The Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival (SEF) 2025 focused on the future of business, artificial intelligence, and the transformative power of Gen Z, bringing together global thought leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers. Key discussions centered on AI ethics, the rapid evolution of technology, and the economic influence of young consumers, highlighting the opportunities and challenges shaping the next decade.
Mo Gawdat on AI’s Ethical Responsibility
One of the most thought-provoking sessions, “Shaping the Future of Humanity & AI,” featured Egyptian entrepreneur and former Google X Chief Business Officer Mo Gawdat. Addressing the ethical dilemmas of AI, Gawdat emphasized that the future of artificial intelligence depends entirely on the values we instill in it today.
“The future of AI isn’t just about technology—it’s about responsibility. If we teach AI greed, bias, and destruction, we risk creating a dangerous force. But if we instill ethics, empathy, and purpose, AI can become humanity’s greatest ally,” Gawdat explained.
Comparing AI to Superman, he warned that, by 2029, AI will be a billion times smarter than the human brain, making today’s choices critical in determining whether AI uplifts or undermines humanity. The discussion, moderated by Abdullah Al Shimmari, stressed the need for policymakers, innovators, and everyday users to take active roles in shaping AI’s trajectory.
Gen Z’s $3 Trillion Economic Power and Social Innovation
Another key session, “Generation Next: Why Young People Are Natural Social Innovators,” highlighted the growing influence of Gen Z in business and social change. Dr. Eric Dawson, CEO of Rivet, revealed that Gen Z controls over $3 trillion in annual spending, a figure projected to surpass $12 trillion by 2030. Despite this, only 0.002% of the $650 billion donated to philanthropy in 2023 was allocated to youth-led social innovation.
Dr. Dawson emphasized the need to bridge the gap between charity and sustainable impact, calling for investment in young entrepreneurs who are already driving change. Rivet, a startup that channels Gen Z’s collective economic power, has supported over 1,136 youth-led projects in 120 countries, tackling issues from food insecurity to gender bias.
One example highlighted was Walter, a Rivet ambassador in Uganda, who used his microfinancing grant to purchase sewing machines that allowed his community to produce reusable menstrual pads, enabling girls to stay in school longer and delay early marriage.
“Young people are not just passive consumers—they are change-makers, using their purchasing power to fund social innovation and reshape economies,” Dawson stated.
Looking Ahead: A New Era of Business and Innovation
With AI evolving rapidly and Gen Z emerging as a dominant economic force, SEF 2025 underscored the urgency of ethical AI development and the need to invest in youth-driven solutions. The festival reinforced the idea that business, technology, and social impact must evolve together, ensuring a future that is both innovative and responsible.
Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival, SEF 2025, AI ethics, Gen Z economy, Mo Gawdat, social innovation, artificial intelligence, youth entrepreneurship, business trends, future of work
Meta Description: SEF 2025 explored AI ethics, Gen Z’s $3 trillion economic influence, and the future of business, with insights from Mo Gawdat and global innovators.