From a superyacht at Formula 1 to the charged grounds of COP28 to social hot spots all around Dubai, a group of influencers, activists, and conscious founders, along with the Green Sheikh, discover they are more powerful together than the sum of their parts would appear.

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As our plane descended, I saw the group of carefully man-made islands of the Palm Jumeirah, just as I had twelve years ago when I first visited Dubai. It was no less iconic then than it is now, and in many ways, the city has grown to the brim in that short span of time. Whenever I travel overseas I give myself at least one day to just be there, hang out, relax, adjust, and try not to carry the effects of jetlag. So this day was about reacquainting myself with the hotel, remembering that stunning Chihuly centerpiece in the foyer.

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Dale Chihuly attended the same high school as me, so I always feel a part of my hometown is with me whenever I see his art in my travels. This day of adjustment is crucial, providing me a pause to absorb the rapid development around me while grounding myself in the environment before the week ahead.

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Day 2: Yas Marina, Formula 1 Races

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​As the Virtus yacht bobbed gently on the waters of Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina, its 3rd deck became a stage for profound dialogues between diverse global leaders. Onboard the Virtus, the thrill of Formula 1 cars zipping by served as an electric backdrop to discussions that extended beyond the racetrack to address global wellness, sustainability, and systemic challenges. My contribution outlined how the principles of the Impact Portfolio offer new possibilities for scaling efficiency and effectiveness globally. Here, in a setting as charged with energy as the race itself, I, along with leaders from various industries, shared insights on sustainable futures and innovative partnerships. As the Executive Director of UNIFY, Founder of the Impact Portfolio, and Advisor on the Core Team of the Holomovement, I have spent weeks preparing not only for my many speaking engagements on this tour, but even more so for the exponential collaboration that will be possible if my eyes, ears, heart, and mind are open for it. Today, among many shining stars, I’ve met Mary Cristine, an Instagram wellness influencer with over 1.4M followers. Together with UNIFY’s 2.3M FB followers, our audiences stand to affect change in a profoundly greater way than before.

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Day 3: Dubai Future Forum, Museum of the Future

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The following day was spent immersed in futuristic technologies and visionary projects at the Dubai Future Forum. Here, I explored how cutting-edge innovations could be harnessed to enhance global sustainability, engaging with experts and visionaries to discuss the transformative potential of emerging tech. It was also here that I met Adam Cahane, an inspiration of mine for his lifelong work in successfully getting people who don’t get along to collaborate. This day at the Dubai Future Forum was where I met Marc Buckley, Founder of ALOHAS Regenerative Foundation. ALOHAS, UNIFY, and Impact Portfolio are now all partnered and collaborating, as well as a new initiative of the ALOHAS Regenerative Foundation called the RESONANCE Project. So much progress can come from just one moment in one day if you are poised to look for it!

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Day 4: COP28, Green and Blue Zones

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At COP28, the growing ecosystem saw a number of organizations represented, including UNIFY, The Holomovement, UNITY Earth, Club Dao Universe, ALOHAS Regenerative Foundation, Impact Portfolio, World Impact Forum, and many others. I was slated to speak on a panel in the UNFCCC in the Blue Zone and was unable to attend. However, Marc Buckley and others in the impact space, such as Dina Banninger, carried a powerful dialogue. The discourse was intensely focused on transforming current conversation and ideation into tangible actions. At a separate rooftop meeting, Marc Buckley interviewed me with his “Cop Half Full” inquiry, as well as his ongoing line of questioning which includes the question, “What would a world that works for everyone look like to you?” In the interview, which has since been published on video, we discuss the need for systemic change and solution-oriented thinkers in order to help humanity move quickly to where we want to be.

Even though the event faces criticism for its ineffectiveness, COP28 provided a critical platform for showcasing how strategic collaborations, like those between UNIFY, the Impact Portfolio, ALOHAS Regenerative Foundation, and others can influence global environmental policies, making a compelling case for systemic change through united efforts.

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Day 5: The Ajman Retreat: A Personal Invitation

from the Green Sheikh

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​​​​​​​​​​Sheikh Abdul Aziz bin Ali Al Nuaimi, affectionately known as the Green Sheikh, stands as a pivotal figure in the dialogue between traditional Emirati heritage and contemporary environmental advocacy. His participation in the "When Worlds Collide" Abu Dhabi and Dubai tour, particularly at the Theatre of Digital Art (TODA) and his personal tour in Ajman, offered profound insights into how deeply cultural roots can intertwine with environmental consciousness. The Green Sheikh invited 40 individuals in our ecosystem of organizations to accompany him on the Ajman Retreat, an immersive experience of the Sheikh’s most precious world.
 

The personal tour hosted by the Sheikh was a vivid illustration of environmental leadership rooted in personal commitment and cultural heritage.

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​​​​​​​​​​Beginning with a mangrove planting initiative at the Al Zora Mangroves Protected Area, the Sheikh led the group on a kayak adventure, emphasizing the UAE's dedication to combating climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This hands-on conservation effort was not only about restoration, but education too, imparting to each participant the significance of mangroves in ecological balance.

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​​​​​​​​​​The journey continued with a visit to Ajman Fort, where the whole group savored traditional Emirati cuisine and explored the rich historical tapestry of Ajman. This was intertwined with discussions on how the preservation of history and the environment go hand in hand, reflecting the Sheikh’s vision of sustainable development that honors its roots.

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The height of the day was the serene and contemplative experience at the Green Sheikh Desert Camp. Here, amidst the rolling dunes, we engaged in a series of reflective activities including Arabian falconry, mindfulness meditation, and sunset viewings that captured the breathtaking beauty of the desert at golden hour. These moments of silence and reflection beside a traditional campfire, under the vast desert sky, were transformative. They provided a space for deep reflection on our role within the natural world, underscored by the Sheikh’s discussions on the importance of spiritual and environmental harmony.

The day concluded with a traditional Emirati dinner under the stars, where conversations flowed over shared meals eaten by hand, another nod to tradition and communal sharing as a form of cultural sustainability. As we gazed at the stars in tranquil silence, the Sheikh’s ability to blend his heritage with his environmental activism provided a powerful example of how tradition can inform and inspire modern conservation efforts.

The visit to the Green Sheikh’s land was a deeply moving experience, emphasizing the seamless integration of cultural heritage with progressive environmental stewardship. This day-long tour not only highlighted traditional environmental practices but also underscored the importance of cultural heritage in shaping contemporary environmental policies. The act of planting trees became a symbol of hope and regeneration, echoing our discussions on how ancient wisdom can inform modern sustainability efforts. As our group planted trees and shared a traditional meal with the Green Sheikh, the importance of grounding environmental action in cultural context became even clearer. The immersive experience on the Green Sheikh’s land offered a profound look at how environmental stewardship can be deeply ingrained in and informed by cultural practices.

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Day 6: Theater of the Arts (TODA), Dubai

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The "Consciousness for Change" event at the Theatre of Digital Art (TODA) in Dubai was a moving assembly of minds, artistry, and innovation, emphasizing the intertwined themes of wellness, social impact, and spiritual consciousness. Hosted by the “When Worlds Collide” series and set amidst the immersive digital canvases of the walls and ceilings that make up the transformative ambiance of TODA, this gathering was a confluence of visionary ideas aimed at fostering a more connected and conscious world. The event kicked off with introductions that welcomed a diverse crowd, ranging from local enthusiasts to international delegates, all united by a common interest in leveraging what humanity has within us for global betterment.

One of the highlights of the event was the fireside chat with the Green Sheikh. His discourse seamlessly wove together the threads of sustainability and heritage. His dialogue with Jarvis Smith, Founder of MyGreenPod.com and the UK’s PEA Awards, was an insightful exchange on how environmental consciousness is integral to cultural and spiritual identity. The Sheikh's perspective on sustainable living and environmental stewardship resonated deeply with the audience, illustrating the profound connection between personal action and global change.

The event also featured a special segment by UNITY EARTH TV, which presented live Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) panels alongside musical performances. This integration of policy-oriented discussions with artistic expression underscored the event's theme that art and dialogue possess the power to inspire change and mobilize action.

The event was a showcase of sensory experiences, with performances by the Sufiwadi Ensemble and musicians like Chris-n-Teeb from the USA, who brought their unique sounds and rhythms, further enhancing the atmosphere of unity and shared purpose. The afternoon was enriched with short film screenings, including titles like "Heart of the Sea" and "The Dolphin," which combined breathtaking visuals with powerful narratives about the natural world and humanity's relationship with it. The films were followed by Q&A sessions, offering insights into the creative processes behind them and their messages on conservation and awareness.

"Consciousness for Change" at TODA was a testament to the power of collaborative platforms that bring together art, technology, and dialogue. It demonstrated that when diverse voices and visions converge under the banner of creativity and sustainability, the potential for impactful change is boundless. The event was a beacon for all participants, encouraging them to carry forward the insights and inspirations into their communities and beyond, fostering a network of globally conscious citizens dedicated to nurturing a healthier, more equitable planet.

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Day 7: Club Dao Universe, Angels and Founders Event

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At the Grand Millennium’s Bella in Dubai, hosted by Club Dao Universe and sponsored by the World Impact Forum, the stage was set for a pivotal expansion of our network. I presented the Impact Portfolio, an initiative I have been deeply involved in shaping, and offered models for driving significant global efficiencies. The discussions that unfolded focused on actionable partnerships. Both the World Impact Forum and Club Dao Universe have partnered with UNIFY, the Impact Portfolio, and the Holomovement, promising a fortified future of innovation and collaboration for solutions to global challenges.

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Universal Synergy and Connectedness

 

The diverse gatherings I attended, spoke at, and observed were threaded together by a common theme: the potential for synergy in our global ecosystem. From the speed of Formula 1 to the serene prayers in the desert, each event encapsulated a facet of our world's interconnected challenges and opportunities. The tour was a microcosm of the larger movements towards sustainability, technological integration, and spiritual health that are essential for the thriving of humanity. Each interaction, whether it was a high-speed race or a quiet moment of reflection, added layers to our understanding and appreciation of what it means to be truly interconnected in the modern world.

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Looking Ahead: Innovations and Collaborations

 

From the dynamic Formula 1 event at Yas Marina aboard the Virtus yacht to insightful discussions at COP28 and transformative gatherings in Dubai, these experiences highlighted the power of existing partnerships and marked the beginning of new collaborations that promise to amplify our collective impact for global sustainability and innovation. Throughout these diverse yet interconnected events, the power of synergy was unmistakable. Each setting served as a reminder of what we can achieve when we align our efforts across sectors and disciplines.

We are standing at the precipice of a new era where collaboration across sectors is not just beneficial, but essential. The blend of technology, finance, spirituality, and environmental stewardship is crafting a new narrative for humanity, one that is rich with opportunities for innovation and growth.

My time in Abu Dhabi and Dubai was much more than just speaking at an event series. It was also a journey through the possibilities of what can be achieved when diverse worlds unite. As we continue to build on these collaborations that were seeded, the future holds incredible promise for those ready to engage in this dynamic, interconnected ecosystem. For now, the Impact Portfolio, UNIFY, and all of our thousands of event partners will be exploring what is possible through radical collaboration and synergy in action.

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