Consortium Dubai, Dubai’s premier executive networking club and an initiative of TECOM Investments, will receive International campaigners and high-profile special guests - Sir Bob Geldof, , who led the global charity concert, Live 8 2005, and international movie star, Angelina JolieAdel Imam, Sundeep Waslekar, Barbara Castek and Anant Singh -, as keynote speakers at its ‘In Honor of Africa’ Benefit Dinner to be held at the Fairmont Hotel iin Dubai on 163th December, 2005 at The Jumeirah Beach Hotel under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum.
Consortium’s special guest speakers have been selectedchosen for their association with global humanitarian work. Angelina JolieAdel Imam is an is aaccomplished UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador, while Sir Bob Geldof spearheaded the Make Poverty History campaign earlier this year with the global rock concert Live 8 2005. Consortium’s lineup also includes Other speakers include Sundeep Waslekar, President of Strategic Foresight and Founder of International Centre for Peace Initiatives in Mumbai and Barbara Castek, CEO of Dubai Humanitarian and Aid City. Anant Singh is the producer of Yesterday and the forthcoming biopic of Nelson Mandela’s Long Walk To Freedom starring Morgan Freeman, and is representing the Nelson Mandela Foundation in accepting the donation from Dubai’s corporate community.
At the black tie benefit dinner, they will address an audience of Dubai-based business leaders, members of the Dubai ruling family and other international dignitaries on the social and economic challenges facing Africa in the 21st century and the global initiatives being undertaken to improve the quality of life and alleviate poverty. Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, all proceeds of the event will be donated to the Nelson Mandela Foundation. Guests will also be offered the opportunity to bid for a signed, original photograph of Nelson Mandela and Muhammad Ali for auction at the event, and international artist Patricia Millns and Emirati artist Dr. Najat Makki have also generously donated their artworks for auction in support of the Nelson Mandela Foundation. The auction will be managed by Christie’s leading auctioneer, Hugh Edmeades, Chairman of Christie’s South Kensington.
"This is an important and critical time to be discussing the great scourge of unnecessary poverty on the continent of Africa. While this week the Doha trade talks in Hong Kong seem set to fail the poor of the world, when the great trading partners ignore the misery of their fellow humans, it is right that here in Dubai those closest to that great continent remember the millions of Africa who annually suffer in a world that has never in its history been healthier or wealthier," said Sir Bob Geldof.
As a strategic partner of the ‘In Honor of Africa’ benefit dinner, Dubai Holding’s Executive Chairman, Mr. Mohammed Al Gergawi said, “A realistic view to the level of poverty in the world can represent a shock to anyone who is not familiar with it. Three of the world’s six billion people live on less than two dollars per day, and more than a billion survive on less than half that amount. This is a tragedy that is shaking the existence of human kind on this planet, a tragedy that we have to face with all possible means. The social responsibilities are no longer a matter of option or an act of charity for the private sector all across the world. We are responsible because we have the duty to address the needs of the societies that provide us with our most valuable asset, the human capital. We live in an interlinked world. Poverty in one part will inflict instability in many other parts, and the same applies for all other forms of misery. Each poor person on this planet is the by-product of deprivation from reaching the proper sources of education, healthcare, and safety. The real global advancement is the one of global human development on all levels.”
He further added, “By supporting TECOM Investments’ initiative to participate in the action to alleviate the global effects of poverty, we are only doing our job. Fighting poverty is a long journey and it will need to join all the efforts of the capable ones. Let's all join efforts to work, as our motto says,"for the good of tomorrow.”
Last few remaining tables and tickets for Ticketsto the ‘In Honor of Africa’ Benefit Dinner are still available; please visit www.itp.net/tickets.
About Consortium Dubai
Under the guiding principles of “Inform, Inspire, Interact”, Consortium Dubai facilitates international business relationships, fostering networking, and providing a structured forum in which these relationships can be cultivated. Consortium is managed exclusively by TECOM Investments and strives to support international social causes and promote corporate social responsibility among global businesses. Membership to Consortium is strictly limited to C-suite executives who have an affinity with and a keen interest in doing business in Dubai, and applications are only considered by personal recommendation. Consortium will host six key corporate events every year, giving members regular opportunities to interact with like-minded individuals and key business personalities. These include corporate evenings with international guest speakers, charity fundraiser galas, and networking receptions covering a range of industries across Dubai, London, Mumbai, and New York. Consortium’s International Partners include The Fairmont Dubai, an icon in the heart of Dubai’s business community, Motivate Publishing, publishers of Dubai’s leading business resources, Quintessentially, the global private members’ club and luxury concierge service, and Skywards, Emirates Airline’s award-winning frequent flyer program. All services such as business introductions to other members will be conducted through the club’s website, www.consortiumdubai.com
