Dear ABANA Members, Constituents, and Friends,
ABANA has much to celebrate in an eventful and impactful 2024. My central message to our community last year was one of optimism for the intellect and genuineness of a community which embraces the very best Arab and Arab-American values to not only better ourselves, but all the diverse communities around us. This year, my central message is one of Gratitude; gratitude for the many new people who have joined ABANA, gratitude for the incredible generosity and kindness of our donors and benefactors, gratitude for the influx of youthful energy that is inspiring our community, and gratitude for our many speakers who took part in the 18 events ABANA and the ABANA Foundation hosted in 2024.
Though I could highlight ABANA’s gratitude to a multitude of individuals and organizations, I would like to make special mention of four individuals:
Chris Flowers, Chairman & CEO of JC Flowers and Co.,
His Excellency Khaldoon Al Mubarak, Group CEO of Mubadala Investment Company,
Dr. Sadek Wahba, the Chairman and CEO of I-Squared Capital, and
John Mack, the former Chairman and CEO of Morgan Stanley.
A Tale of 4 CEO Speakers
Eleanor Roosevelt said, “Never mistake knowledge for wisdom. One helps you make a living; the other helps you make a life.” Because ABANA is a two-part organization, a 501-C-6 Professional Association, and a 501-C-3 public charity, our mission entails the curation, warehousing, and sharing of both knowledge and wisdom. This was aptly demonstrated by the following four speakers: Chris Flowers spoke to ABANA members about the increasingly competitive marketplace of private debt and equity, and how finding, creating, and building value requires discipline and focus. His Excellency Khaldoon spoke to ABANA members about how Artificial Intelligence is forcing individuals and companies to adapt to an increasing velocity of change, while also emphasizing the importance of human networks centered on character and talent. Dr. Sadek Wahba talked to ABANA members about his seminal book, “Build: Investing in America’s Infrastructure” and how the importance of public and private partnerships are necessary to create and sustain a vibrant economy. Finally, the heart of the ABANA Foundation, John Mack –and his wife, Christy Mack- talked to ABANA members about the importance of education in making the world a better place.
Both ABANA and the ABANA Foundation are immensely grateful for these speakers, and many others who shared with our community not only wisdom and knowledge, but grace. Perhaps most of all, we are grateful for our members, who believe that a community centered on best-in-class business and financial intelligence for those with an interest in the Middle East and North Africa region, can allow us all to be better, to dream more, to achieve more, to inspire more and to celebrate ourselves and one another.
Happy Holidays,
Khalid Azim.
