Page 639 - INVESTOPIA ENGLISH PR REPORT FEBRUARY - MARCH 2025

3/4/25, 4:01 PM First day of Investopia 2025 outlines features of global investment in new economy
This year's edition of Investopia is held under the generous patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour
bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President of the State, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Presidential
Court. The first day’s activities were inaugurated by Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and
Chairman of Investtopia, with an opening speech in which he discussed the future of investment in the

new economy sectors in the UAE and global markets, the importance of financing to develop circular
and sustainable economic models, as well as enhancing economic openness, building partnerships,
and enhancing economic resilience to keep pace with ongoing economic developments.

The discussion sessions focused on vital topics, most notably investment opportunities in the new

economy sectors, especially artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. Other topics related to the
circular economy, how to manage wealth and impact investment in the charitable sector, and examining
transformations in the global economy in light of ongoing geopolitical challenges, as well as
mechanisms to enhance growth and competitiveness in the financial services sector, were discussed.

Economic transformations and investment in the new economy

In detail, the first day’s agenda witnessed the first dialogue sessions entitled “Global trends shaping the
new economy”, in which Eric Robertson, Head of Global Research and Chief Strategy Officer at
Standard Chartered, participated; Dr. François Bourguignon, Honorary President of the Paris School of

Economics, and Marc Antaki, Vice President of Strategy and Risk at Mubadala, where the session
discussed the impact of artificial intelligence on global economic and investment trends and the impact
of and geopolitical transformations. Participants discussed the importance of technology and
sustainability in shaping the future of the new economy, stressing the importance of digital
transformation in creating unique investment opportunities in the financial services sector, especially

with the development of blockchain technologies, digital payments and cryptocurrencies at a faster pace
than expected.

In another session titled “Capital for Good: The Future of Philanthropy”, the focus was on the importance
of looking at philanthropy more strategically and practically creating controlled and sustainable change

rather than temporary solutions, using innovative management methods supported by technology and
data analysis.

The session was attended by Badr Jafar, CEO of Crescent Enterprises and the UAE’s Special Envoy for
Business and Philanthropy; Tsitsi Masiyiwa, CEO and Co-Founder of Higher Life Foundation; Baroness
Ariane de Rothschild, CEO of the Edmond de Rothschild Group; and Alfonso Garcia Mora, Vice

President for Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean at the International Finance Corporation.

The participants discussed the importance of public-private sector collaboration to enhance the social
impact of philanthropic initiatives. The session addressed the challenges associated with measuring the
effectiveness of philanthropic and investment projects, emphasizing the need to set clear performance

standards to ensure tangible and measurable results. Speakers highlighted the role of impact investing
in achieving social change, noting the importance of adopting sustainable investment models that

https://www.zawya.com/en/business/investment/first-day-of-investopia-2025-outlines-features-of-global-investment-in-new-economy-gpok8gaa 2/7