Former UK Prime Minister David Cameron took to stage at the Arabian Business Leadership Summit 2023 to express his optimism for the future, highlighting the positive attitude and open-mindedness of young people.
Addressing the most influential business leaders in the region at the Armani Hotel in Dubai, Cameron commended the younger generation for their genuine opposition to discrimination, their embrace of diverse cultures, and their international outlook on their future.
Cameron stated, “I am incredibly optimistic about the future, primarily because of the young people I meet. They have such a positive attitude that includes genuine opposition to discrimination in all its forms, an open-mindedness towards people and cultures, and an international outlook on their future in terms of where they live, work, and travel.
David Cameron in Dubai
“This capable and open-minded generation holds great potential, and I strongly encourage them to consider public service as a potential career path.”
Recognising the ever-evolving world of AI and changing technology, the former Prime Minister emphasised the importance of building transferable skills that can be applied across different companies and careers.
He also highlighted the need for adaptability in navigating the dynamic professional landscape. While acknowledging the increasing interconnectedness of the global system,
The former leader also stressed the significance of national identity and the commitment to one’s country.
Cameron added: “While we live in a more interconnected global system, it is equally important to recognise the significance of the nation-state and the country in which you live. Committing to and embracing your country still holds great value and contributes to a sense of national identity.”
“Giving up on this would not necessarily make the world a better place. The UAE and the UK, for instance, possess a strong sense of national identity and a common purpose.
“When I taught in the UAE earlier this year, I was deeply impressed by the pride Emirati students exhibited in their country’s achievements and progress,” he said.
Moreover, Cameron acknowledged the abundance of talent emerging from various countries. Drawing from his experience as a former Prime Minister and a teacher at NYU in Abu Dhabi, he highlighted the diversity and learning opportunities that arise from engaging with people from different backgrounds.
“There is an abundance of talent emerging from our countries. As a former Prime Minister, I have had the privilege of teaching at NYU in Abu Dhabi. My class was incredibly diverse, with over 20 students representing 16 different countries.
“I learnt from them as much as they learnt from me. My advice to everyone is to keep learning, keep engaging with others,” said Cameron.
David Cameron’s positive outlook and encouragement for the younger generation to pursue public service and embrace diversity was a topic he addressed with great conviction citing personal experience, “strongly” encouraging the youth to “consider public service as a potential career path.”
The Arabian Business Leadership Summit took place on Wednesday at the Armani Hotel in Dubai in presence of some of the most influential business leaders, delegates and industry pioneers in attendance including UAE Deputy Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Strategic Affairs Huda AlHashmi, Diriyah Company chief executive officer Jerry Inzerillo, former Etihad boss and Knighthood Global chief executive officer James Hogan and more.
The summit served as a platform for leaders to exchange ideas, discuss obstacles, and explored possibilities for shaping the future of business in the Arab region.
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