SANDSTONE is proud to be a partner of this yearly event in Banff.
The Global Business Forum (GBF) is an independent, not-for-profit corporation promoting thought and action leadership. The GBF provides an opportunity for prominent invited international business executives, academics, and government leaders to exchange ideas and challenge conventional approaches to pressing global economic issues.
SANDSTONE’s CEO Sharon Watkins sits on the GBF’s steering committee, a position she has held for several years. Her active involvement in the committee includes finding, recommending, and funding keynote speakers who will spark active discussion and debate.
Kishore Mahbubani, the former president of the United Nations Security Council, speaks to participants at the Global Business Forum in Banff on Thursday, September 21, 2023. Material republished with the express permission of: Calgary Herald, a division of Postmedia Network Inc.
Participants chat before the start of the Global Business Forum at the Banff Springs Hotel on Thursday, September 21, 2023. Material republished with the express permission of: Calgary Herald, a division of Postmedia Network Inc.
Sharon Watkins, CEO of Sandstone, and David Roberts, Founder and CEO of GEDI Training, at the Global Business Forum in Banff, 2021.
2023 Global Business Forum - Adapting to an Evolving World
This year’s Forum helped guests navigate the complexities of our rapidly changing world, examining how we can best brace ourselves for the future. From shifting global alliances to the rise of generative technology, the event provided insights into diverse areas, including business trends, innovation, trade, food security, and the imperative of meeting both energy and sustainability demands.
Forum Discussion Topics:
• Top Geopolitical Risks Ahead • Global Food System: Challenges and Opportunities • Critical Minerals: Reality Check • India: Unlimited Potential • US Industrial Policy: Implications for Canada
Past Keynote Speakers Sponsored by SANDSTONE
2023 Kishore Mahbubani, Former President, United Nations Security Council 2023 Daniel Araya, Senior Fellow, Centre for International Governance Innovation 2022 Alastair Crooke, Founder and Director, The Conflicts Forum 2021 David Roberts, Founder and CEO, GEDI Training 2020 Trevor Noren, Executive Director, 13D Global Research & Strategy 2019 Kishore Mahbubani, Distinguished Fellow, Asia Research Institute, National University of Singapore 2019 Haiyan Wang, Managing Partner, China India Institute 2018 Paul Goncharoff, Senior Advisor, Albion Overseas “De-dollarization” 2017 Alastair Crooke, Founder and Director, The Conflicts Forum 2016 Dr. Ian Goldin, Professor of Globalization and Development, Oxford Martin School 2015 Karen Elazari, Cyber Security Strategist, Amitec Information Industries
Discussion on Global Issues
The GBF exists to engage those with vision, creativity, and ingenuity and is always an intriguing opportunity for broad discussions with industry experts on global hot-button topics.
Encouraging active discussion and debate about world issues is one of the key things that sets SANDSTONE apart.
