Speakers | GCGC2024

Dr. Basma Albohairan

Managing Director

Center for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR) Saudi Arabia

BIO

Dr. Basma AlBuhairan is the Managing Director of the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR) Saudi Arabia, driving innovation and supporting Vision 2030. With 25+ years of experience across healthcare, education, and business, she specializes in public-private partnerships and technology adoption. She holds a PhD in Patient Safety Policy and two Master’s degrees, and is a fellow of the Eisenhower Fellowships Organization.

Panel Discussion 2

Leading with Insight: Strategic Planning for the Gifted and Creative Workforce

Tuesday, 26 NOV 2024
11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Dr. Barbara Oakley

Disctinguished Professor of Engineering

Oakland University

BIO

Dr. Barbara Oakley is a Distinguished Professor of Engineering at Oakland University and Michigan’s Distinguished Professor of the Year. Known for her groundbreaking research on neuroscience and social behavior, she is also a New York Times best-selling author, with books like A Mind for Numbers and Uncommon Sense Teaching. She co-teaches the globally popular Coursera course Learning How to Learn, which has over four million students. Dr. Oakley’s diverse background includes service as a U.S. Army Captain, work as a communications expert in Antarctica, and Russian translation on Soviet trawlers.

Keynote Session 2

Igniting Creativity: How Neuroscience and AI Enrich Learning

Monday, 25 NOV 2024
11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
HRH Prince Fahad bin Mansour bin Nasser bin Abdulaziz AlSaud

President of the Saudi G20YEA

Chairman of Entrepreneurship Vision

BIO

HRH Prince Fahad bin Mansour bin Nasser bin Abdulaziz AlSaud Focusing on empowering the development of the entrepreneurship ecosystem in Saudi and bridging it with the world. A serial entrepreneur and investor with a track record of successful number of entrepreneurial ventures in different industries such as Fintech, Social, Logistics, Tourism, Entertainment, Real estate and more. Graduated from the University of Loyola Marymount, Los Angeles, California, with an Entrepreneurship Major.

Keynote Session 2

Turning Creativity into Entrepreneurial Success

Tuesday, 26 NOV 2024
11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Banny Banerjee

Founder & CEO

Global Change Labs

BIO

Banny is the founder and CEO of Global ChangeLabs, focusing on sustainable solutions for global challenges like climate change and biodiversity. With a background in architecture and design, he integrates systems thinking to address complex issues. He collaborates with organizations like the UN and the World Economic Forum to drive change. Banny also teaches at Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability and developed the Systems Acupuncture methodology.

Panel Discussion 2

Fostering Giftedness and creativity Through Design Thinking Model

Monday, 25 NOV 2024
10:05 AM - 10:45 AM
H.H. Dr. Faisal bin Abdullah Mashary Al Saud

Secretary General Consultant

Mawhiba

BIO

H.H. Prince Dr. Faisal holds a Ph.D. in Engineering from Purdue University (1990) and served as a professor at King Saud University. He chaired the Center for Research in Higher Education (1999) and founded the National Center for Assessment (Qiyas) in 2001, later integrated into the Education and Training Evaluation Commission, where he became CEO in 2018. Since 2020, he has been an advisor at Mawhiba. Throughout his career, he contributed to key national programs and strategic plans in education, assessment, and talent development.

Panel Discussion 4

Showcasing Mawhiba Future aspirations

Monday, 25 NOV 2024
11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Dr. Ghadah Alarifi

Founding Dean

KAPSARC School of Public Policy

BIO

Dr. Ghadah Alarifi is the founding dean of the KAPSARC School of Public Policy, specializing in energy and sustainability policy. Previously, she was the Dean of the College of Business Administration at Princess Nourah University, where she also established the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center. Dr. Alarifi has extensive experience in human capital development, focusing on financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and social development. She holds a PhD in Management, an MBA in finance, and has completed executive courses at Harvard Kennedy School and INSEAD.

Panel Discussion 1

From Potential to Profession: Policy-Driven Journeys of Gifted Individuals

Tuesday, 26 NOV 2024
10:00 AM - 10:50 AM
Dr. Halim Choueiry

Chairperson of Arts and Design Department

American University of Science and Technology (AUST)

BIO

Dr. Halim Choueiry is a design thinker with over 30 years of experience and a Ph.D. focused on design thinking in the knowledge economy. He has served as Vice President of the International Council of Design and chaired Arts and Design Departments at various universities. Recently, he launched the Bahrain Knowledge Bay, a human-centered community project driven by strategic design. Dr. Choueiry frequently consults on creative strategies for business transformation and destination management.

Keynote Session 1

Beyond Boundaries: Mastering the Art of Thinking Outside the Box

Tuesday, 26 NOV 2024
9:05 AM - 9:50 AM
Hareth Alsahan

Chief Human Resources Officer

Telecommunications Tower Comapany "Tawal"

BIO

Hareth is an accomplished HR executive with extensive global experience in Human Resources, Corporate Services, and Shared Services. He excels in driving HR strategies, business transformation, and post-M&A integrations. Recognized with the Saudi Ministry of HR&SD Labor Award, he also serves on multiple Nomination and Remuneration Committees, overseeing executive appointments and compensation.

Panel Discussion 2

Leading with Insight: Strategic Planning for the Gifted and Creative Workforce

Tuesday, 26 NOV 2024
11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Prof. Ulrich Weinberg

President

Global Design Thinking Alliance

BIO

Prof. Ulrich Weinberg is the founding director of the HPI School of Design Thinking and a key advocate for Design Thinking in organizations worldwide. He previously taught computer animation at the Film University Potsdam and the Communication University of China. Weinberg founded TERRATOOLS, where his Terramap project in 1990 paved the way for Google Earth. He co-founded the WeQ Foundation and the Global Design Thinking Alliance, promoting innovation and educational reform.

Keynote Session 1

The Role of Education in Shaping Creativity

Monday, 25 NOV 2024
9:05 AM - 9:25 AM
Dr. Hasan Khormi

Deputy Minister

Ministry of Education for General Education

BIO

Dr. Hasan Khormi is the Deputy Minister of Education for General Education and a member of the boards of six national organizations and commissions. He has held leadership roles, including Director-General of Education in Riyadh and Vice Chairman of the Riyadh Region Youth Council. With a background in academia, he served as Dean of the College of Arts and Humanities at Jazan University and has worked as a consultant for both government and private entities. Dr. [Name] is a published author with 35 research papers, studies, and books, and holds two patents. He earned his Ph.D. in Geographic Information Systems from Australia and is a recipient of the Jazan Award for Excellence and Creativity.

Panel Discussion 1

Unlocking Genius: K-12 Gifted and Creative Education Identification - Enablement

Monday, 25 NOV 2024
9:25 AM - 10:05 AM
Dr. Heidi Alaskari

Senior Director, Performance Alignment

Diriyah Company

BIO

Dr. Heidi Alaskary is a visionary executive with over 20 years of experience in transforming legal, economic, and social infrastructure. She currently serves as Senior Director for Performance Alignment, Customer Experience & Quality Assurance at Diriyah Company. Previously, she was the Senior Director for Diversity & Inclusion and International Relations at the Royal Commission for Riyadh City. Dr. Alaskary has been a key leader in Saudi Arabia's Special Olympics and research initiatives, working across public, private, and non-profit sectors to drive inclusive change.

Panel Discussion 5

Celebrating Success: Lessons from Creative Journeys

Monday, 25 NOV 2024
3:15 PM - 4:00 PM
Dr. Hussam Zowawi

Assistant Professor & Group Leader

King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU)

BIO

Dr. Hosam Zowawi, Ph.D., is a clinical microbiologist and infectious diseases scientist focused on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and One Health. He leads the One Health AMR research group at KSAU-HS and previously headed the Rapid Diagnostics lab at the University of Queensland. Dr. Zowawi has advised on AMR strategies for the UK and Saudi Arabia and received multiple prestigious awards, including the Rolex Awards for Enterprise and the Tall Poppy Science Award.

Panel Discussion 5

Celebrating Success: Lessons from Creative Journeys

Monday, 25 NOV 2024
3:15 PM - 4:00 PM
Dr. Ibrahim Almojel

Founding Partner

Khawarizmi Holding

BIO

Dr. Ibrahim Saad Almojel is the founding partner of Khwarizmi Holding, specializing in venture capital, private equity, and real estate investments in MENA. He serves on several boards, including Saudi National Bank and Saudi Telecom. Previously, he was CEO of the Saudi Industrial Development Fund, leading its transformation to align with Vision 2030. Dr. Almojel holds a PhD in Management Science from Stanford University.

Panel Discussion 2

Leading with Insight: Strategic Planning for the Gifted and Creative Workforce

Tuesday, 26 NOV 2024
11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Dr. Khaled bin Ibrahim Al-Awad

Member of the Board of Trustees

Al-Alya Foundation for Local Development in the Regions

BIO

Dr. Khaled, with a Ph.D. in Organizational Sociology, is the Head of Studies and Development Pathways. He has held key roles, including Shura Council member, Education Ministry Undersecretary, and Associate Professor at King Saud University. He has led projects in quality and excellence, contributed to national quality strategies, and published research presented at local and international conferences.

Panel Discussion 3

Catalysts of Brilliance: Elevating Gifted Minds through Endowment Funds

Monday, 25 NOV 2024
11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Kerem Alper

Co-Founder & CEO

NEOL

BIO

Kerem Alper is the Co-founder and CEO of Neol, an AI-driven platform that redefines collaboration and talent agility. With expertise in systems thinking and design, he aims to help organizations unlock their network potential. Previously, he co-founded ATÖLYE and worked at Google’s Nest Labs on digital experiences. Kerem holds degrees from Stanford University and has been recognized with multiple prestigious awards, including Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum.

Panel Discussion 2

Fostering giftedness and creativity through design thinking model

Monday, 25 NOV 2024
10:05 AM - 10:45 AM
Dr. Mahmoud Elsayed

Senior Economist and Lead

World Bank Education Programs, Saudi Arabia & GCC

BIO

Dr. Mahmoud Elsayed is a Senior Economist in the World Bank’s Education Global Practice. He is leading the World Bank education programs in Saudi Arabia and the GCC region. Dr. Elsayed is also supporting World Bank’s projects in Yemen and other MENA countries. He has extensive technical and operational experience on issues related to human capital development, education finance, education system performance, among others. Dr. Elsayed holds a master’s degree in public finance policy and a Ph.D. in Public Policy from the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies at Georgia State

Panel Discussion 1

From Potential to Profession: Policy-Driven Journeys of Gifted Individuals

Tuesday, 26 NOV 2024
10:00 AM - 10:50 AM