Turismo
Global Citizen Forum hosts star studded line up, including Yusra Mardini, Nile Rodgers, and Craig David, to champion climate action
In partnership with the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA), and RAK Properties, the Global Citizen Forum's second instalment in the 'Butterfly Effect' trilogy, Earth Age, opened its doors on Wednesday 6 December. Anticipation had long been building as people witnessed the giant white dome installed on the beach to serve as the main stage for the Forum. The first day focused on experiences that brought the concept of global citizenship to life, with a charity gala and dinner bringing the night to a close. The second day saw the start of the Annual Summit, with a host of international voices making the case for meaningful climate action and global citizenship.
During the opening sessions, Olympic swimmer discussed her personal story as a refugee and how she is shaping and engaging conversations to address the challenges faced by displaced people across the globe. Yusra, who was joined by Jetex CEO , was determined to show that "everyone has the right to dream". Yusra expanded on how women's rights must be central, explaining that "education is a woman's personal weapon for positive change" and can broaden people's horizons for good.
In a beachside tent crafted to mimic the hexagonal structure of honeycombs, re-energised the global conversation about ongoing efforts to save the declining bee population. Leaving the forum with custom hand-printed t-shirts, delegates will spread this vital message around the world with the very clothes they wear.
Other experiences gave delegates the opportunity to learn from acclaimed artist in an exclusive painting workshop, learn mindfulness techniques from therapist to the stars , and witness the everyday trauma faced by so many in the world via visionary photographer moving exhibition 'Being Human'. Bobby asked delegates to "not be annoyed by the things we take for granted. Take joy in them".
Day one's closing charity gala, held in partnership with Nammos World, raised an incredible £570,000, in support of the Yusra Mardini Foundation and the Global Citizen Cultural Centre for Youth, as well as other initiatives, helping the voiceless to be truly heard. Music icon presented celebrated comedian with the Global Citizen Forum Award, with the comic delivering some hilarious lines as part of his acceptance speech. The night ended with chart-topping singer taking guests on a journey through R&B and UK Garage in a set filled with his greatest hits.
During the Annual Summit, International Anchor at CNN conducted proceedings in his signature acerbic style. His Excellency , Chief Executive Officer of RAKTDA, gave an address on how Ras Al Khaimah is putting sustainability at the heart of its tourism plans. He praised the rising numbers of "conscientious travellers", arguing that through highlighting the Emirate's natural environment, tourism can be both sustainable and bring crucial investment for local communities.
Highlighting the crucial bridge between climate awareness and lasting change, a discussion seminar including , former Director General, UNESCO, and , former Managing Director, World Economic Forum, discussed how to build access to education at every level of society. Transforming our climate requires the innovation that properly funded education can inspire.
A star-studded panel of speakers including , Chief Executive Officer at the World Humanitarian Forum, and Baroness OBE, Member of the UK House of Lords, discussed their vision for a world defined by uninhibited global mobility. They determined that provision of equal rights, access to education, and the chance to move freely across our world must be a core part of global efforts to bring lasting change to a planet crying out for help.
Delegates witnessed a unique experience: the world's first live underwater panel discussion which was held off the coast of Ras Al Khaimah . President of Deborah Brosnan & Associates and Founder of Oceanshot, "sat" at a sunken panel desk with , Chairman and Founder of the Global Citizen Forum, and , President & Chief Executive Officer of the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI), to discuss the catastrophic collapse of coral reef ecosystems. Arton noted that "there are no borders, no nationalities in the ocean, we cannot repeat the mistakes we've made above the waves".
, Chief Innovation Officer at PANGAIA, introduced award-winning filmmaker
to showcase his timely documentary on restoring collapsing bee populations. With honeybee pollination directly impacting between 50%-80% of the world's food supply, the 'Bee the Change' documentary calls for a grassroots campaign to produce millions of local havens for bee colonies to flourish.
The Forum closed with the lighting of a 'bonfire'- a bespoke arrangement of LED lights to negate the pollution caused by burning wood. Local legend , DJ and Producer extraordinaire, made sure that the evening ended with a bang, playing a rotation of hits as delegates danced on the beach to celebrate another successful Forum.
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For photos of the Forum, please follow the link:��https://www.gettyimages.ae/photos/global-citizen-forum-2023
The Global Citizen Forum is a Canadian non-profit organization driven by a global community of leaders and catalysers unlocking the potential of global citizenship. Through a series of curated events and experiences, the GCF's community gathers from across the globe for their Annual Summit to bridge dialogue with action for traceable, transparent, and measurable impact.
www.globalcitizenforum.org | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube
Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) was established in
May 2011 under the government of Ras Al Khaimah . RAKTDA aims to develop the Emirate's tourism infrastructure and establish
Ras Al Khaimah as a world-class destination for leisure and business travel, creating sustainable investment opportunities and enhancing the quality of life for its residents. In order to achieve its goals, the Authority has a government mandate to license, regulate and monitor the Emirate's tourism and hospitality industry.
www.visitrasalkhaimah.com | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube
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