Optimistic Tunisia 2

E﻿conomic Development in Tunisia hasn't been a priority for a couple of decades, causing social and political unrest. Recent efforts to reform justice are appreciated. More reforms are required to secure a better future for Tunisia as a state and for Tunisians as citizens.

W﻿e at TTU believe it is urgent and encourage to make bold moves in catching up on Tunisia Sustainable Development Acceleration, being innovative in our approach to development in all sectors and fields, trusting Tunisian Talents including innovative Tunisian Youth and making appropriate use of technology wherever possible.

After Optimistic Tunisia 1 last April 27th in Pavillon Bourguiba in Paris, "O﻿ptimistic Tunisia 2" is one day TTU forum open to governors, media, high potential Tunisian youth and Civil Society at large, where we share about some major Technology driven innovations in Water & Food Security, Energy & Climate Change, Education... and how we see the potential for Tunisia taking off and accelerating its sustainable development with shared vision and optimism. 
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Nejib Zaafani is the cofounder and President of TTU. He is an experienced international senior executive with 45 years of expertise in the energy sector. He held senior positions at the Supreme Council of Energy in Dubai (DSCE) and Royal Dutch Shell. As the first Secretary General and CEO of the DSCE, he played a crucial role in developing Dubai's energy governance structure and a 2030 integrated energy strategy. He was Chairman and Managing Director of Shell Abu Dhabi after 30 years of international career with The Shell Group. Zaafani has received numerous awards and recognitions for his contributions and achievements. He is committed to promoting and developing Tunisian talents and leaders for a brighter future for Tunisia, sharing his extensive experience and leadership skills acquired over four decades.

Abdelbacet is TTU Treasurer, he’s based in Paris. He is a passionate professional with a strong background in operational management and scaling SaaS companies by improving and automating various processes, including sales, customer success, implementation, and finance. Abdelbacet grew up in a multicultural environment and has worked with a couple of multinational companies in different countries such as Tunisia, Brazil, Poland, Netherlands and France. Abdelbacet's professional philosophy is centered around a data-driven approach. He has a wealth of experience in understanding data pipelines and integrating them into business processes to foster a culture of data-driven decision-making. Additionally, he is passionate about the startup ecosystem, particularly those that focus on environmental sustainability. Outside of work, he enjoys immersing himself in the world of psychology through books and staying active by playing tennis.

With 35 years of experience in Technology, Management and Governance in various industries in EMENA region, Mounir Beltaifa is a development man. After 10 years with IBM and 3 years with Ernst & Young in Europe, Mounir Beltaifa Founded and managed SAP in North Africa before advising multiple SMEs for their accelerated profitable growth strategies. Vice President of Initiatives of Change International (iofc.org) and Tunisian Talents United (ttu.ngo) Mounir Beltaifa is also contributing to a the launch of a Smart Cities Master Developer securing UN Sustainable Development Goals for cities of the future.

Kamel Ben Naceur is the CEO for Nomadia Energy Consulting, based in Abu Dhabi. He is the 2022 President of the Society of Petroleum Engineers, with 125,000 members worldwide. He is also the Chairman for DAMORPHE, a US-based innovative nano-technology company. He was previously the Chief Economist for Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC). Prior to that, he was the Director for Sustainability, Technology and Outlooks at the International Energy Agency, where his team developing the World Energy Outlook, the Energy Technology Perspectives, Climate Policy and CCUS publications. In 2014, he was appointed Tunisia’s Minister for Industry, Energy and Mines, where he led the development of new renewable laws, energy efficiency regulations, and rationalization of energy subsidies. From 1981 to 2013, he held key positions with Schlumberger, including Chief Economist and Technology Center President. His assignments with Schlumberger included France, USA, UK, Algeria, Venezuela, UAE, Egypt...

Iheb Triki, CFA – Co Founder and CEO of KumulusWater Iheb started his professional career in 2010 as a consultant at the Boston Consulting Group Paris. He then moved to Natural Power (a leading European Renewable Energy Technical Advisor) where he led its Business Development and Due Diligence units. In 2014, Iheb joined the cabinet of the Tunisian Minister of Industry, Energy and Mines working as the Minister Advisor. In 2015, Iheb joined Swicorp. In 2021, iheb co founded KumulusWater. A start up that builds and operates machines that create drinking water from air. The company raised € 1M in 2022 and has launched its product in 2023. Iheb is an Ecole Polytechnique (Paris; X05) engineer, he holds a Master of Science degree from the University of California Berkeley and is Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA). He is a Marathon runner, guitar player and a Kick Boxer (Green Belt).

Dr. Nihel Chabrak, an accomplished senior business consultant and academic, has leveraged her unique blend of knowledge and skills to contribute to various influential roles globally. She currently serves as the Co-founder of AirImpact, a venture aimed at fostering sustainable growth, and holds the prestigious position of Regional Director in the UAE. Furthermore, her role as Director of the Great Green Auction at COP28 emphasizes her commitment to sustainability and climate action. Throughout her career, Dr. Chabrak has led and supported several initiatives for the European Union and the United Nations, exemplifying her dedication to global progress. Her career in academia is highlighted by her role as Professor of Accounting and Governance at UAEU's College of Business and Economics. She also held the position of CEO of the UAEU Science and Innovation Park. She served as the Executive Director of the UAEU Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai and the Institute of the Future.

Marouan Aouri is a Digital Transformation leader with global experience in solutioning and delivering strategic programs and organizational capabilities to large-scale organizations (+5,000 employees) from the private and public sectors in the Gulf and Canada. Mr. Aouri has experience in a variety of industries such as Healthcare, Airlines, Government, Utility, Energy, Retail, Education, and Marketing. He is particularly experienced in building and retaining high-performing teams through smart hiring, internal Resource development, and continuous mentorship. His profile combines deep technology architecture knowledge with top-tier strategic management consulting. He masters the use of digital to solve business challenges such as revenue generation, operational excellence, customer satisfaction, business agility, and growth. He is particularly enthusiastic about emotional intelligence in business.

Saidani Ilyes is an agricultural engineer passionate about sustainable and innovation in agriculture. With deep expertise in hydroponics, he has established himself as a trusted consultant, helping farmers and businesses adopt this modern and efficient growing method. Thanks to his technical expertise and his passion for research, Saidani has succeeded in implementing effective hydroponic systems in various agricultural contexts. He has worked as an independent consultant for large farms, horticultural companies and government projects, providing them with personalized advice for the successful implementation of hydroponic systems. As a hydroponics consultant, Saidani has focused on education and awareness. He regularly organizes workshops, conferences and trainings to share his knowledge with farmers and students.

Dr. Houda Ghozzi is a PhD and consultant in the field of strategy, innovation and entrepreneurship. She is the founder and CEO of Open Start up International (OST), an NGO aiming to foster innovation ecosystems with a focus on building linkages with academia. OST works hand in hand with Columbia university to foster innovation ecosystems in the MEA region building bridges with the US with currently two pre-incubators running in Tunisia and Morocco and a third one being built in Jordan. OST also built Brain, Bridging Research And Innovation, a program developed in partnership with MIT focusing on researchers in health.

Omar, a tech enthusiast and impact-focused entrepreneur, has been an advocate for cryptocurrencies since 2015, viewing them as a tool for creating a more equitable financial system. His global perspective, shaped by extensive overseas experiences, fuels his vision of a world with fewer barriers, where people and finances flow freely. Graduate of an esteemed American business school in Tunisia, Omar utilised his knowledge to train others on the implications of cryptocurrencies. Currently, he helms Slide, an innovative digital bank aiming to empower the underserved North-African diaspora in Europe. Slide simplifies banking and makes it more affordable to them starting with a current account, international payment cards, and free remittances, intending to grow into a comprehensive financial hub. For Omar, leveraging modern tools to build a fair, secure, and inclusive financial system is not just a dream, but a mission that Slide is bringing to life.

Ms. Hidayet ayadi , IT engineer with an MBA in impact business , Social worker , University teacher and startup pitch mentor . Based on the troubles her sister had to go through, Hidayet decided to use her knowledge to create a tool for people with learning difficulties such as dyslexia and ADHD… Ms. Hidayet Ayadi is CEO and Co-Founder of Sghartoon

Haithem Kchaou is a driven entrepreneur with a keen interest in technology and knowledge. He has channeled his passion into Reedz, a startup he co-founded that offers audiobook summaries and podcasts in Arabic. With a strong belief in the power of knowledge and the importance of lifelong learning, Haithem has dedicated himself to creating a platform that makes it easier for people to access and absorb information in a few minutes a day.

+20 years of experience in Digital: Held several positions in Coaching and Consulting E-Commerce with EBRD and UNIDO Developed e-export services on virtual marketplaces with the International Trade Center (ITC), the World Trade Organization and United Nations. University expert in E-Commerce & New technologies at Higher School of Digital Economy, University of Manouba Blogger www.wissemoueslati.com Chronicler in economic magazine Le Manager (Managers) Designer and manager of the Tunisian Handicraft E-commerce project. Project manager of Agripreneur 2.0 with GIZ Udemy Trainer (Best Seller course): How-to-become-e-resident-in-estonia-and-open-your-company E-BOOK Writer: How to become e-resident in Estonia and open your company Founder Member of EERICA: Estonian e-Residents International Chamber Association. Trained and assisted business leaders for digital marketing.

Dr. Y’s Motto is Action inspired by Creativity. He is a Creativity expert. Creativity is the fuel and a quintessential skill for everyone who is a part of the rapidly changing and evolving 21st century ecosystem. He is an author of two books and a TEDx speaker. Dr. Yagnik has diverse experience of working in academia, industry, and as an entrepreneur. He is currently holding a tenured faculty position in Penn State University, USA. He is a sought-after speaker who delivers—and also designs—life-changing techniques, challenges the human mind, with the goal of accelerating growth. He has delivered talks and trainings in four continents on creativity to students, faculty, start-ups, and senior leaders of small and large corporations.

Malek Mtimet, a distinguished fellow of TTU, boasts an extensive international background, having resided in numerous countries including Tunisia, France, Italy, Austria, Poland, the USA, Belgium, UAE, and KSA for over half his lifetime. His wide-ranging exposure has shaped him into a 'citizen of the world.' Malek brings more than a decade of experience in executing large-scale transformation projects for major stakeholders in both private and public sectors. His expertise in management consulting has been sharpened through years of practice and engagement with these key players. Presently, as the Principal Director and Key Account Executive at Capgemini Middle East, Malek leads the 'Go-to-Market' strategy for the Public Sector in Abu Dhabi, UAE. He plays a pivotal role in driving digital transformation and sustainability-focused initiatives for his clients, thereby marking substantial and noteworthy contributions in his field.

Dr. Haifa Maamar is the Director for Emerging Technologies, overseeing all technology and gaming programs at Full Sail University. Her expertise in Immersive Technology, Extended Reality, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Simulation, Gaming, User Experience, Cyber Security helped her prepare students for innovative design and development careers in dynamic fields of emerging technologies. Dr Maamar is a strategic-thinking, innovative, and dynamic leader with over 15 years of industry experience and Research and Development (R&amp;D) in emerging technologies with a superior record of accomplishment. She is the recipient of several awards including The Spirit of Innovation award for the 2022 Women’s Inspired Leadership Awards, and Silver Award for the Best Cybersecurity Education Provider Category - Annual 2023 Cybersecurity World Awards.

Former Chairman, President and CEO ( PQ Corporation / Ecovyst inc. ), Independent Board Director at ( Helmerich & Payne Inc. and Harbour Energy PLC. ) Mr Chariag is currently serving on the board of directors of two energy publicly traded companies, Hemerich & Payne inc. (NYSE : HP) and Harbour Energy Plc. (LON : HBR). He has extensive global experience in the energy, materials and chemicals industries. He has held a variety of leadership and executive positions within world leading oil field services companies, including Baker Hughes and Schlumberger. Most recently Belgacem was Chairman, President, and CEO of PQ corporation / Ecovyst inc, leading global providers of specialty catalysts, performance materials, and specialty chemicals. Mr. Chariag is a firm believer in the power of talent and innovation, with unwavering support for making sustainable development in the forefront of our priorities.

Mrs. Leila Ben-Gacem is a social entrepreneur, Ashoka Fellow; founder of Blue Fish, a consultancy that designs and implements projects that improving the socio-economic dynamics of heritage and culture. Leila also founded Dar el Harka, a creative industry hub; Dar Ben Gacem, a Boutique Hotel and cultural catalyst in the medina of Tunis. Leila is also the director general of TUNISTORIC, a founder and president of Mdinti and member of the organization committee of UltraMirage El Djerid. Before switching careers, Leila held various positions at multinational corporations and has a BS in Biomedical Engineering

Jaloul Ayed is a Tunisian politician, businessman, and author. He served as Minister of Finance in Tunisia's post-revolution governments and held senior positions in the BMCE Group and FinanceCom. Jaloul Ayed has a strong background in finance, with 18 years at Citibank. He is the founder and Chairman of the Vega Group, a technology business group in Tunisia. Jaloul Ayed is recognized as a classical music composer.

Chiraz Latiri served in 2020 as Minister of Cultural Affairs in Tunisia. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, she created « Tunisia's Cultural Recovery Fund » with a mixed endowment from the private and public sectors. She is a member of the research laboratory LIPAH at the Science Faculty of Tunis and associate researcher at the LORIA laboratory in Nancy (France). She has taken part in several national and international research projects and has published many scientific articles in renowned scientific journals and for international conferences.

09:30 - 09:45: S1 - Welcoming Messages from State Representative, TTU and Partners - Mr. Nejib Zaafrani, Cofounder and President of TTU 
09:45 - 10:00: S2 - Aligning on Sustainable Development Goals , Mr. Mounir Beltaifa, 
10:00 - 10:15: S3 - Catalyzing the Voluntary Carbon Market to combat Climate Change, Mrs Nihel Chabrak, PhD & senior business consultant 
10:15 - 10:30: S4 - Reskilling & Upskilling to better fit Digital Economy job offers, Mr. Marouane Aouri, Digital Transformation leader 
10:30 - 10:45: S5 - Landscape of Innovation in Tunisia and how it can foster our Economy, Mrs Houda Ghozzi 
10:45 - 10:50: S6 - a- Innovations in Agriculture for Food Security despite Water Stress, Mr. Mounir Beltaifa 
10:50 - 11:00: S6 - b - Hydroponic Farming in Tunisia, Mr. Ilyes Saidani 
11:00 - 11:10: S6 - c - Capturing Water from Air Humidity, Mr. Iheb Triki 
11:10 - 11:25: S7 - Innovations in Energy, HE Mr. Kamel Bennaceur 
11:25 - 11:40: S8 - Exporting Computing Capacity powered by Solar Energy, Mr. Amir Ben Gacem 
11:40 - 11:55: S9 - Borderless Finances: The Future of Global Banking, Mr. Omar Guizani 
11:55 - 12:05: S10 - Enabling Learning with Fun for People with Difficulties, Ms. Hidayet Ayadi 
12:05 - 12:15: S11 - Enabling lifelong learning, Mr. Haithem Kchaou 
12:15 - 12:30: S12 - Q&A and plans for the afternoon, Mr. Mounir Beltaifa 
12:30 - 14:00: Lunch break 
14:00 - 14:05: S13 - a - Defeating fear in Public Sector decision making, Dr. Arpan Yagnick 
14:05 - 14:15: S13 - b - Advanced e-Government / e-Administration success stories, Mr. Wissem Oueslati 
14:15 - 15:00: S14 - 3 parallel Working Groups (Public Services, Technology, Hanging Fruits), Mr. Abdelbacet Mhenni 
14:15 - 15:00: WG1 - Which Quick Win Innovations in Public Services?, Mr. Malek Mtimet 
14:15 - 15:00: WG3 - Which innovations are hanging fruit and how can they benefit Tunisia?, Mr. Belgacem Chariag 
15:00 - 15:45: S15 - Optimistic Tunisians keynote session 
15:00 - 15:10: S16 - Let’s build positive journeys for each other, Mrs. Leila Ben Gacem 
15:10 - 15:50: S17 - A Vision of Hope for Tunisia, HE Mr. Jaloul Ayed 
15:50 - 16:00: S18 - نحن متفائلون لتونس, HE Mrs. Chiraz Latiri 
16:00 - 16:30: S19 - Q&A, Conclusions & TTU Announcements, Mr. Mounir Beltaifa

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