Global Business, Regional Borders, and Big Bets
Student Perspectives from the Gulf Cooperation Council 2035 Conference
By: Harika Janjanam (MBA’25), Research Assistant at the Baratta Center for Global Business
As the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director, Kristalina Georgieva, and government leaders discussed the future of global and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) collaboration, 25 Georgetown University students sat in the audience. The students were listening with great interest, ready to contribute their own ideas for building a more prosperous future.
The GCC 2035 conference, which took place in Doha, focused on the future of regionalization, global and regional Industries, as well as trade and investment in the GCC. Discussions highlighted the region’s priorities: from economic diversification and human capital development to sustainable energy and fostering an investment-friendly ecosystem. These topics are aligned with the Baratta Center’s focus on global trade and investment, and global industry transformation.
The student participation was enabled by a collaboration between the Baratta Center and Qatar’s Ministry of Finance. They were selected on their academic achievement, merit, and motivation to engage in meaningful discussions. For them, the GCC 2035 Conference was more than a high-level summit. It was a rare glimpse into the inner workings of policymaking and business strategy that shape the region’s future. From closed-door discussions to public debates, they witnessed firsthand how decisions are made, priorities negotiated, and long-term bets placed on the Gulf’s role in the global economy.
Over the course of the conference, they engaged in deep conversations ranging from long-term economic visions to the Gulf’s evolving geopolitical dynamics. Some listened intently as Qatar’s Minister of Finance, H.E. Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari, presented a bold vision for a post-oil economy. Others explored how the region could reconcile rapid development with workforce policies and environmental commitments.
The Gulf’s Next Move Through the Eyes of Future Leaders
The experience extended well beyond the conference hall. The students strolled through the bustling alleys of Souq Waqif, marveled at the rich history unfolding at the Museum of Islamic Art alongside a futuristic skyline, and engaged in warm conversations with locals over karak chai and traditional delicacies. For many, it was their first time in the Middle East, and what they discovered was far more complex and nuanced than any textbook could capture – a true immersion experience.
Abigail Miles (B’26), an aspiring financial analyst, found herself drawn into discussions about Qatar’s push to diversify its economy beyond oil.
“Hearing about their investments in tech, healthcare, and finance was eye-opening,” Miles reflected. “It’s a different model than what we’re used to in the United States, and they’re executing it on a massive scale.”
Students at the GCC 2035 Conference in Doha
Source: Ministry of Finance, Qatar
Moritz Ludwig’s (MPP’25) attention was captured by the Gulf’s geostrategic positioning.
“The region is actively positioning itself as a bridge between Europe, Asia, and Africa,” Ludwig said, “but what struck me was how intentional their strategy is. Every move is calculated for long-term impact.”
He acknowledged the conference’s emphasis on regional cooperation and economic diversification, noting how the dialogue showcased the Gulf’s potential for transformative progress.
“The discussions on innovation, emerging technologies, and sustainable development underscored the region’s drive to lead in global progress,” Ludwig reflected
Beyond the Conference Room: Lessons from the Streets of Doha
The experience offered students an exciting opportunity to engage with the city and its surroundings. Doha itself became a vibrant classroom, offering unexpected lessons in history, innovation, and local culture.
For Kayla Rigoli (B’25), the city offered a unique blend of tradition and modernity. “The marketplace was so clean and bright it almost felt like a Disney World set,” she observed while exploring Souq Waqif. Students experienced the contrast between past and present—admiring handcrafted spices and textiles one moment and standing beneath a modern skyline the next.
A desert excursion provided a new perspective for Regina Nappo (L’27). Standing where the ocean met the dunes, she shared, “I arrived with many assumptions, but the warmth and hospitality of the Qatari people challenged them.”
Perhaps the most unexpected moment of connection came during a visit to Georgetown University’s Qatar campus. Samar Rawas (MSFS’25) was struck by how familiar it felt. “It reminded me that no matter where we are in the world, we’re part of the same academic mission,” she reflected.
Later, at the Museum of Islamic Art, students observed centuries of artistic and intellectual achievement, realizing that the Gulf’s role in global progress wasn’t a recent phenomenon—it was part of a much longer story.
Evolving Aspirations, Expanding Horizons
By the time they boarded their flights home, these students weren’t just leaving with notes from panel discussions or new LinkedIn connections. They carried with them a new perspective, a deeper understanding of a region in transformation: one that is shaping the way they see the world.
For some, like Nappo, it helped reshape career goals. “I never considered working in the Gulf before, but now I’m actively exploring opportunities in Dubai and Riyadh,” she shared.
For others, it reinforced the importance of U.S.-Gulf relations in shaping global business. Miles, who is set to begin an internship at Blackstone, noted, “Understanding the Gulf’s strengths and weaknesses will directly inform my work. The region isn’t just an economic player—it’s actively shaping the future of business and policy.”
For Berkley Delmonico (G’24, ’28), a physics Ph.D. student, the conference highlighted new opportunities and cross-disciplinary connections.
“I came in thinking this was mostly for business students, but I left realizing how much industries intersect. This experience will definitely shape my approach to research and industry collaboration.”
The impact of this trip reflects the Baratta Center’s mission to foster conversations about global business and policy, bridging the academic and professional worlds. Students and Georgetown faculty engaged deeply with leaders from business, government, and society, fulfilling the center’s vision of connecting classroom insights with real-world experiences.
These students will bring what they learned into classrooms, workplaces, and future leadership roles. They will challenge assumptions, question narratives, and push for deeper, more meaningful engagement with the Gulf and beyond.
Oftentimes, the most valuable lessons aren’t found in a lecture or a case study. They’re found in a new city, an unexpected conversation, or a moment of realization in the middle of the desert.
Learn More about the GCC 2035 Conference.
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