Sami Hamdi to Keynote GMW Summit in Doha; Continuum Spark Award Winners Announced
Sami Hamdi, Managing Director of The International Interest and a leading geopolitical analyst, has been announced as the keynote speaker for the GMW Summit, scheduled to take place in Doha from November 24 to November 28. The event, held at the sprawling Education City, will bring together global innovators, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders to address pressing global challenges and foster collaborative solutions.
Hamdi is known for advising governments and businesses on navigating the intricate political landscapes of Europe and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. His analyses, often featured on major networks like Al Jazeera, BBC, and Sky News, offer a sharp perspective on the intersection of politics and economics. At the GMW Summit, his keynote is expected to delve into the convergence of these forces and their impact on societal challenges worldwide.
The 2024 GMW Summit is centered on the theme "Stronger Together," a call for unity in addressing issues such as economic inequality, social disruption, and the global climate crisis. The summit will take place across various venues within Education City, Qatar’s prominent educational hub, which boasts world-class academic institutions, cutting-edge research centers, and cultural landmarks like the Qatar National Library and the Education City Mosque.
Regional Winners of Spark Continuum Award Unveiled
As part of the summit, the GMW Network has revealed the regional winners of the prestigious Continuum Spark Award, which recognizes innovative social impact projects. These winners, from Africa, the GCC, America, and Europe, will compete for a $250,000 investment during the summit’s global finals.
The top nonprofit award in Africa and the GCC went to the Amal Initiative, a Palestinian-led project that provides career coaching, mental health support, and entrepreneurship training for marginalized youth. Working across 26 countries, the Amal Initiative has built a network of volunteers dedicated to empowering young people through digital literacy and resilience-building.
On the for-profit side, Flowless - Sustainable Solutions won for its AI-powered platform designed to optimize water usage. The company’s technology is already being used to reduce water waste in Palestine and has the potential to expand globally, addressing water conservation issues in agriculture and utilities.
In the America and Europe regions, Maristan, a mental health nonprofit led by Stanford University’s Dr. Rania Awaad, was recognized for its faith-based approach to therapy, particularly within Muslim communities. The organization seeks to reduce mental health stigma by integrating cultural and religious considerations into treatment.
The for-profit category winner, ConeLabs, was awarded for its use of AI and drones to streamline infrastructure safety inspections. The technology, which automates inspection processes, is improving both efficiency and security in critical sectors across Europe and North America.
These winners will join a global audience of investors, policymakers, and activists in Doha, where they will present their projects in hopes of securing further investment and scaling their efforts.
A Platform for Visionaries
In addition to Hamdi’s keynote, the summit will feature a lineup of speakers including Dr. Rania Awaad, award-winning photographer Peter Sanders, and Yusuf Omar, co-founder of Seen TV. The program is designed to explore a broad range of topics, from entrepreneurship and social impact to cultural innovation and technology.
Among the many highlights is Yawm Al-Marah, a day dedicated to celebrating Muslim women in leadership. The summit will also host the Creative Stage, a platform for designers, storytellers, and photographers, as well as NextGenCon, a two-day event tailored to young changemakers.
The GMW Summit will also offer immersive cultural experiences, allowing attendees to engage with Qatar’s heritage through activities that span from desert explorations to water sports, while the GMW Expo will showcase a range of innovative Muslim-led enterprises.
As anticipation builds for the event, early bird tickets are available until October 4. Organizers encourage attendees to secure their spots for what promises to be a unique convergence of ideas, collaboration, and inspiration.
For more details, visit the GMW Network website.
About GMW Network
The GMW Network serves as a global platform for Muslim entrepreneurs, leaders, and social impact creators. Through initiatives like the Continuum Spark Award and its annual summit, the network fosters collaboration and amplifies efforts to drive social and economic change across the Muslim world.
About the Continuum Spark Award
The Continuum Spark Award is a global competition that aims to empower groundbreaking social impact initiatives. With $250,000 in investment up for grabs, the award recognizes projects that tackle some of the most urgent challenges facing communities today.
