ME PoV Fall 2023 issue

Securing the future

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About this issue

Mahatma Gandhi once said, "The future depends on what you do in the present." This simple yet powerful idea highlights how each small step, whether personal or business-related, shapes the future we aim for. In the ever-changing business world, our decisions today have a ripple effect for years to come.

Securing the future requires strategic thinking and a visionary approach embracing innovation, adaptability, and sustainability. Successful enterprises advance with a forward-looking mindset in a rapidly evolving technological era. It's not just about bytes and algorithms; it's about building a foundation that withstands the test of time. Sustainable practices are not just buzzwords but the basis for resilient nations and businesses.

As we all know by now, climate change is a threat to the health of our planet and our collective future. Seeking to tackle this global challenge, thousands will be gathering in December 2023 for COP28 in the UAE. In the article COP28: Transparency drives sustainability reporting, Damian Regan weighs in on how “while the primary focus of the COP will be global climate change and key reporting of GHG emissions at a country level, many conference attendees will recognize the sentiment of transparency as being relevant also at a corporate level and to a wider range of ESG related topics and metrics.”

The convergence of initiatives like COP28 and electric vehicles (EVs) underscores the integral role the Middle East plays in securing a sustainable future. This shift not only aligns with global environmental goals but also positions the region as a leader in clean energy adoption. In Dr. Ahmed Hezzah’s article, The Middle East goes electric!, he states that “the global automotive sector is on the brink of a seismic shift, with electric vehicles (EVs) leading the way as the most promising contender in the pursuit of sustainable transportation.” He discusses how as the world aspires for a greener future - the Middle East region continues to make one stride after another. 

As businesses expand within their respective markets, their dependence on service organizations for supporting their expanding operations intensifies. In The power of third-party assurance reporting in today’s world, Bhavna Lakhani, Fadi Ghawi, and Mais Barouqa explain how “Amid global megatrends and a connected financial landscape, organizations increasingly rely on third-party vendors for critical services.” This heightened reliance raises critical concerns regarding the topic of security and integrity of the data managed, as is also touched upon in Consumer privacy: A business imperative in the digital age by Ikram Moulila. 

WhatsApp watch: Are financial institutions under fire? by Collin Keeney, Natalie Forester, and Faiz Ali Khan follows the same wave by putting the spotlight on off-channel communications: the use of unapproved applications on mobile devices to participate in communications concerning a firm’s business. Data governance, the use of corporate devices versus bring-your-own-device (BYOD), and compliance with data protection and privacy laws become key pieces to the puzzle, hopefully securing the future of business. 

In today's fast-changing digital world, data centers are crucial for organizations, serving as key drivers for operations and innovation. Beyond just operations, understanding the financial side of data center services is increasingly important. This knowledge influences financial reporting, strategic planning, and investment choices, helping businesses align their strategies with long-term goals, explains Zeeshan Abbasi in Navigating the financial labyrinth of data center colocation and capacity services.

Striving to secure one’s future takes consistent effort. In AI in cybersecurity: A double-edged sword, Tamer Charife and Michael Mossad explain how striking the right balance between reaping AI’s benefits in cybersecurity and mitigating its risks isn’t a one-time effort but rather a continuous journey that requires constant education, heightened awareness, and an unwavering commitment to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of AI in cybersecurity responsibly and effectively. 

As we set our sights on securing the future, let us not forget the lessons of the past. Securing the future is not a singular act but an ongoing journey. It's about marrying the wisdom of experience with the audacity of innovation. We hope you enjoy reading this issue of the Middle East Point of View. 

The ME PoV editorial team