Welcome remarks to the 2022 Concordia Annual Summit.
Mayor Eric Adams of New York City delivers the opening Keynote at the 2022 Concordia Annual Summit.
As the world faces unprecedented challenges, the role of technology and cross-sector collaboration is more important than ever. Technological innovation has an increasingly significant influence on society, and the importance of business leadership is at the helm of this. This Fireside Chat, featuring Eric Loeb, EVP of Global Government Affairs and Public Policy at Salesforce, and Amandeep Singh Gill, Envoy on Technology for the UN, will explore the importance of technology in society, and its role in solving the challenges the world faces today.
Barbara Humpton, President and CEO of Siemens Corporation, delivers remarks on the power of the free market, and the importance of a revived and revised global supply chain.
As the ongoing supply chain crisis impacts economies around the world through disrupting global product development, manufacturing, and purchasing, businesses from a multitude of affected industries are looking for innovative solutions to maintain their operations. In doing so, technology and digital innovation can be the catalysts for these solutions. Digital innovation can bolster employee efficiency, cut down on unnecessary costs, and streamline the overall infrastructure of a company. This timely panel, featuring industry leaders, will explore how digital innovation can act as a lever for sustainable growth, particularly in industries disproportionately affected by the supply chain crisis.
Ginni Rometty, Co-Chair of the Executive Board at OneTen and Former Chairman, President & CEO of IBM, receives the Concordia Leadership Award.
Special announcement by Dr. Eduardo Padrón, H.E. Laura Chinchilla, and Dr. Julio Frenk about the Concordia Leadership Council and the Concordia Americas Initiative, the organization's longest-standing initiative.
Drawing from the immense challenges faced in his personal life throughout the past few years, George Logothetis, Chairman & CEO of the Libra Group, shares his renewed perspective in navigating complex times and emphasizes the importance of persevering until the light at the end of the tunnel is reached. Tying into Concordia's origin and organizational development, George Logothetis highlights the inherent power and value of human connection, social innovation, and above all, inspiration in leadership.
With climate change threatening global economies and water access, environmental sustainability remains a critical focus of public sector leaders and policy makers. Yet, in spite of the importance of climate action, it remains one of the toughest and intractable political issues faced by our nation. Over the past three decades, as evidence of the dangers of climate change has grown, so has the evolution of climate change from a bipartisan cause of concern to a now polarized political issue. In this session, conservative Congressman Byron Donalds will discuss the importance of non-partisan approaches to environmental sustainability, prioritizing the preservation of waterways and clean water access, and the necessity of cooperation beyond party affiliation.
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To address a global need to improve diversity of thought, improve access to education and create a pipeline of talented students into STEAM careers, Horizon Therapeutics has launched a novel program to ensure a diverse pool of students across the world are able to go to college to pursue their STEAM dreams.As the global debt burden on students continues to increase, students bear the brunt of achieving their aspirations. Consider that in a 2019 survey conducted by the Irish League of Credit Unions (LICU), a quarter of an Irish student’s biggest worry is related to debt and financing and 75% indicated that they must work during the college term to make ends meet. 55% indicated they were skipping lectures to earn money.But addressing a student’s financial burden isn’t enough.The Horizon Scholars program provides a blueprint for how biotech and healthcare companies can support tomorrow’s diverse leaders today, both financially so they can complete their education debt-free, as well as with additional support from internships, mentoring and educational programming to further expand their skills. There are 40 Scholars at 9 academic institutions globally, with 14 in Ireland.Highlighting the vital program, the high-level official panel will discuss the importance of diversity of thought within the STEAM fields and what role companies can play in supporting governments to create access to educational opportunities.
Situated at the intersection of private-public cooperation, supply chain management is critical in maintaining resilience and competitive advantage across a multitude of sectors, from manufacturing to energy and natural resources, to financial services, and beyond. Particularly in light of disruptions caused by the pandemic and geopolitical unrest, large-scale corporate investment and industrialization are necessary for societies to adapt effectively. As such, this fireside conversation will convene the global business expertise of Andrew Liveris with the strategic investment expertise of H.E. Khalid Al-Falih, to discuss innovative approaches toward supply chain fortification and economic development.
Unprecedented floods in Pakistan. Rising costs of fuel and other necessities. A global hunger emergency. These are the alarms signaling that humanity is far too vulnerable for the crises of the 21st century, almost all of which are exacerbated by climate change. Raj Shah will discuss how the world can come together to restart progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals in ways that make humanity more resilient and avert a climate catastrophe.
In this fireside chat, Nate Morris, Chairman & CEO of Rubicon Technologies (NYSE:RBT) will discuss Rubicon’s role as a leading digital marketplace for waste and recycling, and provider of innovative software-based products for businesses and governments worldwide. Morris will focus on Rubicon’s journey of recently becoming a public company listed on the New York Stock Exchange, sharing his inspirational story of the company’s humble origins within the Heartland of America, to expanding operations across 20 countries with Fortune 500 clients including Apple, Starbucks, and Wegmans. With over 8 million service locations and solutions for over 100 unique waste streams and counting, Rubicon’s mission to end waste is just beginning. In parallel with Rubicon's continued growth, Morris is writing a book about his personal story and leadership ideals, to be published in 2023 by Crown Publishing.
As violence, economic turbulence, and the pandemic continue to impact communities around the world, one driving force continues to unite people: sports. The World Cup, other worldwide sporting events, and sport at grassroots level have the potential to provide an antidote to the politics of division and the societal challenges faced on a global scale. This session will focus on the preparations for the 2022 FIFA World Cup – the first time the event is held in the Middle East and Arab world – and its potential as a guiding force during turbulent times.
Women’s health is the cornerstone of families, communities, societies and economies around the world – yet it is amongst the most overlooked markers of our collective progress, particularly in a year filled with conflict, economic setbacks and an erosion of women’s rights and empowerment. Policymakers and gender equality advocates, more than ever, need to be able to quantify, track and measure progress and setbacks in order to improve conditions for women everywhere. Countries and populations with the greatest need for improvement have historically had the widest gender gaps to support sound policymaking and tracking. The private sector has a responsibility for supporting initiatives like the Hologic Global Women’s Health Index and enabling better outcomes globally. This session, featuring distinguished cross-sector leaders, will debut compelling findings from the Hologic Global Women’s Health Index 2021 Report and highlight the vital role data plays for world leaders and policymakers as an actionable, science-backed roadmap and strategic framework to move the needle on improving health outcomes for all women around the world.
While the international community has stood strong in the face of crises, greater challenges are yet to come. Future pandemics, climate change, and technological innovation will pose unprecedented challenges to the future of our species. Some leaders are already looking ahead to these challenges, but far more work must be done for humanity to survive, and use these crises to create a better world. This Fireside Chat, featuring Dr. Ian Bremmer, will explore his new book, “The Power of Crisis: How Three Threats – and Our Response – Will Change the World,” and analyze future challenges for the world.
As the international community convenes to shape the global agenda during turbulent times, this fireside conversation will hear from Amb. Linda Thomas-Greenfield on the importance of strengthening the multilateral system, upholding fundamental freedoms and democratic norms, and protecting individual rights, in the United States and beyond.
Fueled by international turmoil, the growing hunger crisis is leaving millions at risk of starvation. CARE is on the frontlines of the fight to ensure food security around the world in the wake of these events. Enhancing economic opportunity and ensuring gender equality is crucial to solving this issue, and cross-sector collaboration can help create a collective blueprint of action that will ensure nutritional accessibility and equality for the future. This panel, featuring experts from some of the leading companies in the U.S. will share bold examples of collective action they are taking to reduce hunger.
As technological development and our reliance on it increases, the risk of a “digital divide” - the gap between those with access to digital technologies and those without - also amplifies. To ensure that a global digital transformation does not neglect the needs of under-resourced communities, business leaders must invest in educational initiatives that help promote digital equity. This session, featuring Rose Stuckey Kirk, Chief Corporate Social Responsibility Officer at Verizon, will discuss how progress in digital equity can advance our education system, foster economic prosperity in communities, support entrepreneurs and small business owners, and improve our nation’s ability to find common ground amid existing ideological and political divisions.
David Rubenstein is able to draw upon both his own experience as the Co-Founder of The Carlyle Group and the advice of some of the investment industries titans including Larry Fink, Chairman & CEO of Blackrock, Mary Callahan Erdoes, CEO of J.P. Morgan Asset & Wealth Management, and Stan Druckenmiller— the brain behind the decision to short the British pound overnight for $1 billion dollars profit. He harnesses the lessons of global finance leaders in detailing a unique guide on investment. During this panel he will explore each luminary’s distinctive wisdom, the tools used in their approach, and the traits they share. Copies of Rubenstein’s new book, How to Invest: Masters on the Craft, will be made available for Concordia guests.
Enabling access to financial resources, technology, and capital, are critical in boosting entrepreneurship and overall economic prosperity, yet significant inequalities in opportunities persist. Amidst surging inflation, rising interest rates, and the ongoing student debt crisis, enabling and supporting business opportunities for all members of society is integral in achieving sustainable and long-term growth. As such, this panel featuring successful entrepreneurs, academics, and policy experts, will provide cross-sector perspectives on how best to mobilize inclusive growth, laying the foundation for the next generation of global entrepreneurs and business leaders.
In this fireside chat, World Bank President David Malpass will discuss the organization’s leading development role across a multitude of sectors and geographies, weighing in on current financial and geopolitical crises, and discussing our future trajectory.
The Dr. Denis Mukwege Foundations supports survivors’ demands for a world where sexual violence as a weapon of war is no longer tolerated, and bears consequences for individual perpetrators and states. From the perspective of a world-renowned gynecologist and human rights activist from east DRC, Dr. Mukwege will share his vision and his expectations of the international community, in the midst of recent unrest in the East of the DRC.
Substance abuse, addiction, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, end-of-life anxiety, and other conditions are plaguing our community; yet, approaches to psychiatry have remained stagnant for the past 50 years – about the same length of time that psychedelics have been criminalized in the United States. Despite several decades of prohibition, psychedelics are now experiencing a renaissance. There is a rapidly growing body of recent scientific research showing that these compounds are significantly effective in the treatment of numerous mental illnesses and have a profound ability to promote personal and spiritual growth. This panel will provide a high-level overview of the past, present, and future of psychedelics policy and science, highlighting the potential these compounds have to revolutionize mental health.
Closing remarks to Day 1 of the 2022 Annual Summit.
This Strategic Dialogue will feature distinguished judges and finalists for the 2022 Horizon Prize pitch competition, powered by MIT Solve. Technological advances in recent decades have been a great support in solving some of the most pressing challenges in medicine. However, with rare diseases - 95% of which have no approved treatments - affecting over 400 million people worldwide, there is still a long way to go to unlock improved pathways to optimize holistic care, support caregivers, and empower patients. This year, The Horizon Prize, powered by MIT Solve, seeks technology-based solutions that improve the quality of life of people who have been diagnosed with a rare disease. This session will be the pitch competition of the finalists who will compete to win the Horizon Prize. Winner(s) will later be announced on the Metropolitan Stage.
Societies around the world are becoming increasingly divided, as seen by the rise of populist parties on both sides of the political spectrum. In the USA, the traditional media landscape is thought of as largely to blame. The plethora of choices for consumers means the line between news and entertainment has blurred and screen time has shifted to center ‘opinions’ on the news in an effort to compete. This polarized rhetoric weaponizes the differences between social groups and simplifies complex global challenges into a matter of “us” versus “them”, whereby the latter is to blame. In this fireside chat, Matthew Swift, Co-founder and CEO and Nicholas Logothetis, Co-founder and Chairman of the board at Concordia, join John Gable, CEO of AllSides—a platform dedicated to identifying media bias, and a media partner for this year's Annual Summit. These leaders from two non-partisan platforms will discuss how they are combating polarized rhetoric by instead emphasizing commonalities in the challenges we face as a global community.
Historically, President Vladimir Putin has proven to be a particularly challenging diplomatic figure to engage with in the geopolitical arena, often antagonizing or seeking to disrupt the Western Liberal Democratic Order. In this fireside chat, H.E. José Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission (2004/14) & former Prime Minister of Portugal, and H.E. Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović, former President of Croatia, will each draw on their extensive experience working with President Putin and share their insights and lessons learned.
A snapshot of current affairs today and it is clear that democratic ideals around the world are increasingly threatened by widespread polarization, growing populist trends, and repressive forms of governance. As such, this fireside conversation will convene the strategic leadership expertise of General Wesley Clark (ret.) with the geopolitical expertise of Frances Townsend, to collectively unpack how democratic norms, social cohesion, and civil discourse can withstand against the turbulence of current events, on both a domestic and global scale.
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Malisa Aksentijevic, CEO of WEVO Group, delivers remarks focused on the importance of transforming healthcare on an industry level, through the use of technology and digital innovation to reduce inequalities and improve societal access.
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“There comes a point where we need to stop just pulling people out of the river. We need to go upstream and find out why they're falling in.” ― Bishop Desmond Tutu In the wake of countless tragedies related to gun violence and the illegal trafficking of goods and people, many are wondering how the nation, and the global community as a whole, can end the scourge of community gun violence. While many ideas have been brought forward, two necessary courses of action are clear: leaders must prioritize policies to reduce access to illegal guns and invest in violence prevention and intervention strategies, and communities must be able to access affordable mental health resources and social services aimed at both prevention and trauma care. This panel, designed with The Mayor’s Office for International Affairs and the Joyce Foundation, will bring together policy leaders and advocates for a timely discussion on the necessary steps that must be taken to prevent future tragedies.
Sixto Cancel, CEO & Co-Founder of Think of Us, will address the audience to highlight the importance of creating equitable systems to improve foster care in order to safeguard the youth’s mental health and create opportunities to empower these families and communities, and will explain how Think of Us is working to achieve this.
Brain health is a critical determinant of overall health, regardless of age, income, or geography. While it is generally recognized that brain health conditions account for a substantial portion of global disease burden, a holistic picture of what is potentially addressable is less clear. This flashpoint presentation by McKinsey Health Institute's Kana Enomoto will help quantify what is at stake by prioritizing (or not prioritizing) brain health for humanity and how we can add years to life and life to years.
The past 25 years, filled with prolonged and unceasing conflicts, have seen the numbers of forcibly displaced people soar from 33.9 million in 1997 to over 100 million in 2022. Individuals are forced to leave their homes and in some cases, children have been separated from their families. There must be an urgent call to nation states to intercept and support those most vulnerable while addressing the root causes of forced displacement. At a time when the global response architecture has been strained beyond its limit by various crises, it is incumbent upon the U.S. and the international community to display leadership, to save lives and protect human dignity. The Refugee and Forced Displacement Initiative (RAFDI) of the Wilson Center, in partnership with Concordia, will host a dialogue at the Concordia Annual Summit which seeks to reignite the conversation and recognise the need for help, whereby the U.S. can demonstrate not only exemplary leadership, but to spark collaboration across the globe. This plenary will deliberate and put forth a plan of action for how the U.S. can best step in to offer succor, whether this be via financial assistance, refugee resettlement, humanitarian legislation reform, or addressing educational demands of often neglected refugee children.
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The P3 Impact Award was created by Concordia, the University of Virginia Darden School Institute for Business in Society, and the U.S. Department of State’s Office of Global Partnerships to recognize and honor leading public-private partnerships (P3s) that improve communities and the world. This Strategic Dialogue is the public presentation and final evaluation of the five 2022 P3 Impact Award Finalists, and connects trends and partnering best practices to tangible global partnerships delivering impact around the world.
As the international community and key decision makers convene in the heart of New York City to shape the global agenda during turbulent times, this fireside conversation will hear from Kathy Hochul, Governor of New York State, on policy priorities and ongoing efforts to deliver an ambitious agenda for the collective socio-economic development and sustainable advancement of New York.
The P3 Impact Award was created by Concordia, the University of Virginia Darden School Institute for Business in Society, and the U.S. Department of State’s Office of Global Partnerships to recognize and honor leading public-private partnerships (P3s) that improve communities and the world. This Award Ceremony announces the 2022 P3 Impact Award Winner, based on the outcomes of the earlier held Strategic Dialogue.
According to a recent survey of 6,000 global businesses, 83% of global business leaders consider multigenerational workforces as key to the growth and long-term success of their companies. In light of labor market trends and the “War for Talent,” what policies and practices should companies adopt to attract and retain employees of all ages?
As many parts of the world continue to experience increased oppression, authoritarianism, and growing populist trends, the fight to protect fundamental human rights and promote civil liberties is as critical as ever. Individual freedoms, access to effective remedy, and accountability for violations are central tenets in the functioning of all contemporary societies, yet governments (bearing primary responsibility in upholding this framework) are often the leading perpetrators of such abuses. This timely panel, featuring policy experts, prominent rights activists, and public officials, will share perspectives from different regions, culminating in the collective importance of fighting for peace, equality, and freedom.
As the global healthcare system continues to experience significant strain, deep disparities, and other challenges amidst the pressures of a post-pandemic world, public-private partnerships in the service of a healthier, more resilient society are more important than ever. In particular, when accelerating equitable access to health services, pandemic recovery and preparedness, as well as ensuring health and wellbeing for all - the power of private capital, innovation and expertise is critical. The Global Fund’s Seventh Replenishment offers the world an opportunity to rise to the challenge and take bold action to accelerate the global fight against HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria by 2030, and in doing so to prepare for and prevent pandemics. This panel, in partnership with Global Fund and key private sector partners, will identify the role of the private sector in helping to reach the most marginalized and vulnerable populations in the fight to end AIDs, TB and Malaria, and how increased private sector investment, technical expertise, and scalable solutions are the backbone of building resilient systems for health and preparing for future pandemics. Speakers will discuss their perspectives on partnership, particularly in the aftermath of emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic, in accelerating the end of HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria, and strengthening health systems.
38 million people are living with HIV worldwide. While the prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS has significantly improved in recent years, further innovation is needed to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. Vulnerable populations, including children, adolescents and young women have been left behind compared to adults. Public-private partnerships are needed to identify and scale new technologies and sustainable solutions to end AIDS. This session will bring together cross-sector leaders for a crucial discussion on finding innovative solutions to lead us to an AIDS-free generation.
The pandemic exposed the need and created a sense of urgency for investing in vaccine supplies and distribution channels to create equitable healthcare worldwide. This same sense of urgency needs to be modeled around HPV and the WHO Cervical Cancer Elimination Initiative. To eliminate cervical cancer, 90% of girls need to be fully vaccinated with the HPV vaccine by age 15; the global community has the healthcare tools to combat and prevent the spread of HPV and cervical cancer and the continued inability to expand access across middle income and lower income countries represents a systems failure. This fireside chat features global healthcare leaders, specifically in vaccine work, and will explore the ways in which the healthcare community can eradicate HPV and create global momentum for disease prevention.
The U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) has saved the lives of more than 20 million of people over the last 20 years. PEPFAR’s success has been enabled by adherence to lasting principles including accountability, transparency, equity, and strong partnerships with government, communities, and the private sector. Go Further, an innovative public-private partnership between PEPFAR, the George W. Bush Institute, UNAIDS, Merck, and Roche, is a premier example of the collaborations that have contributed to PEPFAR’s success. Go Further strengthens accessibility and quality of healthcare for women living with HIV by integrating and scaling-up cervical cancer prevention and treatment services within existing healthcare platforms. As PEPFAR marks its 20th anniversary, it is important to evaluate the lessons learned, including the critical role of partnerships, and what these lessons offer for the future of U.S. global engagement. Join us for this session focused on PEPFAR’s 20 years of success and how partnerships play a role in advancing health, wellbeing, and equity in global development.
During the 20th century, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education and research emerged as a key foundation for economic growth and international security worldwide. The increased technological innovation and globalization of today’s world has made STEM education even more critical as many countries seek to maintain global competitiveness across international markets. While the 21st century has witnessed an exponential increase in global STEM investment and innovation, that growth remains uneven across many countries, and some nations such as the United States find their share of global STEM contributions slowly decreasing, as other countries expand STEM programs at a greater rate. In this Fireside Chat, education advocates and academics will analyze global and national trends in STEM education to uncover what we can learn from past and current successes, what challenges still exist, and how private and public sector leaders can best address these problems through more expansive and inclusive STEM education.
As companies strive to build out inclusive, sustainable and resilient supply chains globally, challenges exist for onboarding micro, small, and medium sized enterprises (MSMEs). Furthermore, companies must work with their suppliers to promote regeneration and ensure surety of supply. This fireside chat will explore how these issues intersect and share Walmart’s journey been on in supplier development, resilience, and sustainability, all with the customer at the center.
The latest SDG Report (2022) details the setbacks we now face in achieving healthcare related SDGs as a result of the pandemic. This includes a derailment of our former advancements towards eradicating Tuberculosis (TB), HIV and Malaria, and—from just 2020 to 2021—halting two decades of progress toward making health coverage universal. At the same time, technological innovation has continued at an uninterrupted rate, prompting cause for optimism. In this session, Dr. Julio Frenk, President of the University of Miami and Dr. Bernd Montag, CEO of Siemens Healthineers, will discuss where the current gap lies in bringing healthcare services back on track to achieve the SDGs, and how technological innovations can bridge that rift, including the initiatives Siemens Healthineers are pioneering to improve healthcare accessibility, fighting also non-communicable diseases.
The world has changed. The COVID-19 pandemic significantly accelerated the rate of digitization, and consumers and businesses alike had to quickly pivot to a digital economy. In order for everyone, everywhere to benefit from a global digital transformation the “digital divide” - the gap between those who have access to and benefit from digital technologies, and those who do not - must be minimized. There is broad consensus among governments, private sector and civil society that ensuring everyone can benefit from the digital economy is key to creating economic equity and enhancing individual well-being. A leading question is how different stakeholders can tangibly accelerate progress on this agenda at scale. How can we overcome persisting barriers, take advantage of new opportunities, and launch innovative ideas to advance digital equity and inclusion across the world? In advance of a Visa-Devex report entitled, “Bridging the Divide: Skills for digital financial equity and inclusion,” that is launching on Thursday, September 22, this session will feature an exclusive, only-at-Concordia look into the findings before they’re shared widely. Experts from the digital financial inclusion and education space, private and public sector partners, and community organizers will discuss the results, pressure test ideas, and explore concrete solutions toward creating equitable digital economies.
The panel invites athletes, and policy makers from across the sporting world, to speak about women empowerment and equitable access to all sports. Generation Amazing plays a pivotal role in the Supreme Committee's legacy program, aiming to deliver positive domestic and international legacy among targeted population, mainly disadvantaged youth and refugee communities. The panel looks at how sports can be used as a tool to bring people together as it mirrors social values such as fairness, healthy competition, teamwork as well as playing by the rules and equal opportunity, underpinning the SDGs. This panel discusses the legacy behind a major sporting event and the positive long-term impact it can have on such communities. The 2022 World Cup stands out in comparison to other WCs and sporting events as it is focusing on a significant legacy beyond 2022.
The Horizon Prize, powered by MIT Solve and Horizon Therapeutics, seeks technology-based solutions that use data to help rare disease patients get the right care faster and more accurately. This Award Ceremony announces the Horizon Prize Winner, based on the outcomes of the earlier held Strategic Dialogue.
The global community is becoming increasingly aware of the challenges confronting our environment, and it is essential to employ technological advancements in pursuit of a more sustainable world. Arthur Huang has been pioneering the confluence of architecture, technology, and environmental protection as CEO of Miniwiz, a Taiwanese upcycling company. Huang will share how he has been able to optimize trash and industrial waste to build art installations, museums, and even a hospital ward amid the COVID-19 pandemic. As a luminary in an emerging industry that seeks to alter and adapt to global consumption patterns, Huang’s insights are sure to play a key role in building a more sustainable future together.
The world has gone through successive periods of relative stability and consistent rules, punctuated by abrupt change. We may be on the cusp of a new era right now - catalyzed by recent consequential events - COVID-19, war in Ukraine, surging inflation, growing recognition of climate change, accelerating digitization, increasing polarization. This panel will offer perspectives on how we can create an era of synergies, instead of one of division and conflict.
Luis Almagro, Secretary General of the Organization of American States, talks about the importance of public-private partnerships in Latin America and their role in driving progress throughout the region.
The support and encouragement of entrepreneurs in Latin America must remain a priority in order to germinate long-term growth within the region. Empowering small-scale and early-stage entrepreneurs provides a unique opportunity to those in marginalized and neglected areas, allowing them to become the role-models of their communities and lead social change, in addition to being the drivers of economic growth. This panel session will discuss the need for public-private partnerships to bridge this gap and ensure inclusive growth on the path to realizing the SDGs.
Faatiha Aayat, Founder & CEO of CHIL&D, will give remarks on the role and impact of ETHICS (Environment, Trade, Health, Innovation, Culture and Security) for a suitable and Sustainable Future.
Despite the reality that climate change, mental health, education, and every major issue today will have the greatest impact on youth, young people continue to remain disproportionately represented in global policy and business decisions. It is their futures that will be impacted by the actions of today, which is why it is critical to provide active, inclusive pathways to engagement on decision-making opportunities and elevate youth voices. This panel UNICEF USA Ambassador, actor, and singer Sofia Carson will moderate a conversation with, UNICEF USA National Youth Council Members Ayaan Siddiqui and Kyle King, and Ashley Lashley, Founder, HEY, Healthy and Environmentally Friendly Youths will discuss the importance of youth-led change, the role of policymakers and business leaders in supporting youth, and the future of youth activism and connectivity.
The media’s role is to tell the most important stories of our time. And faith institutions and religious communities are often at the center of those stories. Why, then, do these sectors seem to misunderstand one another? For people to gain a better understanding of faith and religion, healthy, substantive conversations in the media are crucial. This session will promote understanding between faith institutions and the media, so that together, they can work towards healing divisions for more a more balanced, thoughtful representation of the role faith plays in people’s lives around the world.
The Metaverse is the next chapter of the internet and we’re only at the ‘dial up internet’ stage of its development. The potential benefits for society - particularly in education and healthcare - are vast. While it still feels like a far off vision, we can already see glimpses of it today through Augmented and Virtual Reality. Eventually, it will be something that billions of people benefit from every day. Like the internet, no one company will build or own the Metaverse - in fact, a wide range of companies, big and small, are already building for it right now. This gives us a unique opportunity to learn from the past and think carefully in advance about how we make the rules that will govern the Metaverse. This will have to be a collective effort - with input from governments, experts, academics, companies and the people who already do or will soon use the Metaverse. In this panel, Meta’s Vice President of Governance Brent Harris will join other executives from leading tech companies to discuss collective efforts to build the Metaverse, and innovative ideas for how we should make the rules that will govern it.
In this fireside chat, Jacek Olzcak, CEO of Philip Morris International (PMI), will speak about “Driving Change in the Age of Disruption.” Today, as the pace of change is consistently increasing, we know that innovation and disruption play an important role on impacting society. With positive disruption, we can make advancements few imagined possible. Mr. Olzcak will address why it is crucial for companies, regulators, and society at large work together and embrace disruptive innovation.
The international system as we know it has been forced to grapple with a multitude of disruptions on various fronts, be it the global COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on societies, economies and health systems, or the most recent conflict in Ukraine that has taken a heavy toll on humanity in the loss of innocent lives, forced displacement of millions, and the food and energy insecurity crises it has provoked. At a time of extreme distress on the international system, global leadership is key to addressing the myriad challenges our world faces, especially to restore hope and rebuild trust amongst our communities and societies to move forward towards international cooperation and responsibility sharing. Join us in this critical discussion with one of the world's most poised and effective leaders Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in conversation with Ambassador Mark Green, President and CEO of the Wilson Center to tackle these critical issues.
The Russian invasion of Ukraine has caused rippling disruptions around the world. Beyond the diplomatic challenges of war, sectors and supply chains from energy to grain have coincided with rising inflation around the world. Europe is facing soaring energy cost and approaching winter, the flow of life saving grain has been slowed dramatically challenging efforts to combat famine and hunger, meanwhile inflation is rising across Latin America and around the world. This discussion will explore how the conflict in Ukraine has impacted nations around the world and discuss the best path forward.
Closing remarks to Day 2 of the 2022 Annual Summit.
We are all the instruments that play the tune of our lives. We are the instruments that channel energy into thoughts, emotions and actions. But how well you live your life and how well you perform is based on how well your “instrument” is tuned, how clear is your lens and how sharp your blade. You were originally tuned to an environment that no longer exists. It’s time for a re-tuning. This address will identify the key ingredients for personal resilience as well as optimal performance.
In the wake of the mental health crisis, bolstering youth mental health resources is more important than ever. MindUP is working to solve this challenge through a neuroscience-based approach to helping the youth build positive mindsets and better manage stress and emotion. This Fireside Chat, featuring the founder of MindUP, Goldie Hawn, will discuss this crucial work, and how people can support youth mental health.
As the world looks towards the realization of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the application of long-term sustainability initiatives is critical across a multitude of industries. Whether through increasing consumer awareness, promoting regenerative fashion, adhering to stricter corporate social responsibility, or transitioning towards 'smart city' infrastructure and design, societies as a whole have a responsibility to positively contribute to the global agenda. This conversation, featuring sustainability perspectives from leaders across different sectors, will draw from their expertise and discuss how each industry can positively advance the movement.
As Meta’s digital community has grown to nearly 3.6+ billion users, in 156 countries, speaking over 100 languages, making the rules that govern our products and services has become both more important and more complicated. It is vital that we have clear, consistent and comprehensible rules that balance online safety, freedom of expression and global accountability - and we don’t believe it should be up to us alone should make those rules. This strategic dialogue, composed of members of the independent Oversight Board, alongside industry experts and thought leaders, will discuss Meta’s ongoing efforts to give power away and increase our accountability.
Concordia and Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy will sign the partnership agreement.
The Global Faith and Media Index is a first of its kind study to explore attitudes and perceptions regarding the representation of spirituality, religion, and faith in the media across 20 countries. 84% of humanity identifies with some form of religion, yet many stories about faith and religion are negative, sensational, or divisive. How can we create healthy and substantive conversations within the media, and among consumers of the media, regarding religion and faith? Join a diverse set of stakeholders as they share their perspectives and offer solutions to bridge divides and rebuild trust within these critical pillars of society. HarrisX will unveil key findings on the global appetite, desire, and market for an enhanced discussion of faith and religion in the media space, while spotlighting attitudes about the coverage of faith and religion in the media from the perspective of journalists, editors, media executives, and media consumers.
Description to come.
Sustaining an ethical supply chain and labor force has been a challenge for businesses small and large as they race to meet the demands of their consumers and ensure that they are getting a return on their investments. Increasingly, many have been accused of using forced labor to produce their commodities from the apparel sector, the energy sector, tech sector and beyond. This can be due to nebulous supply chain procurement practices or to lack of support from government entities that often leave corporations feeling like there is no other choice. Thus, this session is dedicated to setting the current scene of best practices for ethical material and labor sourcing as well as the data tools that can be used to promote an in-depth analysis of supply chains and making sure human rights are protected and upheld by small or large corporations as well as by foreign governments.
Through sports, Kyle Martino is dedicated to improving the health and wellness of youth in urban neighborhoods. The Over Under Initiative provides greater opportunities for kids most in need of these proven benefits. This Flashpoint will share how Martino is breaking through barriers for equitable access to sports and play.
The recent signing in October 2021 of an agreement by the State of Qatar with the WHO and FIFA to promote a healthy FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ has been coupled with an announcement that this will be first time behavioral science has been used in a systematic way in a FIFA World Cup event. This session will discuss how behavioral science has actually been used so far by the organizing committee in Qatar in areas such as sustainability and healthy eating, and will brainstorm lessons learned for future mega sports events.
Substance abuse, addiction, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, end-of-life anxiety, and other conditions are plaguing our community; yet, approaches to psychiatry have remained stagnant for the past 50 years – about the same length of time that psychedelics have been criminalized in the United States. Despite several decades of prohibition, psychedelics are now experiencing a renaissance. There is a rapidly growing body of recent scientific research showing that these compounds are significantly effective in the treatment of numerous mental illnesses and have a profound ability to promote personal and spiritual growth. This panel will provide a high-level overview of the past, present, and future of psychedelics cultural, advocacy and ethical use, highlighting the potential these compounds have to revolutionize mental health.
Throughout time, strengthening peace in the Middle East and around the world has been a high priority for the United States. The Abraham Accords – a joint statement between the State of Israel, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and the United States – was signed on August 13, 2020, to pursue a vision of global peace, security, and prosperity. In this fireside chat, two former U.S. Administrative Officials will peel back the layers of this declaration, and explore the breakthroughs that have been made towards world peace, as well as consider progress that is still to come.
Around the world, increased well-being runs in tandem with the empowerment of its people – this is especially true in the Middle East, where ideology is lacking and complacency is encouraged. In this fireside chat, Ambassador Jim Jeffrey and Barak Ravid will explore measures people in the Middle East can take – regardless of race, religion or gender – for an increased quality of life.
The destruction of agricultural infrastructure, the loss of livestock, and the movements of internally displaced people, are all results of conflict that can lead to long-term food insecurity. They can also be utilised strategies of war just as powerful as guns and bombs. This fireside chat between Carolyn Miles, Former President & CEO of Save The Children, and Mark Viso, President & CEO of Food for the Hungry, will discuss the multifaceted effects of conflict on hunger, and how their organisations work to mitigate those— providing food amidst conflict.
Without a diversified economy, economic stagnation and wealth inequality can quickly become an issue for Middle Income Countries (MICs). For MICs, economic innovation is crucial to continued, and healthy, growth. The economies of many MICs, especially in Africa, are approached from an extractive point of view, and rely heavily on a smaller group of profit sources, but would benefit greatly from economic diversification. This panel, featuring industry leaders, will discuss how cross-sector collaboration can help enact economic reforms that improve employment, GDP, and other quality of life indicators applying the country of Namibia as an example.
Welcome remarks to the third day of the 2022 Concordia Annual Summit.
As large-scale displacement, number of asylum seekers, and the flow of migrant families and children have increased, so have the difficult conditions at the US-Mexico border. This year, the Department of Homeland Security recorded more border stops than in any fiscal year since 1960, with 4 in 10 people experiencing serious medical conditions and 96% of surveyed migrants reporting limited access to subsistence. Sister Norma Pimentel, Executive Director of Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley, and a recipient of the 2022 Concordia Leadership Award, is dedicated to addressing this humanitarian country at the frontlines of the migrant crisis. For three decades, her organization has housed and assisted over 100,000 people in need of housing, food resources, health assistance and vaccinations, and more. This fireside chat with Secretary Jeh Johnson, Former Secretary of the US Department of Homeland Security, and Sister Pimentel will discuss the complexities of the migrant crisis and the importance of kindness as the first step to restoring respect for human lives at the frontlines of this humanitarian crisis.
Advancing the SDGs requires technological innovation. In this rapidly shifting era, technology is prevalent in every aspect of society, so it must play a key role in advancing sustainable development. Partnerships and technological innovation have the potential to create unprecedented solutions to some of society's more critical issues. This session will explore Microsoft’s work at the UN in multi stakeholder processes to use digital innovation and technology to help solve the world’s challenges.
As the world recovers from the devastating impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, digital transformation can accelerate economic recovery. With technology and innovation as two fundamental pillars to solve global problems, the Portulans Institute is proud to present the Future Readiness Economic Index (FREI) commissioned by Google, which will provide governments, private sector entities and civil society the necessary tools and metrics to accelerate digital transformation on a global scale. The FREI, which includes scores and rankings of 124 countries (up from 27 national economies last year), is an innovative tool that could guide the global digital transformation to the benefit of various sectors, societies and nation states. It is imperative to have a multisectoral, coordinated force that can combine tools, practices, and common goals to use the power of technology to benefit society. These tools and this process will require insights of public leaders, industry experts, and civil society closest to the communities. This session will include senior government and private sector in conversation with one another on the criticality of digitization in economic growth, exploring questions such as: Which are the most pressing needs in technological infrastructure? What public policies should society support? And, what role will the private sector play in the digital transformation of society?
In 2015 as part of the week of the UN General Assembly and at the time of the adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals, World Vision and partners laid out a blueprint for bringing clean water to everyone, everywhere they worked by 2030 towards achieving SDG 6. Based on our initial footprint, this was estimated to be 50 million people. To make that vision a reality, World Vision expanded and deepened partnerships, developed innovative ideas such as our Global Water Fund, and became the largest non-governmental provider of clean water. Today, World Vision is on track to reach the goal of 50 million people by 2030 and are creating and adopting new approaches, like use of high-resolution satellite images to ensure we are supporting the world’s most vulnerable populations, especially in fragile context, and setting higher standards on the quality of WASH services being provided. Patricia Heaton, award winning actress and World Vision Global Ambassador, will moderate a panel with Edgar Sandoval, CEO and President of World Vision U.S., Allison Tummon Kamphuis, Vice President of Global Equity and Inclusion and Community Impact at Procter & Gamble, and Pia Yasuko Rask, Senior Director of the Safe Water business at Grundfos. The panelists will share the impact of their work, why they have partnered, and how their partnerships have transformed the lives of millions of people, particularly women and girls. Together, these collaborations are enabling World Vision to execute a new Global WASH business plan to accelerate progress towards SDG 6 while deepening our focus into fragile contexts. The discussion will also explore what more must be done to accomplish the goal and how partnerships can play a vital role in increasing access to clean water, thereby improving human flourishing.
"At McDonald's, when we do a little, we move a lot” – as a Sustainability Partner at this year's Concordia Annual Summit, McDonald's is doing just that, by supporting Concordia’s sustainability efforts. As the effects of climate change become increasingly apparent, every company, across every industry, face an ever-more urgent imperative to develop net-zero solutions. Genna Gent, McDonald's Government Relations Vice President, Global Public Policy will share the company's leadership to make a difference throughout its industry and beyond.
As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and as critical supplies remain trapped in Ukrainian ports, the US food supply chain also struggles to recover. From closures of production plants to grocery stores experiencing supply shortages, the nation’s agriculture industry is left with limited opportunities and families are left with limited access to secure and nutrient-dense food options. In order to re-establish a secure food market, on a domestic and global level, food value chains must be committed to transparency, collaborative business planning, and an exchange of business strategy, solutions, and market intelligence among partners. Cross-sector partnerships are key in reaching the most vulnerable populations, and alleviating food insecurity will require fortifying every link of the supply chain, from production through to consumption. This session, featuring industry leaders and global development experts will discuss innovative approaches towards creating a more sustainable and resilient future.
Scientists estimate that a regenerative approach to agriculture and the restoration of nature can provide around a third of the solution to climate change, yet the world continues to push natural resources to the point of crisis. Nature based solutions can serve a critical role in halting the destruction of nature and protecting and/or sustainably managing the environment but require purposeful cross-sector collaboration to be effective. Join Walmart’s Chief Sustainability Officer and Walmart Foundation President Kathleen McLaughlin and Carter Roberts, President and CEO of World Wildlife Fund, for a conversation about what role retailers, suppliers, NGOs, ranchers and others must play in this effort. And how these initiatives can be designed in a way that creates value for all stakeholders.
The United Kingdom is at a critical moment of conjuncture, and in a fortnight marked by the passing of the late Queen Elizabeth II, we are joined by the former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair to examine the UK’s changing position in global influence post Brexit. Sir Tony Blair will discuss the increasing geopolitical challenges to Western democracies and examine the challenges for western leadership following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Description to come.
Closing remarks to the 2022 Concordia Annual Summit.
With the Middle East’s first FIFA World Cup™, Qatar and the region has been afforded a platform to make a difference and create lasting social change. The hosting of the World Cup has served as a catalyst for major labour reforms in Qatar. The Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) has been driving the social legacy of this tournament through a dedicated Workers’ Welfare programme that continues to positively impact tens of thousands of workers involved in the delivery of this much-awaited mega-sporting event. The SC’s work and the broader reforms enacted by the Government has resulted in long-term, tangible and significant changes for the migrant workforce of Qatar. Several of these laws and programmes can serve as a model for other countries in the region and beyond. The panel will reflect on the SC’s journey in Workers’ Welfare, from the Workers’ Charter to the Legacy, and how this has dovetailed with the broader labour reforms. It will bring together key stakeholders who have been involved in this journey, showcasing the role of strategic partnerships and the power of collective action which has brought the legacy to life even before the first ball has been kicked.
Malaika has created a proven model of community-driven programs in Kalebuka in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which is actively developing future leaders and transforming an entire community. Join us to understand how this locally-driven model can be replicated in other communities across the world to drive lasting, sustainable progress from the ground up.
In December 1962, First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy undertook an extraordinary feat of cultural diplomacy: convincing the French government to loan Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa from the Louvre in Paris to be displayed at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., and The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. As we approach the 60th anniversary of Mrs. Kennedy’s masterful cultural diplomacy, White House Historical Association President Stewart McLaurin hosts a discussion that explores the role of art in fostering cultural appreciation and understanding, encouraging a sense of global community, and strengthening diplomatic relations across the globe.
Citizen trust in institutions (whether domestic, regional or global) is integral towards the functioning of societies and in maintaining the efficacy of the multilateral governance system itself, yet a growing 'trust deficit' is evident across various indicators. Rebuilding and restoring institutional legitimacy can strengthen the rule of law, advance socio-economic prosperity, and improve accountability mechanisms, creating a mutually beneficial relationship between the citizenry and government. As such, this timely panel will feature policy experts and public officials from different spheres, to explore cross-sector approaches in tackling the institutional trust deficit.
Global competition and a shifting international order are challenging how businesses operate. How can senior leaders make strategic decisions while navigating geopolitics? Veracity Worldwide CEO Jay Truesdale, in a discussion with Olivia White, Director of the McKinsey Global Institute, will explore how companies can gain geopolitical, geoeconomic, and market insights, establish a decision-making framework, and prepare for various scenarios to mitigate risks and seize opportunities.
As economic, geopolitical, environmental and technological threats loom on the horizon, preparing to face this multifaceted upheaval is more important than ever. This Fireside Chat, featuring renowned global economist Dr. Nouriel Roubini of New York University, will explore his upcoming book, “Mega Threats: Ten Dangerous Trends That Imperil Our Future, and How to Survive Them,” offering insight on the world’s future trajectory, either into a dystopian state of chaos and instability, or into a utopian path of international cooperation and collective prosperity.
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