Leaders across global sectors have been urged to adopt innovative and transparent practices to tackle the challenges of a rapidly evolving digital economy. This call was made by Dr. Yvonne Thompson CBE, Event Chair of the Global Reputation Forum 2024 (GRF), during its recently concluded two-day event.

With the theme, ‘Leadership, Policy, and Governance in a Digital World’, the forum brought together an impressive array of global leaders, policymakers, and industry experts to discuss strategies for navigating reputational challenges and seizing opportunities in the digital age.

The GRF 2024 reaffirmed its position as a leading platform for fostering dialogue and shaping policies that influence global governance and innovation. Outstanding contributions in Leadership, Sustainability, Technology, and Diversity were also celebrated through a series of prestigious awards presented during the event.

A major highlight of the event was the fireside panel discussion titled ‘Leadership, Policy and Governance in a Digital World’ where experts such as Robert Muchintha Chabinga of the Zambia Parliament and Daniel N. Obah from Nigeria explored strategies for digital transformation and governance.

The critical issue of women’s impact in leadership and entrepreneurship was brought to the forefront during the session on ‘Women, Business and Leadership’.

Chaired by Alice Bromage, the panel featured contributions from Dr. Jane Kimemia (CEO, Optiva Capital Partners), who emphasised the need for diversity and collaborative leadership.

This theme was echoed by UK Member of Parliament Bell Ribeiro-Addy in his opening statement, which underlined the importance of digital governance for women’s development.

Other key fireside chats that also illuminated in the forum was the GEC Space Programme session, moderated by Bobbi Trehan-Young, which spotlighted aerospace innovation with insights from Joel Singh (Director, GEC Space Programme) and Betty Bonnardel-Azzarelli MBE (CEO, AB5 Consulting).

Meanwhile, a session on ‘Entertainment and Media in the Age of AI’ explored the intersection of artificial intelligence and creative industries, with Oshoma Zekeri among the leading voices contributing to the discourse.

One of the standout sessions on the second day of GRF was the ‘Breaking Barriers – Women Shaping the Future of Arts and Culture’ session, which examined the transformative roles of women in the creative sector.

It was preceded by keynote addresses by former president of Mauritius, Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, and Dr. Martha Namundjebo-Tilahun, Chairperson of United Africa Group.

This was complemented by a session on ‘Strategising for Expansion in a Protectionist Global Market’ led by Bolaji Sofoluwe (Managing Director, EKT Group UK), which addressed strategies for navigating global trade barriers.

The Diversity and Inclusion Panel saw Cynthia Davis CBE moderating a discussion on inclusive leadership, featuring contributions from Lisa Sutton and Deborah Womack, with a focus on sustainable innovation.

Dr. Achese Inimgba also led a highly engaging session on “Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare,” where experts explored the role of AI in revolutionising medical delivery systems.