Sports Geographer, tech founder, TEDx speaker, and sought-after speaker and educator. She owns JenFryTalks, an organizational change firm at the intersection of conflict and culture. It transforms organizational dynamics by addressing how conflict and culture shape leadership and overall business outcomes.
Main Stage
Suresh Yadav
Dr. Jen Fry
03:00 pm - 03:30 pm | Coffee Break & Networking
Coffee Break & Networking
Take a break and join us for a coffee break, the perfect opportunity to recharge and network with fellow attendees. Enjoy a variety of coffee, tea, and light refreshments while engaging in meaningful conversations with peers, experts, and industry leaders.
Whether you’re looking to expand your professional network or exchange ideas in a relaxed setting, this is the ideal time to connect and collaborate.
03:30 pm - 04:15 pm | Keynote Address
Session Overview
Another keynote speaker will dive deeper into the importance of leadership and policy in advancing women’s economic empowerment.
Speaker
H.E. Professor Hassan B. Diab
Main Stage
Professor Diab is a Lebanese academic, professor, engineer, executive, and politician with over 33 years in academia including almost 20 years in executive roles leading organizations across government, academic, and non-profit sectors. He served as the 26th President of the Council of Ministers of Lebanon and was the first Prime Minister in the history of the MENA region to form a cabinet with 30% female ministers (6 out of 20).
He took on a Herculean task by serving as Prime Minister (19 Dec 2019 – 10 Sept 2021) during the worst crises period in Lebanese history and managed to pass many decrees and laws on anti-corruption. His technocrat cabinet, an exception in Lebanese politics and the closest to the specification of a technocrat cabinet in the history of Lebanon, approved for the first time in Lebanese history forensic audit on the central bank as well as the first National Reform Plan to address the economic, financial and social problems resulting from three decades of mismanagement, a plan which was commended by many including the UN, EU, World Bank, and the IMF
04:20 pm - 05:00 pm | Breaking Barriers: Women in Leadership Roles
Session Overview
This session will highlight the challenges women face when entering leadership positions and offer strategies to overcome these barriers, including mentorship, training programs, and institutional changes.
Speaker
Ambassador Cheryl E. Bazard KC is the Head of Mission of the Bahamas’ Embassy to Belgium and the EU. A barrister with over 30 years of experience, she has expertise in anti-money laundering and compliance, having served as Legal Counsel and Compliance Director for major banks and as a Stipendiary and Circuit Magistrate. Founding President of the Bahamas Association of Compliance Officers, she is also a recognized speaker and award-winning leader in the legal and compliance fields. Ambassador Bazard now leads The Bahamas’ advocacy for climate justice and action, the country’s top foreign policy issue.
H.E. Cheryl E. Bazard KC
Main Stage
08:00 am - 09:00 am | Guests arrivals & registrations
Registration Team
GED Council Team
🌍 Our Registration Team is Ready to Welcome the World!
Get ready for a seamless experience at the GED Summit! Our dedicated registration team is excited to welcome participants from around the globe with warm hospitality, efficient service, and all the information you need to make your summit experience unforgettable. Whether you’re arriving in person or joining virtually, we’re here to support every step of your journey. Let the connections begin!
09:00 am - 09:40 am | Navigating the Future of Global Trade
Session Overview
Experts will discuss the evolving landscape of global trade, examining the economic, geopolitical, and technological forces shaping international markets and their implications for economic diversification.
Main Stage
09:45 am - 10:10 am | Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Economic Policy
Session Overview
Main Stage
Panelists will explore how nations can integrate the SDGs into their economic policies, balancing sustainability goals with economic growth, and sharing successful case studies.
10:15 am - 10:55 am | Innovation as a Catalyst for Economic Diversification
Speaker(s)
This session will look at how innovation can drive economic diversification by opening up new markets and industries, highlighting examples from both developed and emerging economies.
Main Stage
10:55 am - 11:10 am | Coffee Break
Coffee Break
Join us for a refreshing lunch break, where you can recharge, network, and connect with fellow attendees in a relaxed environment. Take this opportunity to exchange ideas, discuss key topics, and enjoy a variety of meal options provided on-site.
Whether you’re looking to relax or continue conversations from the sessions, this break offers the perfect time to refresh before diving back into the day’s activities.
11:10 am - 11:30 am | Fun Activity
Recreational Activity
Get ready for a unique experience full of excitement, creativity, and surprises! This activity will allow you to explore new ideas, connect with inspiring people, and create unforgettable moments while challenging yourself to think differently. Come and be part of an experience that combines learning, fun, and collaboration, all in one space. You won’t want to miss it!
11:35 am - 12:15 pm | AI & Workforce Counter-balance
Session Overview
The discussion will focus on how artificial intelligence is reshaping industries and the workforce, examining both the opportunities it creates and the challenges it poses for workers and businesses alike.
Main Stage
12:20 pm - 01:00 pm | Keynote Address
Session Overview
Main Stage
A prominent speaker will present their insights on how emerging technologies and economic trends are shaping the future of global trade and business.
01:00 pm - 01:45 pm | Lunch Break
Lunch Break
Join us for a refreshing lunch break, where you can recharge, network, and connect with fellow attendees in a relaxed environment. Take this opportunity to exchange ideas, discuss key topics, and enjoy a variety of meal options provided on-site.
Whether you’re looking to relax or continue conversations from the sessions, this break offers the perfect time to refresh before diving back into the day’s activities.
01:50 pm - 02:30 pm | Identifying international economic opportunities
Session Overview
Experts will provide strategies for identifying and capitalizing on economic opportunities in international markets, especially in sectors that are poised for growth or transformation.
Speaker
Tim Callen
Main Stage
Tim Callen is Visiting Fellow at the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington D.C. and consultant to the World Bank’s Global Economic Prospects Division. Callen is a former Assistant Director in the Middle East and Central Asia department at the International Monetary Fund (IMF). He served as the IMF’s mission chief for Saudi Arabia and as the chief of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries’ (GCC) division from 2012-2021. He was responsible for the IMF’s engagement with the government of Saudi Arabia and for the institution’s research and publications on the country. He also led the IMF’s research program on the GCC region.
02:35 pm - 03:00 pm | Fireside Chat
Speaker(s)
Main Stage
An informal conversation between industry leaders on a relevant topic, offering personal insights and candid reflections on the future of economic policy and women’s roles in global business.
03:05 pm - 03:45 pm | The Digital Economy: Strengthening Trade Resilience in an Uncertain Global Market
Session Overview
This session will explore how digital technologies can help economies weather global uncertainty, from e-commerce and digital payments to blockchain and AI-driven supply chain management.
Speaker(s)
Dr. Renata Thiébaut
Dr. Renata Thiébaut is the COO of Green Proposition Consulting and professor at Gisma University of Applied Sciences. An expert in e-commerce, AI ethics, and digital transformation, she possesses deep expertise in the European, Asian, and North American markets. She has held senior positions in both the private and public sectors, including at renowned organizations such as Alibaba, Tencent, and the United Nations. Her professional career spans several continents and cultures. Internationally acclaimed, Dr. Thiébaut has advised numerous Fortune 500 companies.
Suresh Yadav
Suresh Yadav serves as the Senior Director of Artificial Intelligence and Transformative Technology at the Commonwealth Secretariat, bringing over 25 years of experience across the private and public sectors, as well as international organizations. His expertise spans finance, technology, and governance, with a particular passion for integrating disruptive technologies to drive development and transformation.
Prof. Bijan Raahemi
BIJAN RAAHEMI is a Professor of information systems and analytics and the Director of the Knowledge Discovery and Data Mining Laboratory at the University of Ottawa, Canada. His current research interests include artificial intelligence, machine learning, data mining, and big data analytics, and their emerging applications in engineering, business, and healthcare. He received his Ph.D. in electrical and computer engineering from the University of Waterloo, Canada, in 1997. Prior to joining the University of Ottawa in 2005, Dr. Raahemi was appointed as a Senior Researcher with Telecommunications Industries for 8 years focusing on computer networks architectures, data and multimedia communications and services. His research are published in over 85 peer reviewed journals and conference proceedings. Dr. Raahemi also holds eight patents in data communications. He is a Co-Editor of the Handbook of Research on Data Science for Effective Healthcare Practice and Administration. He was invited as a guest speaker and discussion panelist in conferences and summits including Alliance of IEEE Consultants Networks, IBM CASCON, and Microsoft Azure Business Operations. He is a registered member of the Professional Engineers of Ontario (PEO) and a member of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM).
Main Stage
Dr. Renata Thiébaut
Suresh Yadav
Dr. Bijan Raahemi
03:45 pm - 04:00 pm | Break & Networking
Break & Networking
Join us for a refreshing lunch break, where you can recharge, network, and connect with fellow attendees in a relaxed environment. Take this opportunity to exchange ideas, discuss key topics, and enjoy a variety of meal options provided on-site.
Whether you’re looking to relax or continue conversations from the sessions, this break offers the perfect time to refresh before diving back into the day’s activities.
04:00 pm - 04:40 pm | The Future of Work and Economic Diversification
Session Overview
Panelists will discuss how labor markets are evolving, how economic diversification can create new jobs, and the role of training and education in preparing workers for future demands.
Speaker
Main Stage
Dr. Khwezi Mbolekwa
Joshua Opey
Dr. Khwezi Mbolekwa
Dr. Khwezi Mbolekwa is a Special Advisor in Canada, likely with expertise in organizational leadership, diversity and inclusion, and change management. While public information about him is limited, his work appears to focus on strategic organizational development and equity in corporate and governmental sectors.
Joshua Opey
Joshua Opey is an accomplished youth advocate from Ghana, recognised for his dedication to empowering youth and sustainable development. Joshua is the Chairperson of the Commonwealth Youth Council (CYC), the official Youth organisation of the Commonwealth representing over 1.5 billion young people of the Commonwealth.
04:45 pm - 05:20 pm | Keynote Address
Session Overview
Another thought-leader will deliver a keynote on the intersection of technology, workforce development, and economic diversification.
Speaker
Her Excellency Fatima Braoule Meite is the Ambassador of Mali to Canada, in addition to her role as Permanent Representative of Mali with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). She graduated from the University of Quebec in Montreal (UQAM) and the State University of New York at Stony Brook. She has a master’s degree in business administration as well as a double major in sociology.
Previously, she worked in public health, where her expertise was to ensure the continuity of Maternal, Neonatal, Infant and Adolescent Health (MNIAH) services and the protection of Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC). She has worked as a consultant to the UN as well as for EU and Luxembourg cooperation, covering human rights, the advancement of women, decentralization, and poverty alleviation.
H.E. Fatima Braoule Meite
Main Stage
08:00 am - 09:00 am | Guests arrivals
Registration Team
GED Council Team
🌍 Our Registration Team is Ready to Welcome the World!
Get ready for a seamless experience at the GED Summit! Our dedicated registration team is excited to welcome participants from around the globe with warm hospitality, efficient service, and all the information you need to make your summit experience unforgettable. Whether you’re arriving in person or joining virtually, we’re here to support every step of your journey. Let the connections begin!
09:00 am - 09:25 am | Building Resilient Supply Chains
Session Overview
Experts will explore how economies can create more resilient and sustainable supply chains, focusing on diversification, risk management, and global cooperation in the face of disruptions like pandemics and geopolitical tensions.
Speaker
Internationally experienced bold Leader with exceptional aptitude for envisioning and implementing value creation strategies (AI, Blockchain and Emerging Technologies in Procurement Transformation) to improve operational efficiencies, reduce costs, generate revenues and heighten employee and customer satisfaction. Collaborative leader, influencer and strategic problem-solver with a remarkable ability to carry out complex negotiations by building strong and trusting relationships with all stakeholders.
Renowned for displaying the utmost integrity, diplomacy and respect in confidential situations. I believe discipline prevails over intelligence. It’s important to be talented but more important to practice self-mastery – when tasks are reliably, consistently and carried out, success follows. Expertise in the following markets: UAE, KSA, Morocco, China, Malaysia, South-Korea, Canada & USA.
Zouhair Lahlou
Main Stage
09:30 am - 10:10 am | Tech-Driven Diversification: Turning Disruption into Economic Opportunity
Session Overview
Speaker
Main Stage
This session will delve into how technological advancements such as automation, digital platforms, and AI are transforming traditional industries, providing new pathways for economic growth and diversification.
10:10 am - 10:50 am | Overcoming international trade and investment barriers
Session Overview
Panelists will discuss the various barriers that hinder trade and investment, such as regulatory hurdles and market entry challenges, and propose solutions to create a more open and equitable global market.
Speaker
Ms. Opeyemi Abebe is an Adviser and Head of the Trade Competitiveness Section in the Trade Oceans and Natural Resources Directorate of the Commonwealth Secretariat where she leads a team of Trade and Investment Advisers to provide technical assistance to member countries on trade competitiveness issues for improving their supply capacities to secure sustainable market access for priority exports and develop strategies for export and investment expansion and diversification working in over 20 Africa, Asia, Caribbean and, Pacific countries in the Commonwealth.
She previously served as a Trade Commissioner for Canada with the Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and International Development (DFATD) to support Canadian Business interest in Nigeria and has led previous projects funded by DFID, World Bank and USAID on diverse trade and investment topics. She holds a LL.M in International Trade and Investment Law and has a Doctoral degree in view.
Opeyemi Abebe
Main Stage
10:50 am - 11:00 am | Coffee Break
Coffee Break
Join us for a refreshing lunch break, where you can recharge, network, and connect with fellow attendees in a relaxed environment. Take this opportunity to exchange ideas, discuss key topics, and enjoy a variety of meal options provided on-site.
Whether you’re looking to relax or continue conversations from the sessions, this break offers the perfect time to refresh before diving back into the day’s activities.
11:00 am - 11:25 am | Fireside Chat
Session Overview
An informal chat with experts on a pressing issue, offering practical advice and in-depth analysis of global economic challenges and opportunities.
11:30 am - 12:10 pm | The Impact of Migration on Economic Diversification
Session Overview
This session will examine how migration influences economic diversification, both in host countries and in the economies migrants come from, as well as the opportunities and challenges of managing migration flows.
Main Stage
12:15 pm - 12:45 pm | Breaking Down Barriers: Policy Strategies for Economic Diversification and Market Entry
Session Overview
Main Stage
Policy makers and business leaders will discuss how effective public policies can help businesses break into new markets, diversify economies, and foster inclusive growth.
12:45 pm - 01:30 pm | Lunch Break
Lunch Break
Join us for a refreshing lunch break, where you can recharge, network, and connect with fellow attendees in a relaxed environment. Take this opportunity to exchange ideas, discuss key topics, and enjoy a variety of meal options provided on-site.
Whether you’re looking to relax or continue conversations from the sessions, this break offers the perfect time to refresh before diving back into the day’s activities.
01:30 pm - 01:55 pm | Fun Activity
Recreational Activity
Get ready for a unique experience full of excitement, creativity, and surprises! This activity will allow you to explore new ideas, connect with inspiring people, and create unforgettable moments while challenging yourself to think differently. Come and be part of an experience that combines learning, fun, and collaboration, all in one space. You won’t want to miss it!
02:00 pm - 03:00 pm | The Workforce of Tomorrow: Upskilling for an Inclusive & Competitive Economy
Session Overview
Main Stage
This session will focus on how countries and businesses can upskill their workforces, ensuring that all workers are prepared for the new demands of an evolving economy, with an emphasis on inclusivity.
03:05 pm - 03:45 pm | Expanding access to financing for SMEs, startups, and non-traditional sectors.
Session Overview
Experts will discuss how to improve financing access for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), startups, and emerging industries, including non-traditional sectors such as green technologies or social enterprises.
Main Stage
03:45 pm - 04:00 pm | Coffee Break
Break & Networking
Join us for a refreshing lunch break, where you can recharge, network, and connect with fellow attendees in a relaxed environment. Take this opportunity to exchange ideas, discuss key topics, and enjoy a variety of meal options provided on-site.
Whether you’re looking to relax or continue conversations from the sessions, this break offers the perfect time to refresh before diving back into the day’s activities.
04:00 pm - 04:45 pm | Keynote Address
Session Overview
Main Stage
A final keynote to wrap up the summit, providing a reflection on the key takeaways and future directions for global economic diversification.
04:50 pm - 05:20 pm | Fireside Chat
Session Overview
A final informal conversation with industry leaders on the future of economic diversification, leadership, and policy.
