Q & A With Lorna Williams On The Global Leadership Investment Summit

By Ajong Mbapndah L

Running from July 28-31, 2024, in Houston, Tx, the Global Leadership Investment Summit & Awards Conference (GLISA TEXAS 2024), will bring together a diverse mix of successful global leaders and exceptional entrepreneurs to strengthen economic ties with various countries and global investors for a coalition to promote new ideas, policies and initiatives, and as a liaison between government and independent stakeholders, says Dr Lorna Williams.

As Secretary General USA of the United international Peace and Governance Council -UNIPGC that is the organizer, Dr Williams says the Summit is aimed at fostering continued improvements for both the public and private sector. With participation expected from all over the world, Lorna Williams describes Houston as the ideal place for GLISA and the myriad of opportunities it has to offer.

Could we start with an introduction of the Global Leadership Investment Summit?

The Global Leadership Investment Summit & Awards Conference (GLISA TEXAS 2024), presented by the United International Peace and Governance Council, formerly International Peace and Governance, in collaboration with the Noble Institute for Environmental Peace (NIEP) and Nikola Tesla Foundation International (NTFI), will bring together a diverse mix of successful global leaders and exceptional entrepreneurs to strengthen economic ties with various countries and global investors for a coalition to promote new ideas, policies and initiatives, and as a liaison between government and independent stakeholders. Overall, the platform strives to promote investments, trade, and capacity building of countries.

 How was the idea of the Summit conceived and what are some of the sellable points or benefits that you are pitching out to potential participants and sponsors?

The idea of the Summit was birthed in line with the vision of UNIPGC, NIEP & NTFI to make the world a better place and also to help advance minorities, the Continent of Africa, Asia, ethnicities, their businesses and governments, economically, by having an investment summit in one of the most ethnically diverse cities of America.

Some of the selling points to participants include the UN SDG Award registration package, presented by NIEP, which has special consultative status with the United Nations. We are also presenting the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award to outstanding and reportable individuals who have made impactful contributions to society.

Sponsors benefit by getting worldwide recognition of being part of a historic event as well as supporting the overall vision of UNIPGC that is aimed at implementing trade, investment and capacity building of countries on a long-term basis. Some sponsorship levels include a chance to be on the board of Trustees or the Grand Patron or Matron of the Organization. A person who donates $500,000 or more to UNIPGC and whose association is deemed helpful for the promotion of the objectives of the organization shall be confirmed by the Supreme Council as Grand Patron.

The Grand Patron shall be persons of outstanding character, committed to and believer of the principles and mandates of the United Nations. The Grand Patron shall collectively have consultative and supportive function aimed at guiding the council to meeting its objectives and fulfilling its mandate within the framework of the provisions of this constitution.

May we know some of the big names in terms of confirmed participation?

Some names we can share for the Presidential award include-

HRM. KING NII GAMU AMUI ISAAH, King of Accra, Ghana,

Her Royal Highness Princess Dato' Seri Dr. Romona Murad, Malaysia,

Islamic Scholar Mr. Sultan Fiaz ul Hassan, Pakistan,

Mr. Yasir Shah, National Test Cricketer, Pakistan,

⁠Dr. Shimail Daud Arain, CEO Maryum Hospital, Pakistan

Speakers include

Mr FAROOQ NATHANIAL, Assistant to Secretary General, The Nikola Tesla Foundation International

H. E Jewel Howard-Taylor, former Vice President of Liberia

Dr Alicia Eugene-Ford, Director of Universal Health Coverage, St. Lucia

Arijit Bhattacharyya, Founder Virtualinfocom, World leader Summit, Mentor, Angel Investor, VC Fund partner

The names mentioned are far from exhaustive as we do have a long and growing list of participants who will make the Summit impactful.

We see Niep and Nikola Tesla as collaborators of Global Leadership and Investment Summit, what exactly will be their role?

As co-organizers with a common vision aligned with UNIPGC, they are bringing their resources and network that would benefit from this conference. The support and partnership will be most useful, and we remain open to more partnerships with other companies and stakeholders interested in joining this noble venture.

To potential investors, companies or individuals willing to attend, what does it take to be part of the Summit and how much time  do they have left?

What it takes for investors, companies, or individuals willing to attend the Summit, either in person or virtually, is to go to https://bit.ly/GLISATEXAS2024TICKETS and select either a registration or sponsorship package. Also, for recognition they can submit a 3-4 Short Paragraph bio, a professional photo and company logo at https://bit.ly/GLISATEXAS2024AWARDS.

We can accept sponsorship at any time, however, the sponsorship deadline is due by July 10th, as there are sponsorship Packages which relate to the overall vision of our organization and not just to sponsor the conference.

Regarding in person registration, the deadline is July 1st without late increased registration fees, as there is limited in person registration.  For Virtual registration the deadline is July 15th and is unlimited. And for the stand alone ALL WHITE GALA AWARDS DINNER the deadline is also July 15th and limited.

Is the Summit a one-time thing or do you have plans to make it an annual event?

The Summit is an annual event to foster continued improvements for Both the public and private sector and there are plans to make GLISATEXAS2025 a bigger event in September of 2025 at the same venue!

Not only are we looking at annual events but implementing follow-up steps to ensure the vision of the conference is achieved in the long term for parties involved.

For those who have never been to Houston, what are some other attractions or opportunities that could also enthuse participants to make it to the Summit?

Texas is the Energy Capital of the World. Houston is the most diverse city in the USA. Texas is the home to the most Fortune 500 companies of any state in the United States

The only state in America that has its own ETF on the NYSE . One of the most promising areas for real estate and Opportunity Zone fund investing. Texas has been the top high tech exporting state for 10 consecutive years Houston has the largest Nigerian population in Texas. The Port of Houston is a major gateway for national and international trade, leading the nation in foreign waterborne tonnage and ranks 15th in the world, represents about 60% of seaport trade, represents a significant share of US chemical exports, handling about 1/3 of all exports Texas is #1 in renewable energy production in the USA. Tech companies like Google and Apple are present in Texas along with aircraft company Boeing and space exploration company NASA.Texas is one of the top states for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)

With regards to the South Shore Harbor Resort where the events will be hosted, it is located in the South of Houston, going towards Galveston. It is the Bay Area's most modern resort and Conference Center with an Oasis pool and swim up bar, Fitness Center and SPA.  It is near Clear Lake, the country's third largest boating destination.

Close to South Shore Harbor Country Club for golfing, near the Kemah boardwalk, near Moody Gardens on Galveston Island. It is close to NASA/ Johnson Space Center Houston, 30 minutes from the world's tallest masonry monumental, San Jacinta Monument. South Shore Harbor Marina is Clear Lake's largest marina.

For people attending from Africa, anything organizers are doing to facilitate visa processes for travel?

For those individuals who are reputable and vetted and register in time they can submit an application at https://bit.ly/GLISATEXAS2024AWARDS.  There is a possible possibility that the organizers may be able to facilitate visa processes for travel to the Summit. And if they are not able to secure their visas in time for  GLISATEXAS2024, we can also begin working on  it for GLISATEXAS2025 in September,  2025.