Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 15 Oct 2024 – The upcoming ninth edition of the GCC Board Chair Summit is set to convene over 100 influential leaders and board chairs from across the region on Wednesday, 22 October to engage in high-level discussions on critical issues impacting today’s business climate.

Under the theme of ‘GCC Transforms: Driving Change,’ the GCC Board Directors Institute’s (GCC BDI) summit will explore the global shifts reshaping the region's economy, including new sector diversification, AI, Cybersecurity and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG).

Apart from highlighting the Kingdom's strategic vision in navigating these challenges, the summit will also feature esteemed guest speakers, including H.E. Ghassan Al Sulaiman Founder and Chairman of AlSulaiman Group; HE Mohammed AlJasser Chairman at Cipher; H.E. Abdullatif Al-Othman, Founder, Alothman Engineering Consultancy; Hashim Al Dabbagh, CEO, Aseer Development Authority; Dr. Maryam Ficociello Chief Governance Officer at Red Sea Global; Francoise Bertrand Chair at VIA Rail Canada; David Beatty, a world-renowned governance expert; and Charles Myers of Signum Global Advisors; Mana Alkhamsan, CEO, Financial Academy; we also have three PwC Partners as well.

These leaders will share their insights on the impact of cybersecurity and AI in business and the importance of aligning robust frameworks with the ESG agenda for sustainable business practices.

Mohammed Al Shroogi, Chair of GCC Board Directors Institute (GCC BDI), will deliver the opening remarks, emphasizing the evolving role of corporate governance in driving sustainable growth amid global uncertainties. “As we navigate unprecedented change, it is important that our governance frameworks are resilient and adaptable. Building capacity at all levels remains the goal, while, at the same time, ensuring that we embrace new opportunities. The Summit provides a timely occasion to bring our business community together to address the big issues we face. GCC BDI is committed to championing leadership through effective board practices and governance.'

We would like to acknowledge our sponsors who have contributed to the conference, including our Silver Sponsors, Nasdaq and PwC; our Supporting Partner, The Financial Academy; our Communication Partner, APCO; and our Bronze Sponsor, Umbrellas Events.

The day-long summit will feature a series of engaging keynote and panel sessions, including “Corporate Governance in an Era of Unprecedented Change,” “Digital Tsunami and AI Simulation,” “Future Fit for Boards,” and “Geopolitical Trends: Impact on the GCC.”

The GCC Board Chair Summit, an annual invitation-only leadership event, has attracted some 2,000 high-level participants since its inception in 2013. The platform is a vital part of GCC BDI’s mission to support a strong regional board network.