4
Days66
SessionsAbout the Conference
Since 2012, this conference has brought the Ismaili professional community together to forge connections, build partnerships, grow networks and share knowledge and experience. Through this course of this year’s event, we will be challenged and inspired to think bigger, act bolder and harness our intellectual capital to shape the future of generations to come. As we embrace our new normal, we are pleased to announce this year’s conference will be Digital.
Through a cutting-edge platform we will be engaging in thought-provoking dialogue and conversations while exploring the theme of Re:Invention. Ignite Digital Re:Invention will provide you with the opportunity to network with people from across the globe, leaving you inspired.
Join us from September 11 – 14, 2020 as we bring you an elevated and curated digital experience on a dedicated platform!
- Transforming to the Next NormalAugust 29, 2020
In order to understand how we move towards a mindset of thriving and what “normal” will look like, we need to understand how the economic, social and political landscape has shifted.
- Emerging Trends and OpportunitiesAugust 29, 2020
How can we predict and plan for the Future of Work, Future of Industry and Emerging Technological Trends?
- Thriving MindsetAugust 29, 2020
What are the tools and behaviours we need to build a thriving mindset that will help us rise and reinvent in all aspects of our lives?
- RE:Inventing for SuccessAugust 29, 2020
These conversations and workshops will be more tangible in nature, providing us with the tools and mindset to move forward.
- #StrongerTogetherAugust 29, 2020
How do we as an Ismaili community, and the communities we live in, continue this momentum of collaboration, coordination and cohesion so we can all rise together, thrive and reinvent?
Why Ignite?
With this year’s first-ever virtual format, we are pleased to be offering an expansive programme covering topics that range from Future of Work, to Impact Investing, to Overcoming Impostor Syndrome. We have top tier speakers joining us from around the world, presented live to you on our platform. In addition to all that, we also have many other perks for our participants.
This is not another Zoom call!

Watch the sessions that you choose, when you choose, with the power of our digital platform. There is no need to be online all day, take time off, or interrupt family time – through the Ignite platform, you can join sessions Live, watch Replays, and catch-up On Demand.
You’re truly the master of your own schedule!

Take a break from hearing thought-leaders for a little wellness break with a guided meditation session by Farzana Jaffer Jeraj, stretch break, yoga class, and maybe even a cooking demo. Our Wellness lounge will offer programming to complement the conference and help you find balance. You’re also welcome to join us for some musical interludes with featured performances from the Aga Khan Museum.
And don’t forget our Virtual Black Tie Gala on Saturday night – you won’t want to miss it!

The Ignite Digital platform offers a variety of ways to build strong connections. Through Braindate, you will be able to find conversations that match your interests and participate in live video conversations with other participants. You are free to create as many discussion topics as you wish, and you never know just who might join. Some of our key speakers are also looking forward to meeting you in the Braindate lounge!
Keynote Speakers
- Salim Ismail
Chairman
OpenExO
How to Build Resilient Organizations - Faheem Noor AliAugust 30, 2020Faheem Noor Ali
Climate Finance Trade Commissioner
Global Affairs Canada
Exploring Climate Finance - Nabyl CharaniaJanuary 27, 2021Nabyl Charania
Chairman and CEO
Rokk3r
Entrepreneurship in the Next Normal - Bashir JiwaniAugust 30, 2020Bashir Jiwani
Ethicist and Executive Director
Fraser Health Ethics Services
- Khalil Z. Shariff
CEO
Aga Khan Foundation Canada
The New Global Citizen - The Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson
The 26th Governor General of Canada
The New Global Citizen - Mandy GilbertJanuary 27, 2021Mandy Gilbert
Founder & CEO
Creative Niche
Leadership as an Anchor - Anousheh AnsariJanuary 26, 2021Anousheh Ansari
CEO
XPRIZE Foundation
Entrepreneurship in the Next Normal - Anu BhardwajJanuary 26, 2021Anu Bhardwaj
Founder
Women Investing in Women Digital
AI for a Better Tomorrow
The Movers, Shakers, and C-Suite Groundbreakers - Shemin Hirji-NurmohamedAugust 30, 2020Shemin Hirji-Nurmohamed
COO and Vice President
Pitney Bowes
Building a Resilient Mindset