Ideas Abu Dhabi & CGI: Emerging Leaders Tackle Global Challenges

Ideas Abu Dhabi, an esteemed forum spearheaded by Tamkeen in collaboration with the Aspen Institute and the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI), recently brought together UAE Rhodes Scholars and prominent figures from civil society and the business sector. The session was led by President Bill Clinton, the 42nd President of the United States and Board Chair of the Clinton Foundation, who guided discussions on how emerging leaders can forge partnerships and drive impactful solutions to today’s critical challenges.

A Landmark Event Celebrating a Decade of Excellence

Now in its sixth edition, Ideas Abu Dhabi also marked the 10-year anniversary of the Rhodes Scholarship in the UAE. The event, held in collaboration with CGI, the Rhodes Trust, and the Salama bint Hamdan Al Nahyan Foundation, welcomed 12 UAE Rhodes Scholars. Among them were HH Majida Al Maktoum (UAE Rhodes Scholar 2019), a representative of the Dubai Executive Council; Amal Al Gergawi (UAE Rhodes Scholar 2019), a researcher at NYU Abu Dhabi’s Marine Biology Lab; and Abdulla AlHashmi (UAE Rhodes Scholar 2020), an associate at McKinsey. Also in attendance were Professor Sir Rick Trainor, Warden of Rhodes House and CEO of Rhodes Trust, and Khulood Khaldoon Al Atiyat, representing the Salama bint Hamdan Al Nahyan Foundation.

Shaping Future Leaders in a Changing World

The thought-provoking discussion was moderated by Rima Al Mokarrab, Co-Chair of Ideas Abu Dhabi and Chair of Tamkeen. The panel examined key strategies and resources required to equip the next generation of leaders with the ability to navigate the complexities of an evolving global landscape with purpose and vision.

Addressing UAE Rhodes Scholars, President Clinton said: “Leadership starts with how you see the world, and I personally believe this is the most interdependent age in human history. We need to figure out ways to make prosperity more broadly shared, to make opportunity more broadly shared, and to not categorize people in a way that diminishes their human potential.”

Rima Al Mokarrab said: “We are living in an era of extraordinary change. Advancements in technology, particularly artificial intelligence, are having a transformative impact on business, education, government, and beyond. At the same time, global challenges like climate change, public health, and growing inequality demand solutions that are bold, innovative, and collaborative.”

“The Ideas Abu Dhabi forum enables us to come together to explore the pressing matters that define our time, creating space to spark collaboration, foster innovation, and turn dialogue into meaningful action. Against the backdrop of the UAE Rhodes 10-year anniversary, we are privileged to welcome President Bill Clinton – a distinguished Rhodes Scholar and visionary leader – who has dedicated his career to bridging divide. His valuable insights help us better understand the essential tools needed to navigate the complexities of the 21st century,” she added.

Prestigious Rhodes Scholarship and UAE’s Impact

The Rhodes Scholarship is a globally recognized academic award that enables exceptional students to pursue higher education at the University of Oxford in the UK. The UAE has produced outstanding Rhodes Scholars, including HE Shamma Al Mazrui, the nation’s first Emirati Rhodes Scholar. She currently serves as the UAE’s Minister of Community Empowerment and previously made history as the world’s youngest cabinet minister when she was appointed as the UAE Minister of State for Youth Affairs at just 22 years old in 2016.

Professor Sir Rick Trainor spoke to the impact of the Rhodes Scholarship, particularly in shaping visionary leaders across the globe: “The Rhodes Trust selects exceptional individuals who come to study at the University of Oxford and join our vibrant global community. We are delighted to celebrate 10 years of welcoming Scholars from the United Arab Emirates through our partnership with the Salama bint Hamdan Al Nahyan Foundation. I look forward to the impact that the 2025 Scholars Elect, and those who will follow in future cohorts, will make as they pursue their own journeys of excellence and leadership.”

Angela Migally, Executive Director of the Salama bint Hamdan Al Nahyan Foundation which endows the scholarship, said: "Marking its tenth anniversary milestone, the Rhodes Scholarship continues to be an exceptional opportunity for talented students to further develop expertise at one of the world’s most renowned educational institutions. Being a part of such a community enables our scholars to contribute to a better future for our nation and the world. Ten years on, the UAE Rhodes scholarship demonstrates our nation’s commitment to the transformative impact of ethical leadership.”

Ideas Abu Dhabi: A Hub for Global Thought Leadership

Since its inception in 2017, Ideas Abu Dhabi has convened over a thousand global leaders to address some of the world’s most pressing issues. The forum continues to establish Abu Dhabi as a center for collaboration and innovation, bringing together diverse perspectives to drive meaningful change. Past speakers have included renowned figures such as Bill Gates, Chair of the Gates Foundation; HE Dr. Anwar Gargash, UAE Presidential Diplomatic Advisor; Ray Dalio, Founder of Bridgewater Associates; former UK Prime Ministers Rt Hon David Cameron, Rt Hon Tony Blair, and Rt Hon Gordon Brown; and HE Sarah Al Amiri, UAE Minister of Education, among other distinguished personalities.

Strengthening Global Partnerships for a Sustainable Future

This latest edition of Ideas Abu Dhabi builds upon the ongoing partnership between Tamkeen and CGI to address urgent global issues. At CGI’s Annual Meeting last year, which coincided with the United Nations General Assembly, Tamkeen and the International Affairs Office at the UAE Presidential Court launched an expanded global FoodTech Challenge. This initiative aims to support innovative solutions for food and water scarcity amid a changing climate, offering $2 million in funding to drive meaningful progress in these critical areas.