The XXVIII UNIAPAC World Congress kicked off Thursday, Oct. 25, bringing together business leaders from around the globe to discuss pressing issues under the theme “New Paradigms for Business Sustainability.”
In his opening plenary, Ravindra Ngo, Founder of The Asian Network, emphasized the urgent need for a paradigm shift in business practices to address growing inequalities and environmental challenges.
“In a world increasingly defined by inequality, environmental degradation, and social disconnection, we must embrace a more holistic perspective—one that prioritizes people, planet, and purpose,” he stated.
Ngo also highlighted the alarming statistics of global poverty.
According to World Bank data, nearly 700 million people live in extreme poverty, surviving on less than $2.15 a day.
He urged attendees to concentrate on three key pillars to drive change: Purpose-Driven Leadership, where leaders inspire their teams with a vision that goes beyond profit maximization; Community Engagement, which emphasizes the importance of actively involving the communities they serve; and Sustainable Practices, highlighting the necessity of integrating sustainability into core operations for long-term success.
Ngo concluded by calling for a commitment to building social business models that reflect shared values and aspirations.
He quoted Mahatma Gandhi, urging participants to conquer challenges with love and truth.
The congress features a lineup of distinguished speakers and interactive sessions aimed at equipping leaders with actionable insights to address social inequalities while promoting sustainable development. Following Ravindra’s session, Ignacio Pugliese from Grupo Bimbo leads the discussion on aligning business operations with global challenges.
Joey Avellana, Chairman of the UNIAPAC World Congress Organizing Committee, expressed optimism about the event’s potential impact: “The insights shared during this congress will empower leaders to rethink traditional business models and adopt sustainable practices that benefit both their organizations and society.”
The XXVIII UNIAPAC World Congress runs from Oct. 24 to 26, 2024, and includes workshops, networking opportunities, and panel discussions featuring prominent figures from various sectors.
This marks the first time the congress has been held in Asia, hosted by the Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen and Professionals (BCBP).