2023 CoreNet Global Summit East Meets West: Dubai

ZOOM OUT: THE POWER OF PERSPECTIVE

We have been conditioned throughout our lives to think that each question or problem has one definitive answer. However, complex challenges rarely come with a singular, simple solution and require broader thinking. While uncertainty can be seen as a threat or risk, embracing the discomfort that uncertainty brings is the new norm, and as leaders, we are expected to lean into it. This ability to navigate change, disruption, and uncertainty is paramount in a world that has become increasingly turbulent and volatile.

Today’s issues have many interdependent elements that change in unpredictable ways and lead to unforeseen outcomes. While it can be tempting to break a challenge into various components to “solve,” this assumes that one has greater control over the problem at hand. It can also narrow your view and obscure your perspective. “Zooming out” can help leaders shine a light on assumptions that may not be visible from the trenches; it has the ability to provide a broader perspective. An elevated vantage point can enable a view of larger patterns and inter-dependencies leading to adaptation, re-calibration, and new solutions. “Zooming out” can equip corporate real estate professionals with the perspective, knowledge, and skills needed to emerge as thoughtful leaders who may not have a single answer but know how to ask the right questions.

IWBI Speaking Sessions:

The Sustainability Roadmap for Real Estate in Africa - by Industry Leaders

Thursday, September 14 2023 from 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

COP 27 in Egypt did not have a clear, dedicated agenda for the real estate industry. However real estate is responsible for 40% of carbon emissions, therefore, a well-articulated plan is required to decarbonize the sector and reach net-zero, whether that’s through technology adoption, regeneration efforts or tools like green leases. Also taking into consideration that Africa may become a key supplier of green hydrogen to Europe. COP 28 is taking place in the UAE, where real estate is a growth driver and where the conversation around sustainability is generally advancing. A panel discussion between consultancies, occupiers, developers etc. can unearth interesting insights and help define objectives for the industry.

Key Takeaways:

• Sustainability in Real Estate in relation to the Conference of Parties - understand the opportunity we have in relation to the COP series, what sustainability really means for Africa and how far they are in the race of sustainable development.
• Sustainability trends, challenges and opportunities in Africa in terms of Real Estate - know the new sustainability trends globally and how we can apply them to Africa and how the real estate industry can leverage off green energy
• Road forward to achieve sustainable development in the African real estate industry - know the key factors and regulations some governments have adopted to build sustainable cities and what sort of regulations industry leaders would like to see introduced.

Speakers:

• Tekha Selim, Vice President, Head of MENA Region, International WELL Building Institute
• Oliver Baxter, Founder, MAVEN
• Sarah French, Middle East Head of Office Services, Real Estate and Travel, PwC PricewaterhouseCoopers
• Haithem Ibraheem, Director of Operations, ICD Brookfield Place
• Christina Sigliano, EMEA Head of Occupier Services, Savills (UK) Ltd

If Work is Currently Killing Us, Can New Workplaces and Ways of Working Reverse the Trend?

Thursday, September 14 2023 from 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM

There is a growing demand from leaders and investors for reliable, consistent ways to disclose the health and wellbeing of an organisation’s human capital. Their demands are relevant and valid. Work is literally killing us. There is mounting evidence of the negative impact work can have on an individual throughout their career. Unwell employees are also costly and have a direct impact on bottom line. Human capital accounts for about 80% of an organization’s operating costs. Mental illness cost $1 tn globally ($3,5 bn in the GCC) in lost productivity and research has established a conclusive connection between wellbeing and performance. Yet, there is no standardized way to measure or report on the wellbeing of the human capital within an organization. Going forward, reporting on the organization’s actions related to, and impact on employee wellbeing can be expected. Thus, organisations need to get ready to start tracking and reporting on status, progress and actions. The challenge is now, what data should be included? This session will bring in new fields of study around cognition, neuroscience and wellbeing to address how leading organizations are proactively tracking the wellbeing of, and investing in their most valuable asset. Their human capital. The session will elevate new ways of tracking health and wellbeing for ESG reporting through the IWBI 12 Competencies Framework and the flow²thrive Index and showcase how consulting firms (such as Deloitte) are using these tools.

Speakers:

• Tekha Selim, Vice President, Head of MENA Region, International WELL Building Institute
• Sally AlRokh, Business Transformation Lead and People Lead, Deloitte & Touche (M.E.)
• Linda Jarnhamn, Founder & Managing Partner, flow2thrive