Innovation as the Catalyst for Sustainable Development and Peace

BIRMINGHAM, Mich., March 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Brilliant minds representing 70 nations will convene in Dubai for the 2008 World Summit on Innovation and Entrepreneurship (2008 WSIE) from April 1-3. Designed to foster innovation, development and peace in emerging nations, 2008 WSIE is organized by the Global Leadership Team (GLT) and exclusively presented by Nakheel; one of the world's largest real estate developers and part of Dubai World.

"Nakheel is pleased to present WSIE in Dubai, a city distinguished for its innovation and contribution to shaping the future state of the world," said H.E. Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman, Nakheel. "As a key player in Dubai's transformation, Nakheel is built on innovation. We pioneer new methods of development and strive to rise above the status quo by committing to do things more responsibly. Exchanging ideas with world leaders is an important part of creating and sustaining future societies."

The 2008 WSIE presents an impressive line-up of remarkable leaders and personalities including designers, policymakers, technologists, communicators, spiritual gurus, economists, storytellers, humanitarians, chief executives and musicians from across the globe. During the three-day summit, delegates can expect to hear and network with Paul Kagame, President of Rwanda; Michael Ahern, Minister of Innovation Policy of Ireland and Guillermo Zuniga Chavez, Minister for Finance of Costa Rica. More than 800 attendees are expected over the three days of innovation theatres, interactive workshops and thematic experiences to build a foundation for increased innovation.

"Our goal is to inspire collaboration among leaders from all walks of life to use innovation as the catalyst for development and peace worldwide," said Sam Hamdan, Chairman & Chief Strategist for the Global Leadership Team and the Architect of the WSIE. "This summit provides an unparalleled experience that is designed to facilitate a change of perspective that will forever alter the way leaders look at their business, their partnerships, their future, and the world."

Some of the most innovative international executives who will be gracing the dais at 2008 WSIE include Innovation Chiefs Nick Donofrio of IBM and Padmasree Warrior of Cisco Systems; Dan Shine, AMD; Jack Lord, Humana; and pioneering CEOs Sandy Westlund-Deenihan of Quality Float Works, David Rolston of Forterra, Alex Lee of OXO International, Mark E. McGough of Pentadyne Power Corporation and Kari Stefansson of deCode Genetics.

"To be a true visionary, one must embrace innovation as an everyday practice and a business priority," according to Padmasree Warrior, Cisco Systems Chief Technology Officer. "The industry experts participating in the summit are amongst the best in the world. These business savvy visionaries will outline the thrills and challenges in bringing innovation to markets."

The 2008 WSIE will round out key messages using modern science, music, art and comedy with the help of distinguished speakers and performers like Mark Yu, Pianist Prodigy, Icon Rives, Storyteller, Dana Zohar, Philosopher; Yosra, Goodwill UN Ambassador; Cameron Sinclair, Architecture for Humanity Guru; Zhongxiang Zhang, Energy Aficionado; and Neil G Turok, Inspiring Scientist; and Activist and Pioneer Producer Mishel Elefteriades.

"As an explorer and inventor, I am always trying to find ways to make the seemingly impossible happen -- which requires innovation as a way of life," Bill Stone, CEO of Stone Aerospace said. "The powerful combination at this Summit -- gurus from across the globe dissecting and analyzing innovation from every angle, tells me the WSIE is the place to be."

2008 WSIE is supported by the Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD), multiple agencies of the United Nations, the African Union and leading international business councils and multinational corporations. Strategic sponsors include Sorouh, HP, Agility, Geopost, Nokia Siemens Networks and PepsiCo.

Business and technology leaders with global interests in collaborative innovation, knowledge development, economic diversification, global citizenship, cross-cultural understanding and entrepreneurial advancement are expected to attend the event. Registration is now open for 2008 WSIE. For registration and additional information, please visit www.wsie.org or call + 1.248.593.9344 (US), +961.1.804.774 (outside the US).

About Global Leadership Team:

Global Leadership Team (GLT) is the world's most distinctive innovation management firm with networks in major media, culture, business, and knowledge capitals around the world. GLT's far-reaching net of more than 5000 relations in 100 countries, the firm continues to be the global architect for change by connecting extraordinary people to solve the most pressing challenges facing corporations and emerging governments. The firm focuses primarily on emerging markets, and specializes in innovation strategies, leadership relations, policy counseling and program management. To learn more, please visit www.gltweb.com.

About WSIE:

The World Summit on Innovation & Entrepreneurship (WSIE) is a non-profit initiative that weaves together the brilliant thoughts of the most remarkable people for the purpose of using innovation as the catalyst for competitiveness and peace. The WSIE focuses primarily on developing the future pipeline of responsible entrepreneurs and innovators by spurring collaborative insights, inspiring actions and unlimited possibilities for innovation across all parts of business, society and government.

About Nakheel:

Nakheel is one of the world's largest privately held real estate developers, and a key player in realising the vision of Dubai for the 21st century: creating a world class destination for living, business, and tourism. Nakheel is developing an iconic portfolio of innovative landmark projects in Dubai across a range of sectors -- residential, commercial, retail, hospitality, and leisure. Nakheel's developments spread across more than two billion sq ft of land, and its projects are projected to be worth US$60 billion. Upon completion Nakheel's waterfront projects will have added more than 1000km of shoreline to Dubai's coastline.

Nakheel's portfolio currently includes The Palm Jumeirah, The Palm Jebel Ali, The Palm Deira, The World, Waterfront, Jumeirah Islands, Jumeirah Village, Jumeirah Park, Jumeirah Heights, The Gardens, Discovery Gardens, Ibn Battuta Mall, Al Furjan, International City, Dragon Mart Complex, Dubai Promenade, and Dubai Design Centre.

Nakheel is a key entity within Dubai World. Dubai World is one of the world's largest holding companies and supervises a portfolio of businesses and projects for the Dubai government across five continents and more than 100 countries. Further information can be found at www.nakheelmediacenter.com.

For more information and a complete list of speakers at the event go to www.wsie.org