The visionary founder of Alleem Business Congress, Dr Rashid Alleem tells us why it is crucial to understand the impact of educational NGOs
Dr Rashid Alleem is an esteemed figure and a charismatic persona with a passion that touches every individual he meets. A remarkable Orator and Philanthropist, he is a renaissance man who has delved into business, socioeconomic, academic and cultural fields. Yet what is striking about Dr Alleem is his humble nature and drive to serve others, as he believes that is the best way to serve humanity and mankind. The Chairman of SEWA and a notable author of several successful publications in Arabic and English, including Sustainability — the fourth wave of economy, My Green Journey in Hamriyah,
and My Leadership Secrets. He has been honoured with the title of Ambassador of Knowledge in the UAE by His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Among his many endeavours, a noteworthy feat is Alleem Business Congress where decision-makers become leaders. Dr Alleem gives us an insight
into how he developed one of the most sought-after programmes under the banner of Alleem Business Congress.
LAYING OUT THE GROUNDWORK
“Alleem Business Congress was an idea created during the financial crisis of 2008-2009. Before 2008, I was running a very successful project called ‘Proficiency Club’, which was a weekly affair comprising a group of 25 to 30 individuals who met every Tuesday to debate on certain business or leadership challenges, which was extremely productive. When the financial crisis hit, I knew it would affect everybody. I wanted to highlight the importance of having a plan on an individual and corporate level. Therefore, an email was sent to all my peers, which explained my desire to conduct a one-day
programme instead of the ‘Proficiency Club’, which would be dedicated to financial planning,” explains Dr Alleem. Upon receiving feedback from Universities, where he had previously received his education, Dr Alleem realised that Sustainable Development was the bigger picture. “It was a new concept for me, which had to be intensively researched and understood the cruciality of. I decided to go forward with the initiative of Sustainable Development Congress and resent the email. The feedback was overwhelming with over 35 speakers willing to take part, so the programme was extended over a course of two days, where over 160 individuals registered. It was a labour of love, as I wanted to make a real change and the event was sponsored entirely by me. Our initial plan was to return to the ‘Proficiency Club’, however due to the positive feedback over the interactive two days and the demand for it to become a regular programme, I decided to develop four themes which included: Leadership and
Management, Sustainable Development, Marketing and Branding and Project management,” he adds.
Thus in the year 2004, Alleem Business Congress was initiated, where one of the mentioned themes was featured in the five-day event with acclaimed regional and international speakers. “The first day
is the inaugural session with VIP and attendees by invitation only. We have 50 to 60 executives, decision-makers and government profiles. The second day invites reputed regional and international
universities to give them a crash course on the theme of the week. The third day would be the congress day where we have over 300 executives and decision makers, including students as I believe they are
the leaders of the future. Third day is the longest day from the whole week as our registration starts at 8AM and the programme ends at 6pm. On the fourth day, we invite a different university providing a crash course on the same programme. To mark the end on the fifth day, the Excellence Night, where cultural programmes are displayed. This has become a family-oriented programme that everyone from
children to adults can enjoy. We have 160-200 attendees, by invitation only and it has become a landmark and success now ” he states.
SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
For Dr Alleem, spreading the message of sustainability is important. “Since heading SEWA as chairman in 2014, I know that the whole world is having a tough time with energy due to many factors such as weather changes and global warming. Nature has also made its own footprint on us, therefore I decided
to add WE week to the programme. ‘WE’ stands for Water and Energy Week, as well as ‘us’ collectively, it was a moniker I came up with to engage people. We had the first edition in February, and it is going to be an annual event now. Our events are already well planned in advance, our 2017 calendar is
already mapped out and we already have the programmes published with the dates and locations. Interested attendants are already registering now for next year because they have seen its success,” he
says.
The Sustainable Development Code, published by the United Nations in September 2015, has goals that the Founder of Alleem Business Congress holds with great regard. “The 17 goals of sustainable development have been approved by more than 167 Global leaders. It is a road map for the coming
15 years. I always preach them in my presentations, as it is a lighthouse for individuals as well. It talks about peace and prosperity, conserving energy, and working together to eradicate poverty, among many more goals. I want to encourage people to make a difference programme I want you to be committed, I want you to be a history maker, and I want you to be a global shaper. I aim for this message to be then passed onto the attendees circle of influence. By committing to one or two goals you can make a change” says Dr Alleem. Through Alleem Business Congress, Dr Alleem wanted to create a platform for constructive networking “When you bring leaders under one umbrella with a certain theme or project, there are a lot of debated ideas. Insights from their industry are learnt along with the best practices and brilliant networking. It gives individuals an opportunity to approach
other leaders and collaborate on commercial projects.” However, challenges lie with every great cause.
The challenge is the acceptance of the idea of an educational NGO. There is a prevalent stereotype that comes with social causes, which is unfortunate. I have served in charity for more than 10 years and was recognised by the UN as a Goodwill Ambassador, which was an achievement. During that time, I was managing the international charity where many people would want to contribute towards very generic causes but were hesitant to donate towards social movements such as empowering women, capacity building and training. The challenge for NGOs is that the concept is misunderstood.
