INSEAD hosts Wathbah for strategic leadership programme

Sharjah24: Sharjah Capability Development is taking a significant step towards empowering young national talents by participating in the second phase of the Wathbah programme at INSEAD Paris (Institut européen d'administration des affaires), which is recognised as one of the world's premier academic institutions in leadership and management. Thirty young individuals from the Emirate of Sharjah are participating in this phase. Their involvement represents an important educational achievement in the four-day strategic leadership programme, taking place from 14 to 17 April.

An engaging and thorough educational journey

The participants are engaged in a rigorous training programme facilitated by a notable team of scholars and international leadership specialists, featuring Professor Neil Jones and Dr André Doria. The programme encompasses a wide array of topics, including personal leadership styles, negotiation techniques, strategies for managing change, digital transformations, and effective teamwork for high performance. It also encompasses practical, case-based applications of strategic thinking.

Engaging in a global academic environment

Upon arriving in Paris on the first day, the participants went straight to the INSEAD campus, where they commenced a series of interactive training sessions. These sessions aim to combine strategic thinking with practical learning in an engaging and internationally focused academic environment.

Focus on long-term impact

Khaled Al Nakhi, Director of the Sharjah Institute for Capacity Development (SICD) and head of the delegation, highlighted the programme’s value in fostering leadership awareness among youth. He noted that such immersive experiences are instrumental in sharpening skills and broadening participants’ perspectives on teamwork and innovation. Al-Nakhi described the programme as a genuine investment in the next generation of leaders, with a focus on cultivating leadership qualities that enable participants to create positive change, make confident decisions, and navigate multicultural, multidisciplinary environments.

Participant perspectives

Participant Fatima Mohammed Al Ali reflected on her journey, stating, “During this experience at INSEAD, I realised that leadership is not only about making decisions—it’s about having the ability to influence and inspire a team and see the bigger picture.” This program has provided me with practical tools and a more profound understanding of my future role as a leader in both my community and my professional field.

Inspiring the leaders of tomorrow

The “Wathbah” programme stands as a prominent initiative spearheaded by the Sharjah Foundation for Capability Development, functioning under the Rubu’ Qarn Foundation for Creating Leaders and Innovators. The initiative seeks to empower young individuals and refine their skills within advanced educational settings, aligning with Sharjah’s overarching vision of investing in human capital and fostering a promising future.