Navigators are those special people who are pursuing the next wave of opportunity in technology, science, health, and energy among others. They are tackling big problems that need equally big thinking about solutions. And, they are helping us to explore ourselves and our time in history. Their perspectives guide us, inform us, and inspire us.
Join Dr. Ali Asani and Zain Verjee along with more than one dozen Navigators on November 3rd for a full day of deep insights and dazzling performances from the stage, matched with thought-provoking interactions in our participant engagement zone — where you can share your own ideas with others who are equally curious about the world around them.
Dr. Ali Asani
Navigating Religions
How does our concept of religion inspire and contribute to our artistic creativity? Ali S. Asani is Professor of Indo-Muslim and Islamic Religion and Cultures at Harvard University. He provides instruction on a variety of courses on the Islamic tradition, and 
he is a specialist of Islam in South Asia. Professor Asani’s research focuses on the Shii and Sufi devotional traditions in the region, and explores how religion and the arts intersect in a cultural perspective.
The author of several books and numerous articles, he is particularly interested in the relationship between religion, literature and the arts. Professor Asani’s use of the arts in pedagogy is part of his broader effort to eradicate “religious illiteracy.” He is a recipient of the Harvard Foundation medal for his contributions to improving intercultural and race relations and Harvard’s Petra C. Shattuck Prize for excellence in teaching.
Zain Verjee
Navigating Authentic Storytelling
How do we ensure that we tell more authentic stories in our media, especially on behalf of groups that don’t normally command sustained media attention? One of the world’s most respected and recognized journalists, she has worked as a CNN International anchor, reporter, and interviewer. She is also the co-founder of aKoma, Africa’s premier 
digital storytelling platform, representing authentic African stories in the media.
Since joining CNN in 2000, Zain has covered numerous world events and has interviewed some of the most influential men and women of our time. Zain covered the US State Department for CNN USA for two years, closely following American foreign policy and traveling with Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. Zain has a great sense of humour and versatility that is rare. She is able to connect, is charismatic on the air, unique in her approach and always interested. She was appointed a UNICEF Children’s Advocate for ‘A Promise Renewed’ promoting child survival globally. Zain enjoys writing and received a Masters of Studies in Creative Writing at Oxford University in 2016.
Details about ticket purchase and other guest speakers here
