I spent last week in the Middle East.
First, to Saudi Arabia where the ACT held its first ever ACT Saudi Treasury Briefing in Riyadh; while we’ve participated in several joint workshops and meetings in KSA in the last 12 months, it felt special to host our own event there for the first time on 26 February. Helped by the energy and engagement of some of our Middle East members and supporters, a series of expert panels discussed how to develop treasury skills, cash management strategies, working capital solutions and how to work with different types of funding and funders in the region. As chair of the event, I was particularly struck by the attention the delegates gave us and their enthusiasm for asking questions in every session. It was an inspiring day.
Then on to Abu Dhabi and Dubai, for a range of meetings with our partners and supporters in UAE (and even a visit to the British Embassy!). On Wednesday evening we met for some refreshments and informal conversation with ACT members at a local venue - one with an exceptional view.
There was a lovely connection across the ACT membership that evening, as while we chatted about the opportunities and challenges of life and work in Dubai, back in London our Future Leaders and next generation treasurers & bankers were also meeting for networking and what I hear was an important and lively conversation on improving diversity and opportunities for future treasury teams. It was a snapshot of the power and connection that membership of a professional group can provide wherever you are.
That connection across the globe epitomised both my week on the road and the ACT more broadly - communicating, learning, and being part of a community.