A Dream Realized: My Journey from Maldives to a Global Conference

In 2023, I embarked on a life-changing journey from the Maldives to Dubai, leaving behind my job and a comfortable life. My focus was to settle my family in this city and spend time with small baby. Initially, we stayed in a hotel Al Bustan Centre, which often felt overwhelming. I found solace in simple moments, like exploring Bustan Centre with my baby, enjoying ice cream from McDonald's, and discovering lovely shops filled with bridal clothes and children's attire.

One day, while returning from a trip to McDonald's, I stumbled upon a beautifully decorated hall that sparked my imagination. I envisioned hosting in-person programs there, fostering community connections, and discussing leadership—a topic close to my heart. I dreamed of creating a space where people could come together, share ideas, and support one another.

Over the next few weeks, I frequented the area, immersing myself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Bustan Centre. Eventually, I inquired about renting the hall, but the costs seemed daunting, especially since I had just started my new life in Dubai. Nevertheless, the dream of organizing a conference lingered in my mind.

I spent time conducting market research to understand what I could offer and how I could leverage my strengths. This exploration led me to launch my own company, focusing on training services. I began running hybrid training programs and joined networking groups, which provided invaluable insights and connections.

After a few months, I felt ready to pursue my dream of hosting a global conference. I announced a theme centered around a sustainable future—an urgent issue that resonates with so many today. The disparity between lavish lifestyles and sustainable practices troubled me deeply. I believed it was essential to advocate for responsible behavior and moderation in our consumption, considering the needs of future generations.

On August 1, I officially announced the conference and began accepting nominations. We worked tirelessly to design promotional materials and engaged in social media marketing. The response was overwhelming, and by September 14, we had secured our venue and invited influential speakers from around the world, including sustainability experts from the UAE, Singapore, and Saudi Arabia.

The conference was a grand success, exceeding my expectations. I was filled with emotion, realizing that within six months of establishing my company, I had organized an event that attracted a global audience. This achievement was a testament to the power of networking, support from friends, and the blessings of a higher power.

From this experience, I learned that building strong connections and treating everyone with compassion are vital for success. Relationships are the foundation of a supportive community, and small acts of kindness can lead to significant change.

After the conference, we initiated two key projects. First, we formed a global think tank called "Eco- visionaries," dedicated to coordinating sustainable initiatives and organizing annual conferences to raise awareness about sustainability. Second, we developed a course on green lifestyles, aimed at teaching individuals how to adopt eco-friendly practices in their daily lives. This course includes 30 actionable activities that participants can implement and share with others, promoting a ripple effect of sustainability.

Our goal is to reach one million people through this initiative, empowering them to become ambassadors for a greener planet. We are even exploring the creation of an app to make these resources more accessible.

As I reflect on this journey, I am reminded that if I could turn my dreams into reality despite starting from scratch, anyone can do the same. Determination and hard work are key. Together, we can contribute to a sustainable future, proving our commitment to being responsible citizens of the world.

If you’re interested in joining this movement or learning more about our initiatives, please feel free to reach out!

Dr. Haleema Sadia

+971507509125

[email protected]