Transformational Leadership
The demands of leadership today have never been more complex. In the face of rapid change and instability, it means finding direction in the noise, making sense of what feels uncertain, and pulling people with you into the unknown.
The Future Talent Summit at NYU Abu Dhabi is an invitation-only gathering of senior executives, policymakers, and university leaders from across the globe. Together, they will explore how leadership at this moment can address the profound challenges, but also opportunities, reshaping the future of talent.
Over two days, participants will engage with keynotes, panels, and roundtable dialogues, co-creating approaches to building resilient and secure systems for work and learning.
Dates
November 12-13, 2025
Location
Abu Dhabi, UAE
Venue
NYU Abu Dhabi
Saadiyat Marina District
Register Participation
Welcome to Abu Dhabi

The City
A capital that embraces change while honoring tradition, Abu Dhabi has become a trusted stage for global dialogue. Its mix of heritage and modern ambition mirrors the conversations that will take place during the Summit. This balance, a thriving resilience in the face of transformation, highlights the themes of the gathering and makes the city a natural host.

The Venue
Located in the capital’s cultural district, NYU Abu Dhabi is home to students from more than 120 countries and a hub for world-class research and exchange. The campus was built as a meeting ground for ideas across borders and stands as a symbol of Abu Dhabi’s investment in education and global collaboration.
Agenda Highlights

Leading in Times of Disruption
How can leaders provide clarity and direction when technology, economies, and institutions are in constant flux? What defines effective leadership in an unpredictable world?

The Future of Skills and Learning
As AI reshapes work, what skills will matter most? How should education systems and employers adapt to prepare people for jobs that don’t yet exist?

Trust and Responsibility in the AI Era
As AI moves from experimentation to implementation, how can organizations ensure its use strengthens, not undermines, trust, ethics, and accountability?
Agenda (preliminary)
November 12
10:30 Official Opening
Session details to come.
11:00 Keynotes & Panel Discussions
Session details to come.
13:00 Luncheon
Lunch break at the venue.
14:00 Roundtable Discussions & Workshops
Session details to come.
16:00 Closing Remarks & Networking
Session details to come. Gala Dinner to follow.
November 13
10:30 Welcome Back & Summaries
Session details to come.
10:40 Keynotes & Panel Dialogues
Session details to come.
12:00 Luncheon
Lunch break at the venue.
13:00 Roundtable Discussions & Workshops
Session details to come.
15:00 Closing Keynote
Session details to come.
Featured Speakers

Daniel Kjellsson
Director-General
Future Talent Council
“A unique event welcoming government officials, university leaders, and corporate executives from all corners of the world.”

El Iza Mohamedou
Head of the Centre for Skills
OECD
Leading international research and policy to help countries design and implement effective, whole-of-government skills strategies that drive stronger economic and social outcomes.

Christian Schmeichel
SVP & Global Head of People
SAP
Driving the design and delivery of world-class, innovative people and culture services for SAP’s 100,000-strong workforce, shaping agile leadership and HR transformation in the AI-powered future of work.
Previous Events
Membership
Memberships are organizational and by nomination
Governance
A limited corporation governed under Swedish law, and the EU Transparency Act
Independence
Future Talent Council is independent, impartial and not tied to any special interests
Locations
Globally distributed organization headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden

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