Kindness-Driven Change At 1 Billion Followers Summit: Simon Squibb Calls For Community And Action

Social entrepreneur Simon Squibb used the 1 Billion Followers Summit 2026 stage to urge audiences to rethink how money, purpose and community interact. Speaking in Dubai, Squibb argued that financial resources are useful only when tied to action, empathy and shared responsibility, and called for practical steps from both individuals and organisations.

During his keynote session, titled "Money Won’t Save You, Action Will," Squibb also announced a new pledge model. The idea challenged traditional views on profit by directing resources toward people solving real-world problems rather than simply growing personal wealth or company balance sheets.

Detailing this concept, Squibb revealed the creation of the 10 % Fund, asking companies and individuals to commit a tenth of their profits. The fund is intended to support people working on concrete social and environmental challenges. "This is about fixing humanity," he said, framing the proposal as a collective responsibility rather than charity.

He added that the initiative also focuses on behaviour and values. "Not just saving the planet but saving ourselves by improving who we are and helping out neighbours and communities." Squibb then urged listeners to reconsider how they use money in daily life and business, especially in cities like Dubai that attract global investment.

Addressing the long-debated link between money and happiness, Squibb warned against expecting wealth to solve personal problems. He stated that funds on their own do not redesign lives or fix inner issues. "Money can amplify. Money makes you happy only if you are already happy." The comment underlined his view that mindset and purpose come before capital.

From Squibb’s perspective, meaningful change rests on relationships and shared goals. "You have to commit to what you believe in and build a community around you," Squibb said. Emphasising cooperation instead of competition, he added: "We are stronger together. We are here to help each other, not to live in a world of give and take, but one of shared support."

1 Billion Followers Summit spotlight on Simon Squibb’s journey and projects

Squibb’s stance is shaped by a long entrepreneurial career, having founded and invested in more than 100 companies. Now aged 51, Squibb focuses his time on helping people start businesses for free. Through online content, Squibb provides guidance, mentoring and exposure to opportunities for about 20 million followers worldwide.

He also established HelpBnk, a platform built to support new founders and widen access to entrepreneurship. Simon said he is on a mission to help 10 million people kickstart their businesses. The platform and broader mission aim to reduce common barriers around funding, knowledge and networks, including for audiences in the Middle East.

Reflecting on personal wealth, Squibb said his outlook changed after moving from building assets to holding them. "It took me two years to understand that I had the money to give away," he said. Squibb shared that even his own company described him as "mad" when he asked for his money to be distributed to people after death.

Squibb explained that he does not plan to leave financial assets to family. "I will not keep the money to my son. I will give him love, and a fishing lure to learn how to fish." The remark echoed his broader view that skills, support and opportunity matter more than inherited capital.

His relationship with the 1 Billion Followers Summit deepened in the previous edition, when he won $1 million on stage. Squibb admitted that he cried during that moment because he felt the support from the audience. He then chose to use that money for direct backing of people with business ideas around the globe.

Describing how the prize was used, Squibb said the funds had been channelled into many small projects. "In the past 12 months, we helped 3,000 people, thanks to that $1 million," he told the audience. He then highlighted the human impact of those decisions, adding: "That’s 3,000 lives changed."

Squibb also reflected on Dubai’s trajectory, connecting the city’s development to earlier difficulties. "I’ve seen the mission of this city through pain," he said. For Squibb, those experiences shaped leadership and ambition. "Pain gives leadership purpose, and pain gives us power." The remarks linked Dubai’s growth to resilience and learning from hardship.

Encouraging attendees to engage with local and global communities, Squibb called for a more generous use of resources. "Don’t just take but also give. If we use money to make a difference in our communities, we can fix the world’s problems," he added. His comments aligned with the summit’s focus on responsible content and social impact.

The 1 Billion Followers Summit 2026 is organised by the UAE Government Media Office and hosted by the UAE from 9th to 11th January. Sessions take place across Emirates Towers, DIFC, and the Museum of the Future in Dubai, under the theme "Content for Good." Squibb’s keynote fitted this theme by linking digital influence, funding and collective action.

With inputs from WAM