seventh edition: climate talk series
by SEE Institute
A Climate-Conscious Future Navigating Sustainable Practices in Tourism, Hospitality and Events
December 12th 2024
08:30 AM – 01:00 PM
SEE Institute
overview
The 7th edition of the Climate Talk Series focuses on the dynamic intersection of Tourism, Event Management, and Climate Action, highlighting the roles of Destination Management and Marketing in shaping a sustainable future.
This series offers a platform to discover and discuss innovative solutions and best practices in Tourism, Hospitality and Events, while also addressing how Destination Management Organizations are adapting their marketing strategies to drive sustainability. During this edition we aim to recognize the complexity of balancing environmental stewardship with economic growth for the industry.
Come JOIN US in shaping a climate-ready future, where tourism and events thrive as dynamic forces for environmental sustainability and social responsibility. Together, we will explore strategies to minimize environmental impact, enhance community engagement, and foster economic growth.
who should attend
Tourism professionals & Travel agents
Event managers
Government delegates
Professionals from various business sectors
Environment and Sustainability Advocates and Enthusiasts
Business owners interested in tourism and events management
Professors and students interested in tourism and events management
Key discussion objectives
- Promote sustainability within the tourism, hospitality and event management sectors by sharing knowledge, best practices, and innovative approaches.
- Empower participants with actionable insights and strategies to navigate the complexities of sustainable tourism, hospitality, and event management.
- Increase awareness about the impact of tourism, hospitality, and event management sectors on the environment.
- Inspire individuals and organizations to adopt sustainable practices in their tourism, hospitality, and event management endeavours.
- Foster collaboration and networking among stakeholders to address climate-related challenges.
Agenda
08:30 – 09:00 AM
Registration & Networking
09:00 – 09:10 AM
Welcome address
Dr. Jacinta Dsilva
Director – SEE Global Research and Partnerships Center, SEE Institute
09:10 – 09:25 AM
Keynote
Designing Sustainable Event Experiences: Practical Strategies for Greener VenuesMahir Abdulkarim Julfar
Executive Vice President Dubai World Trade Centre
09:25 – 09:40 AM
Guest of Honor
Bridging Climate Action and Tourism: Creating Sustainable Destinations through Strategic DevelopmentH.E. Dr. Abdullah Belhaif Al Nuaimi
Former Minister of Climate Change and Environment in the UAE
09:40 – 09:55 AM
Spotlight Keynote
Destination Dubai: Pioneering Sustainable Destination Management for a Greener FutureTaleed Al-Khatib
Sustainability Manager
The Department of Economy and Tourism
09:55 – 10:20 AM
Fireside Chat
Designing for the Future: Integrating Sustainability into Tourism Destinations.Moderator: Sahil Buch,
Specialist – SEE Global Research and Partnerships Center
Mubarak Al Shamsi, Director - Abu Dhabi Convention & Exhibition Bureau, Department of Culture and Tourism
10:20 - 10:35 AM
Presentation
Sustainable Tourism in Ras Al Khaimah: A Model for Growth and PreservationZoe Zuo
Director ‑ Destination Strategy & Insights
Mercy Kiprotich
Assistant Manager Destination Strategy RAK Tourism Development Authority
10:35 – 11:05 AM
Networking Break
11:05 –11:40 AM
Masterclass
Tourism and the Blue Economy: A Pathway to Resilient Hospitality and EventsEng. Ahmed Nabil
Co-Founder and CEO
Alpha Consultancy
11:40 – 11:55 AM
Guest Presentation
Accelerating the Transition to a circular and regenerative economy through Tourism and Destination ManagementGuy Bigwood, FIEMA
CEO and Chief ChangemakerGlobal Destination Sustainability Movement (GDS-Movement)
11:55 AM – 12:40 PM
Panel Discussion
Sustainability in Action: Navigating the Challenges and Opportunities of Climate-Resilient Tourism, Hospitality and Mega Events in the Middle EastModerator:
Nadine Zidani
Founder - MENA Impact
Panel members:
Dr. Mohammad Irfan Shaikh,
Programme Director
SEE Academy
Sheena Khan
Head - Environment & Culture Programs
Maitha Ali Al Blooshi
Dubai Arts and Culture Authority
Nouran Seifelnasr Mahmoud
Tourism Policy Lead Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi
Samer Homsi
General Manager
Al Habtoor Hospitality
12:40 PM (5 mins)
Closing remarks and Group Photo
12:45 Onwards
Networking
Speakers
Welcome adDress
Dr. Jacinta DsilvaDirector – SEE Global Research and Partnerships Center, SEE Institute
Keynote Speaker
Mahir Abdulkarim JulfarExecutive Vice President, Dubai World Trade Centre
Guest of Honor
H.E. Dr. Abdullah Belhaif Al NuaimiFormer UAE Minister for Climate Change & Environment
Keynote Speaker
Taleed Al-KhatibSustainability Manager at The Department of Economy and Tourism
Fireside Chat moderator
Sahil BuchSpecialist
SEE Global Research and Partnerships Center
Presenter
Mubarak Al ShamsiDirector - Abu Dhabi Convention & Exhibition Bureau, Department of Culture and Tourism
Presenter
Zoe ZuoDirector ‑ Destination Strategy & Insights
Presenter
Mercy KiprotichAssistant Manager – Destination Strategy
RAK Tourism Development Authority
presenter
Eng. Ahmed NabilCo-Founder and CEO – Alpha Consultancy FZC
Presenter
Guy BigwoodFIEMA CEO and Chief Changemaker
Global Destination Sustainability Movement (GDS-Movement)
Panel moderator
Nadine ZidaniFounder - MENA Impact
Panel member
Dr. Mohammad Irfan ShaikhProgramme Director - SEE Academy
Panel member
Sheena KhanHead - Environment & Culture Programs - Education & Culture
Panel member
Maitha Ali Al BlooshiDubai Arts and Culture Authority
Panel member
Nouran Seifelnasr MahmoudTourism Policy Lead Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi
Panel member
Samer HomsiGeneral Manager – Al Habtoor Hospitality
