The second edition of the Campden Global Owners & Family Office Congress convened over 300 family business leaders from more than 30 countries, fostering an exchange of knowledge, best practices, and collaborative strategies to navigate the opportunities and challenges that family businesses and their communities face. Held at a pivotal moment when affluent individuals from North America and Asia are increasingly exploring the establishment of family offices in the UAE to capitalize on regional growth prospects, the event showcased a lineup of prominent speakers.
Keynote speaker Badr Jafar, Special Envoy for Business & Philanthropy in the UAE and CEO of Crescent Enterprises, opened the congress with a speech titled “Family Businesses & Geo-Economics: The Imperative for Multistakeholder Governance.” Jafar emphasized the significant role family-owned enterprises play in the global economy, driving growth, innovation, and employment. He noted, “In the UAE, family-owned businesses contribute over 60% of the GDP and employ more than 80% of the workforce. Globally, the family office sector is expanding rapidly, with forecasts projecting global family office wealth to reach $9.5 trillion by 2030.”
Jafar also underscored the UAE’s commitment to multistakeholder collaboration as a cornerstone of its strategy to address global challenges, highlighting its effectiveness in tackling issues such as climate change and sustainable development. He advocated for a collaborative approach that leverages the strengths and resources of business, government, and philanthropy to accelerate progress.
The congress further delved into the significant challenges confronting global business owners in the 21st century, emphasizing the necessity for family businesses to embrace sustainable practices and digital transformation. Additionally, discussions focused on strategies to ensure seamless intergenerational wealth transfers and leadership transitions, ensuring resilience and competitiveness in a rapidly changing global environment.
The Campden Global Owners and Family Office Congress serves as a week-long experiential platform, featuring discussions, workshops, and family showcases, uniting family business owners worldwide to explore new opportunities and share insights.
