Global Citizen Forum: The ‘Earth Age’ dawns in Ras Al Khaimah

In December last year, the sun-drenched sands of Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, hosted a transformative event: the Global Citizen Forum‘s ‘Earth Age’.

Olympic athletes, CEOs, thought leaders, award-winning filmmakers, musicians, wellbeing experts, authors, and statesmen from around the globe convened for the second chapter in the “Butterfly Effect” trilogy. They aimed to enable a more sustainable future for our planet and celebrate the true meaning of being “global citizens.

The eclectic mix of invitees featured Yusra Mardini, Russell Peters, Bog Sager, Craig David, Domingo Zapata, Marisa Peer, Brian Kelly, and a host of other celebrities.

The two-day forum was hosted at the InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah Resort and Spa, a perfect setting for the event that showcased thought-provoking conversations and amazing experiences. The theme, “Earth Age”, resonated throughout the carefully curated activities of the forum, encouraging participants to move beyond anthropocentrism and celebrate our interconnectedness with nature.

The first day of the event focused on experiences that highlighted the true meaning of global citizenship, with a charity gala and dinner bringing the night to a close. The gala, held in partnership with Nammos World, raised £570,000, in support of the Yusra Mardini Foundation and the Global Citizen Cultural Centre for Youth.

The second day saw the start of the Annual Summit, with a host of international voices showcasing climate action and global citizenship.

Sustainability and human mobility

Global Citizen Forum founder Armand Arton, an entrepreneur and philanthropist, has been the key driver of the forum’s themes and rising international profile. Speaking to Gulf Business on why the UAE was an ideal platform for the summit over the years, he said: “We’ve worked closely with the different emirates and have great ties with their leaders. They have been great partners in terms of facilitation and cooperation. This country is also home to a growing multicultural community that welcomes one and all, making it the right place to host such an event.”

Explaining the forum’s focus on human migration, Arton added: “It’s the fact that you and I were not born in the same place where we are today, and may move to another place shortly. These are significant considerations. Millions of people around the world are taking this journey today. We, at the Global Citizen Forum, want to be part of this conversation and celebrate it.

“We want to look at the positive elements of identity, mobility, and the positive impact of migration. Today, unfortunately, migration is more used in politics, and more negatively than positively. So for us, rebranding migration is a mission.”

Arton explained why the forum was focused on galvanising climate action and its connection to migration. “The climate disaster will displace hundreds of millions of people over the coming years…a global mindset shift is the cure. No one is born a global citizen, you need to become one. It is up to us to decide on the effect we have on the world we live in.”

Arton believes that people such as Yusra Mardini are great examples of global citizens. The Olympic swimmer, a key speaker at the event, shared her personal story as a refugee and how she is shaping and engaging conversations to address the challenges faced by displaced people across the globe.

Yusra, who was joined by Jetex CEO Adel Mardini, was determined to show that “everyone has the right to dream”. Yusra expanded on how women’s rights must be central, explaining that “education is a woman’s weapon for positive change” and can broaden people’s horizons for good.

Other key highlights

During the summit, the sustainable fashion coalition Pangaia, also a key partner, showcased ongoing efforts to save the declining bee population. Dr Amanda Parkes, chief innovation officer at Pangaia introduced award-winning filmmaker Josh Tickell’s documentary on the plight of bees, highlighting the importance of pollinator conservation.

The forum even went underwater to get the conversation going at a ‘deeper level’. The panel featured OceanShot co-founders Dr Deborah Brosnan and John Paul DeJoria, PADI CEO and president Dr Drew Richardson, the Prime Minister of Antigua & Barbuda Gaston Browne, and Arton.

The panel – fitted in full scuba gear – emphasised the importance of bringing governments and the tech and science communities on the same page, to achieve environmental goals such as protecting coral reefs. Below the surface of the Arabian Gulf, they also announced an upcoming OceanShot Lab in Antigua and a novel coral reef deployment project.

Dr Brosnan told Gulf Business: “The Global Citizens Forum embodies a lot of what we feel about the ocean, which is the ocean has no borders, marine life moves freely around them, and the ocean brings us together, it is a great connector.

“This is so much a part of the vision of Global Citizens Forum as well, which is why it was only natural for us to partner with an organisation that is about bringing people together; it is about caring for the earth and caring for people. And Ocean Shot is about caring for the earth, caring for people, but it’s also about taking action. And so in this case, we are building reefs, protecting our beaches, and restoring fisheries and biodiversity in local communities.

“We’re linking how we’re all interconnected. And our action on the sea and above sea will have an impact on billions of other people.”

Art of life

Art played a powerful role in sparking dialogue and amplifying messages of environmental responsibility during the forum. Two captivating exhibits stole the show: Bobby Sager’s “Being Human,” a touching exploration of the human cost of conflict, and Natalia Kapchuk’s “At the Lost Planet,” a stark contrast between nature’s beauty and the scars of human impact.

Beyond artistic expression, the forum delved into concrete solutions for building a more sustainable future. Experts discussed topics like renewable energy, circular economy, and climate-resilient agriculture, offering actionable insights for businesses, governments, and individuals alike.

Technology was also on the agenda, with sessions showcasing cutting-edge advancements in areas like green tech and eco-innovation. Attendees had the opportunity to test-drive electric vehicles, witness the power of vertical farming, and even experience virtual reality tours of sustainable cities.

Highlighting the crucial bridge between climate awareness and lasting change, a discussion seminar including Irina Bokova, former director general, of UNESCO, and Lee Howell, former managing director, the World Economic Forum, discussed how to build access to education at every level of society. Transforming our climate requires the innovation that properly funded education can inspire.

The panel of speakers included Feraye Ozfescioglu, CEO Officer at the World Humanitarian Forum, and Baroness Shaista Gohir OBE, member of the UK House of Lords, who discussed their vision for a world defined by global mobility.

Ozfescioglu said: “I’d like to thank Global Citizens Forum for putting such an event together and the Ras Al Khaimah authority to support this vision.”

Raki Phillips, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism, also spoke at the event. Speaking to Gulf Business, he said: “This is the third year that we’ve hosted the forum in Ras Al Khaimah. It’s a premier event that we like to end our year with and it has showcased RAK’s offerings on a global platform. We’re used to sports, MICE, and business events. This is a combination of everything, and it has such a positive message to it.

“A big part of the discussions at the forum was related to human mobility: how to have borderless experiences, frictionless travel, and experiences that tourism can truly offer, among others. Another huge component of the forum is sustainability, and not just environmental sustainability, but both economic and cultural sustainability. Overall, it was a great experience.”

Wellness activities

The forum also featured wellbeing sessions featuring mindfulness techniques by celebrity hypnotherapist, Marisa Peer.

Breathework sessions throughout Day 2 of the forum were guided by Brian Kelly, founder of 9D Breathwork & YogiLab.

The forum closed with the lighting of a ‘bonfire’, with LED lights used instead of burning wood, and music from local DJ and producer Dany Neville.