More than 90 students from 25 countries are visiting DP World’s flagship Jebel Ali this week to embark on a four-day leadership development conference.

The summit is called CSCLeaders for Students and will run until September 4. The group includes 18 UAE nationals drawn from universities across the country.

DP World has joined forces with international leadership development organisation, Common Purpose.

The conference’s Host University Partners Heriot-Watt University (with support from PWC and Dutco Balfour Beatty) and Hult Business School will also host part of the conference on their premises in Dubai.

CSCLeaders for Students is a series of student conferences held in major cities where significant numbers of students from across the Commonwealth study. They bring together young Commonwealth and other talent studying in the host city to tackle a significant challenge of our day and build powerful networks for the future.

Mohammed Sharaf, Group CEO, DP World, said: “Dubai has become the hub of the region in a very short space of time thanks to visionary leadership. It is therefore very fitting that this important event is held in Dubai.  We at DP World are delighted to be able to help facilitate the learning and networking of this group of future leaders.”

“By broadening the horizons of future leaders and their ability to be agents of change all of us stand to benefit in the long term – the organisations they work for, the individuals themselves and society in general as we look to future generations to help solve some of the world’s most pressing issues.

“Hosting this event is part of our commitment to developing the skills and capabilities of the budding leaders of tomorrow.  The diversity of backgrounds, expertise, experience and cultures has resulted in an enriching mix of talent that can be nurtured in the years to come,” Sharaf added.

Julia Middleton, chief executive of Common Purpose said: “The 54 countries of the Commonwealth represent a third of the world’s population, of which half are under 25. Students from the Commonwealth share many values and with large numbers of them studying at universities across Dubai, there is a huge opportunity to connect these global leaders of the future both with each other and with leaders in Dubai.

“By taking students off campus and into the city, CSCLeaders for Students helps them feel more responsible for the place they are studying in and build the global networks they need to creative positive change.”

During the four days, students will focus on a global challenge: “How do you get societal – as well as economic – value out of technological innovation?”

Academics, business leaders and DP World senior management will also judge presentations and oversee interactive master classes. Students will pitch projects they have been working on during the event to a “Dragon’s Den” style panel of experts helping them to develop their ideas.

Other CSCLeaders for Students conferences will run over the next month in both London and Singapore with further conferences scheduled next year in London, Mumbai and Trinidad. – TradeArabia News Service