Dual citizenship a key topic at the Global Citizen Forum's Dubai premier

• The Global Citizen Forum attracted over 150 key industry professionals
• Countries are becoming brands with fluctuating popularity trends
• Discussions were led by government agencies, leading financial institutions, legal experts and industry professionals
• A second edition of the forum already announced for 2014

Dubai, UAE, 12 September 2013 – The Global Citizen Forum's Dubai premier was successfully held today (12 September 2013) at the Armani Hotel, Burj Khalifa, Dubai. The event, which attracted over 150 key industry professionals and experts, entertained nine hours of hot debates, panel discussions and affluent international delegates who addressed pressing issues in line with Global Citizenship today.

Joseph Ghossoub, CEO, Menacom Group, was one of the first speakers of the day with his topic “Becoming a Global Citizen: Why does the 25th most powerful Arab need a second citizenship?” Mr. Ghossoub, who is a Global Citizen, explained how Global Citizenship has improved his life and helped him to excel in his business: “Regardless of how influential you are in the world, we all have to abide by the rules. These rules included my ability to travel across the world as my nationality restricted me access to certain countries without having the required documents and so on… these rules made it very hard for me to operate my business freely across the world and also meant my options were limited. Global Citizenship in Bulgaria and St. Kitts has opened up future opportunities for my business and security for my family,” asserted Ghossoub.

The forum, which was curated by Arton Capital, reviewed the new immigrant investor programs that are being offered by a number of countries. Ministers and Honoraries from across the globe attended the forum who extended pivotal information about their countries, prospective opportunities and also shared their perspective on being a Global Citizen.

Keynote speakers included Joseph Ghossoub, CEO Menacom Group, Hon. Harold Lovell, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Finance, the Economy and Public Administration of Antigua & Barbuda, Hon. Ambrose George, Minister for Information, Telecommunication and Constituency Empowerment of Dominica, Hon. Sergio Marchi, Former Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Canada, Mr. Mykolas Rambus, CEO, Wealth X, Mr. John Hanafin, CEO, Sovereign Group Middle East, Mr. Val Kempadoo, Founder, Kittitian Hill, Mr. Dan Wachtler, President and CEO, IPSA International and Mr. Patrick Liotard-Vogt, one of the most affluent entrepreneurs in Europe and Chairman, ASMALLWORLD.

Mr. Naseem Javed, Distinguished author and Founder of ABC Namebank, Mr. Milen Keremedchiev, Former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria, Vice-President at Arton Capital and Managing Director at EU Capital Partners and Jake Hayman, Founder and CEO of The Social Investment Consultancy also addressed their topics and matters of interest during the course of the day.

“Countries have become brands and it's the brands that strategically connect with its stakeholders that will enjoy foreign investments that will help them flourish to lovemark icons. The era of globalization is changing the way we look at countries and investments and it's the most exciting time to become part of this international trend now as previously underserved markets are rapidly being recognized and new opportunities are becoming available every day,” said Armand Arton, CEO and President of Arton Capital and founder of the forum.

The full day event concluded with a panel discussion on Global Citizen benefits and responsibilities which, provided the perfect platform for new and interested parties to learn more about the concept of being a Global Citizen. Arton Capital also welcomes interested parties who couldn't attend the event to connect with them for any queries, comments and collaborations. 

For more information about The Global Citizen Forum, visit www.globalcitizenforum.org or contact Arton Capital on +971 4 319 7665.