LQ

Speaking

Conversations for a changing world

Lubna has appeared on BBC and CNN and has addressed governments, global audiences, and multilateral institutions across the United Nations system, including the World Health Organization and the Human Rights Council. She has convened roundtables at the World Economic Forum and speaks on geoeconomics, global governance, leadership, and institutional change, bringing a practitioner’s perspective to international, policy, and business audiences.

01

Geoeconomics & the New Global Order

How economics, investment, regulation, and diplomacy are reshaping international power.

02

The Gulf & the Changing Architecture of Global Power

The Gulf’s evolving role in global economic and geopolitical affairs.

03

Leadership Across Institutions

A personal keynote on leadership across law, government, banking, and diplomacy.

04

Corporate Governance & the Boardroom

A longstanding advocate of effective corporate governance, with experience serving on boards across institutions and supporting boards in her capacity as Company Secretary. Her work spans board effectiveness, strategic decision making, risk oversight and accountability, informed by senior leadership roles at major financial institutions in the Middle East. As Founding Chair of the 30% Club GCC Chapter, she championed greater female representation in boardrooms, recognising the importance of diverse perspectives to stronger governance and better decision making.

05

The Boardroom Meets the Diplomatic Table

What business and diplomacy can learn from each other about influence, governance, and decision-making.

06

Women, Leadership & Economic Participation

What institutions must do to create genuine pathways for women’s leadership and economic participation.

07

Law, Reform & Institutional Change

How legal and regulatory architecture can enable economic and institutional transformation.

Keynotes · Executive dialogues · Board retreats · Roundtables · Moderation · University lectures

A moderated conversation, board retreat, or closed-door roundtable is often the best use of my experience: an intelligent room grappling with a difficult question.

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On the RecordSelected appearances
  • 2024Panellist, “The right to development and economic, social and cultural rights: Reinforcing the Nexus”United Nations side event, Palais des Nations, Geneva · 13 May 2024Programme →
  • 2022Led the UAE delegation, High-Level International Conference on Human Rights, Civil Society and Counter-TerrorismMálaga · May 2022Read →
  • 2021Panellist, “COVID-19 and Right to Education: Current Impact and Future Consequences”Geneva Centre for Human Rights Advancement and Global Dialogue, online · 25 March 2021Read →
  • 2017Speaker on the economic landscape of the MENA region and its entrepreneurship trends, Today for Tomorrow conferenceSaïd Business School, University of Oxford · 2017
  • 2015BBC 100 WomenThe first woman from the region to present in the BBC 100 Women season · 2015
  • 2011Speech, ACT Middle East Deals of the Year AwardsDubai · November 2011
  • 2010Talk to students, Sharjah Women’s CollegeSharjah · May 2010Read →
  • 2009Panellist, BBC World News televised debate on corporate governance and the global financial crisisDoha · June 2009
  • 2009Presented a paper on the panel “Intergenerational Dialogue: Resolutions for the Major Global Challenges”Kiel, Germany · 2009

What audiences say

“Speaking at the House of Lords on Arab women’s leadership during a period of global realignment is a powerful signal. A privilege to witness Arab women shaping this discourse.”
Soumaya GaraouchInternational Compliance and Risk Specialist
“What resonated with me most was her quiet strength, clarity of vision, and the grace with which she spoke about responsibility in leadership across cultures and regions.”
Shaista AliWorkplace Wellbeing and Leadership Mindset, HAPTiTUDE
“Such a wonderful heartfelt tribute to my beloved UAE and the Arab world. A speech that honours friendship and cooperation beyond entrepreneurship.”
Hazleen AhmadGlobal Deputy CEO, Institute of Neurodiversity
“She spoke candidly about leadership under pressure, the realities of multilateral diplomacy, and what it truly means to be a bridge builder in environments where national interests and global obligations intersect.”
Shazene HussainPresident, LSESU Middle East Careers Society
“Defying categorization. An outlier, in the best possible sense, and setting standards.”
Nima Abu-WardehJournalist and Broadcaster, Former BBC World Presenter
“You have always oozed so much calm, resolve and serenity, the true mark of a leader.”
Charlotte KanJournalist and Moderator
“Very inspirational. Thank you for sharing your story and advice with us all!”
Nasiha NourdineLSE Law, Placement Year at Schroders

Guest of Honour, House of Lords, UK, April 2026

Inaugural International Day of Women in Diplomacy, UN Human Rights Council, June 2024, Geneva

Keynote, H20 Summit, Geneva, 2023

The G20 & G7 Health and Development Partnership