Dubai, UAE – A group of students from The International School of Choueifat – Dubai and The International School of Choueifat – Dubai Investments Park, part of the SABIS® Network of schools, have been selected to participate in the upcoming Voices of Tomorrow conference. The event has been designed as a unique platform to seek fresh perspectives and tangible actions from young minds on the future of work.

Hosted by Zurich Middle East, as part of their Global Employee Benefits World Tour, the two-day conference, which will be held on October 21-22, 2024, is set to bring together industry experts and thought leaders to participate in a series of interactive workshops and thought-provoking discussions that aim to redefine the future of employee benefits.

The conference showstopper on October 22nd will be an insightful debate presented by six students from SABIS, who were hand-picked for their high motivation and commitment to debate clubs. The young debaters will be tasked with presenting sustainable solutions as they actively tackle a critical question: Is artificial intelligence (AI) a threat or an opportunity? The students will not only showcase their debating prowess but, most importantly, tackle one of the most pressing issues of the modern workforce.

Sharing her sentiments about being part of the event, 16-year-old Perla Jallikian from The International School of Choueifat – Dubai Investments Park said: “This is more than just a debate - it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to help shape our future. AI is something that’s on everyone’s mind and it’s an honour for myself and the other students to be granted a chance to weigh in on whether it’s a threat or an opportunity for the workforce we will eventually be a part of in the next few years."

Held in partnership with Debate Mate, an international organisation that develops essential communication skills in young people, the highly anticipated conference will provide a platform for students to express their views on why workplaces must align with the evolving demands of a rapidly changing global landscape.

"We are committed to equipping young people with the tools they need to think critically and communicate effectively," said Hugo Van Mol, Commercial Director, Debate Mate. "This event is a unique opportunity for these students to contribute meaningfully to the ongoing discussion around the future of work, while also showcasing the leadership and creativity that companies will require in the coming years. We are thrilled to provide a platform for them to share their perspectives and inspire actionable insights for businesses."

The Voices of Tomorrow conference, which is anchored on shifting perspectives and inspiring new approaches to employee wellbeing and workplace innovation, is also set to bring together regional startups, global companies, youth leaders, and government officials from the region, and will feature workshops, debates, and thought leadership sessions.

“Today’s young minds are tomorrow’s leaders. They bring a high level of creativity and showcase critical thinking that challenges traditional viewpoints. Their contributions, especially on hot topics such as AI and wellbeing in the workplace, will provide fresh insights that could potentially help us build a future that’s innovative, sustainable, and inclusive,” said Maite Mouraille, Head of Marketing & Communications, Zurich Middle East.

The event will be action-packed with day one of the conference focusing on live discussions around sustainable workplace practices and the role of positive leadership in shaping a thriving future. Day two will be dedicated to breakout sessions, debates, and unveiling the fourth edition of the ‘Future of Work 2024’ thought leadership report. This report, based on a study of over 4,000 employers and employees across the GCC, will provide a deep dive into workplace trends and employee benefits.

The second day of the conference will also include a panel discussion on “Empower: Nurturing Well-being for a Thriving Future,” addressing the mental and financial well-being of employees. Another highlight will be a session on how local and global firms can shape the future of employee benefits in the Middle East's business landscape.

About SABIS

SABIS® is a global education management organization that is backed by 138+ years of success in educating students and preparing them for the future. Today, the SABIS® Network has an active presence in the public and private sectors in 21 countries on five continents and prepares students for success in a rapidly changing world.

For more information about SABIS® and SABIS® Network schools, visit sabis.net.

About Debate Mate

Debate Mate is a global social business that powers social change by teaching confidence, communication, and leadership from the classroom to the boardroom. It is a global leader in debating programs that build confidence and employability skills in young people from disadvantaged backgrounds. By using debating as a tool to teach essential life skills, Debate Mate has empowered over 65,000 young people worldwide.

Debate Mate Training, powering Debate Mate's work with young people, is a world-renowned training provider and events producer that provides innovative and impactful communication and leadership training for the world’s leading companies, alongside providing thought leadership and curating debates for conferences and events.

All of Debate Mate's activities are in pursuit of enabling everyone everywhere to have the skills, confidence, opportunity, and aspiration to succeed in whatever they choose to do. They equip people of all ages and backgrounds with the ability to communicate, lead, and think critically and creatively while developing resilience, self-esteem, and confidence.

About Zurich International Life

Zurich International Life Limited is a part of Zurich Insurance Group and was established in the Isle of Man. It is licensed by the Isle of Man Financial Services Authority with established and registered branches in the UAE licensed by the Central Bank of the UAE. It is registered (Registration No. 63) under UAE Federal Law Number 6 of 2007, and its activities in the UAE are governed by such law.

Further information about Zurich International Life is available at www.zurich.ae.

For media enquiries, please contact Matrix PR
Krishika Mahesh: krishika@matrixdubai.com