GCC Creative Conference fosters cultural diversity

BOSTON: The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Creative Conference held from May 10-12, 2024, in Boston, Cambridge attracted the presence of distinguished GCC nationals from various sectors to connect Gulf countries and United States. Created by Saad Al-Tami the president of Diwan, a student-run organization at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, the conference aimed to foster cultural diversity, inspire cross-cultural understanding, and enhance opportunities and foreign investment in the Gulf region.

The GCC Creative Conference was the first of its kind to bring together the six countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council under the prestigious umbrella of Harvard University. Featuring 150 speakers across 24 panels and four workshops, the event covered a wide range of topics from healthcare and sustainability to cultural heritage and digitalization in the Gulf.

The opening remarks were delivered by Jassem Al-Budaiwi, Secretary General of the Cooperation Council of the Gulf. The panel discussions provided rich insights from all sectors, including healthcare, sustainability, medical innovation, cultural heritage, women empowerment, future trends of the market and economy in the GCC, empowering youth, investment strategies, transforming education, corporate social responsibility, and ethical business practices.

As a luxury trailblazer in the GCC region, Dr. Esraa Al-Shatti led the panel “Evolving Elegance and Arts: Navigating the Luxury Market in the Gulf Region.” She moderated the discussion, highlighting the luxury market in the GCC region, including growth rates and forecasts across various sectors. Dr Al-Shatti said that luxury is a diverse and multidisciplinary field reflecting the depth of the luxury market and can be a significant source of income to GCC’s economy.

The discussion featured insights from Marco Parsiegla, CEO of Amouage Perfumes, who enriched the conversation with his knowledge about perfumery in the GCC region and how his company is adapting to global market trends. Parsiegla mentioned his R&D strategy involving regional creatives, which has doubled Amouage’s retail sales in the last three years. Dr Esraa emphasized that the luxury market is both a tangible and ethereal concept, reflecting the socio-psychological essence people desire. The GCC’s luxury industry, encompassing fashion, jewelry, beauty, hospitality, and automotive sectors, is a significant source of economic income for the region.

Amirah Aulaqi, founding partner of The Advancement of Arab & Gulf Women in America, discussed the emotional connection brands must establish with consumers. She highlighted how understanding consumer behavior is crucial for enhancing sales and competitiveness. Aulaqi shared insights on how she has helped high-end automotive brands in the United States better understand their GCC consumers, resulting in higher revenue.

Lulwa Al-Wazzan, with a decade of experience in the jewelry industry, shared her journey of blending digital channels with face-to-face interactions to reach her customers. She emphasized that knowledge and understanding of the region can make brands pioneers in their field.

The conference covered a diverse array of topics, including: Healthcare advancements and medical innovation; Sustainability and environmental strategies; Cultural heritage and preserving traditions; Women empowerment and leadership; Economic trends and market forecasts in the GCC; Youth empowerment and investment strategies; Transforming education and corporate social responsibility; Digitalization and the future of energy in the GCC; The role of mentorship in entrepreneurial success and Navigating data and artificial intelligence in the GCC.

Sheikha Afrah Mubarak Al-Sabah closed the event with an inspiring poetic journey. Sheikha Alzain Al-Sabah, Ambassador of Kuwait to US, provided motivational closing remarks. She emphasized the importance of education, youth support, and continuous communication between the GCC and the United States for future investments and collaborations.

Sheikha Alzain highlighted the significance of storytelling, empathy, and shared human experiences in driving development. She urged all attendees, from policy builders to entrepreneurs, to focus on evolving and creating impactful solutions through innovation and unity. She concluded by emphasizing that behind every policy decision is a human face, story, and life, and that development must be a collective effort deriving creativity from connectivity.