GPCA Symposium

Opening remarks: The future of procurement

The world is facing significant geo-political tensions, driving an inflationary super-cycle and unprecedented supply chain risk. In addition, the rapid technological evolution with the adoption of AI, robotics and other technologies is changing the way in which we do business. CPOs are increasingly expected to satisfy customer needs, build resiliency, adopt the latest technologies, and deliver on sustainability targets, all while managing costs effectively. In this session, we explore the evolving role of procurement and review the best practices being adopted by procurement leaders from around the world.

Panel discussion: Building supply chain resiliency in an uncertain world

Supply chain pressures have been increasing since well before the onset of the pandemic. Supply chains are facing shortages in natural resources, historically high inflation, and regulatory uncertainties. All of this, against the backdrop of geopolitical friction impacting established supply routes. The drive for supply chain efficiency is being challenged by the need for supply chain resilience. In this panel discussion, we explore different perspectives on what supply chain resilience means and how companies are building resilience in the face of disruptions.

Networking break

Sustainable supply chains: 3 success stories from carbon intensive industries

Carbon intensive industries are coming under increasing pressure to reduce the environmental and societal impact of their operations. Companies are looking to avoid the reputational, regulatory, and financial risks of poor ESG performance. Supply chains hold the key to transforming enterprise sustainability. In this session, we explore successful case studies from leading organizations that have implemented initiatives to improve supply chain sustainability.

The localization imperative: 3 success stories from procurement

National transformation programs in the region have accelerated the need to diversify economies, putting the development of local industry at the very top of national agendas. Localization programs at national, regional and enterprise levels have provided a framework for growing indigenous industries. Procurement plays an important role as the interface with industry to ensure localization programs are being successfully implemented. In this session, we explore successful case studies from leading organizations implementing localization programs.

Panel discussion: Winning in the digital age of procurement

Many procurement organizations haven’t fully embraced (much less understand) the changing technology landscape. And yet the need for digital excellence is more crucial than ever as procurement’s responsibilities expand in reaction to macro disruptions, new business models, and changing enterprise objectives. Application of AI, as an example, provides opportunities to enhance spend management, automate procurement processes, and improve decision making. In this panel discussion, we explore different perspectives on how evolving technologies will impact procurement and how companies can take advantage of new digital capabilities.

Networking break

Panel discussion: Realizing opportunities for procurement collaboration in the GCC

Procurement organizations are realizing the increasing need to work together with external entities to solve the problems of today. Within the context of complex supply networks with multiple actors, the challenges being faced on resilience, sustainability, technology and industrial development cannot be solved in isolation. Organizations collaborate under the notion that they will be able to achieve common goals more effectively than independently. In this panel discussion, we explore the key priorities for procurement and the collaboration mechanisms being successfully applied.