Sustainability is one of the main themes of Expand North Star and is in line with the UAE’s efforts to provide momentum for the COP28 Conference of the Parties. This year, Expand Northstar, in collaboration with GITEX Impact, will host the Global Sustainable Investment Forum and Climate Neutral Venture Capital Forum at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
These events have helped boost environmental, social and institutional finance as investors expect to invest between $1.5 trillion and $2 trillion in climate and cleantech startups annually by 2050.
Sports are a way to encourage environmental protection:
Extreme E is an international off-road racing series sanctioned by the International Automobile Federation (FIA), where electric SUV races are held in remote areas of the world, such as the deserts of Saudi Arabia or the Arctic. All race locations have been chosen to raise awareness of aspects of climate change. The Extreme E racing series has announced plans to provide social and environmental support to venues as part of its 'Legacy Plan'.
Cristina Gutierrez is one of Extreme E's most talented drivers. In 2021, she became the third woman to reach the podium in the 2021 Dakar Rally after winning one of the stages. During a special panel discussion titled “The Future of Sports and Its Impact on the Planet,” Gutierrez explained how sports can have a positive impact on the planet.
In his speech, Gutierrez stressed that sports can be used for good purposes, and highlighted his active participation in the “Legacy” program during the “Extreme E” competition. I have previously taught innovative and sustainable ways to build educational infrastructure, such as building eco-friendly school walls. She added: “We hope, through these initiatives, to have a tangible positive impact on the environment and instill confidence and responsibility among members of society.”
Gutierrez urged women to break stereotypes and pursue their ambitions through platforms such as sports.
The rise of Africa:
Dubai World Trade Centre, through its subsidiary Con International, launched GITEX Africa this year to explore the vast opportunities offered by the technology industry on the continent. The trade fair will be held for the second time in 2024 and offers a range of exciting events designed to drive digital transformation across various industries. Following the great success of the first conference in May last year, GITEX Africa 2024 will cover three new areas: digital health, smart manufacturing, and agricultural technology, underscoring the growing importance of the African continent in the global technology landscape.
Expand Northstar hosted a panel discussion on “Investment Systems in Africa.” Speakers at the conference included Fernando Cabral, Head of Business Growth at Degasy Africa; Mark Kleiner, co-founder of Dream VC; Yacine Laghazoui, CEO of UM6B Ventures; and Monica Shubekai Simons, Head of Africa at Aikon Corporate Finance.
Speakers at this conference discussed the continent's entrepreneurship ecosystem. They cite East and West African countries that have set precedents for healthy business systems in startups, including Angola and Mozambique. Speakers noted that these emerging economies can benefit from the experiences of other, more established organizations while bringing their own perspectives to the African technology community.
Africa's startup ecosystem is considered one of the most promising in the world, with the continent's markets brimming with opportunities to explore. Participants highlighted the global nature of Africa's startup scene, with more than 70% of venture capital investments in Africa coming from international investors.
Organized by the Dubai Chamber for Digital Economy, Expand Northstar held its largest ever exhibition this year from 15 to 18 October 2023 at its new showrooms at Dubai Harbour. GITEX Global 2023 and Expand North Star hosted more than 1,800 startups from more than 100 countries.
The event also brought together about 1,000 investors who manage more than a trillion dollars in total value in the Emirate of Dubai, strengthening its position at the heart of the global digital economy in record time.