Organisers of the 63rd ICCA Congress in Abu Dhabi, which kicked off yesterday on Sunday, have crafted a series of Out of the Box educational sessions that take attendees to key locations around Abu Dhabi for insights into how critical efforts led by the city’s diverse agencies have an impact on the economy, wider community, and international relations.
There are four Out of the Box sessions spread across October 21 and 22.
The Catalyzing Global Growth session on October 21 will be held at Abu Dhabi Global Market, where attendees will learn how the financial centre supports the expansion of healthcare platforms, enhances the hospitality and dining experience with authentic local offerings, and nurtures startups through a tech-forward ecosystem, all while aligning with the UAE’s broader economic ambitions.
On the same day, the Universal Connections session takes attendees to the Louvre Abu Dhabi to learn how cultural institutions can lead global cultural initiatives, drive international collaboration, as well as foster mutual understanding and unity across communities.
Tomorrow, on October 22, the Building Tomorrow session will head to Masdar City Central Park to explore its work in green urbanism, integrating advanced technologies with a commitment to creating vibrant, sustainable communities.
On the same day, the Driving Innovation session at Khalifa University introduces attendees to the institution’s pioneering research in biomedical engineering and bio-robotics. as well as its impact on Abu Dhabi’s positioning as an epicentre for cutting-edge research in artificial intelligence and space technology.
These sessions are led by ICCA staff – Dermont Ryan, community engagement manager, who leads Catalyzing Global Growth; Anju Gomes, regional director Middle East, who leads Universal Connections; Waikin Wong, regional director Asia Pacific, who leads Driving Innovation; and Andres Escandon, regional director Latin America, who leads Building Tomorrow.
Speaking to TTG Show Daily, Gomes expressed excitement over this initiative and is eager to welcome ICCA colleagues to her session at the Louvre Abu Dhabi.
She said: “Having been in the region for nearly 30 years, I’ve witnessed firsthand the incredible power of cultural initiatives to bridge divides and bring communities together. The Louvre Abu Dhabi is a perfect example of how strategic cultural leadership can elevate a region’s identity on the global stage.
“For those of us in the Middle East, this is a particularly meaningful case study, as it showcases how our region can lead the way in fostering global unity. By attending, you’ll gain valuable insights into how cultural partnerships, such as the one between Abu Dhabi and France, can foster cross-cultural understanding and help organisations like ours drive social impact through shared narratives.”
She added that attendees will leave with actionable strategies for incorporating cultural narratives into their work and insights into developing cross-cultural experiences that resonate universally.
