João Doria Jr. and Bill Clinton: Brazilian leadership and entrepreneurial strength of the former acknowledged by the latter: “The world needs you”
If a Hollywood star was the main attraction of the first day of the event, it was time for a former occupant of the White House to shine during the closing ceremony as the most anticipated political star in Manaus.
Bill Clinton did not skimp on words to call on Brazil to take on a leadership role on environmental issues - not without acknowledging the importance of the strong presence of the managers in the board.
It is no coincidence that ‘Seminars´ and Business Leadership Group ‘Lide´ headed this strategic international gathering. ‘Seminars´ has always organized events with relevant national and international personalities who are recognized experts in their fields of actuation. ‘Lide’, in its 7 years of existence, is considered a “prodigy” in light of its 700% growth. Today there are 750 member companies (with regional subsidiaries), representing 46% of the private national GDP. For João Doria Jr., Chairman of ‘Lide’, the second edition of the Forum confirms the correctness of the initiative and further places Brazil in the socio-environmental scenario with real chances of being heard and followed by nations that are truly committed to sustainability. “We will create a political and corporate commitment to sustainably develop the planet”, he said on the eve of the event.
Richard Branson (c) brought a warning to the table of discussions about the war against carbon: those who neglect sustainability are at risk
Stars and prominent entrepreneurs ensured event’s success Challenges related to economic, social, and environmental sustainability made up the agenda of the debates The main theme of the Forum: ‘Economic, Environmental, and Social Sustainability, the Amazon and the Earth’ was developed by a team of remarkable figures during well-attended lectures and debates. Former U.S. president Bill Clinton’s performance during the closing ceremony on Saturday (26) was outstanding, as was the opening event headed by former Governor of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger, on Thursday (24), and the remarkable presence of founder and chairman of ‘Virgin’, Richard Branson, on Friday (25)
– three of the most representative experts in their fields of actuation. Amid such international stars, shone Brazilian Fabio Feldmann, receiving a standing ovation from the audience that packed the auditorium of ‘Hotel Tropical’ on the closing day of the works. His lecture aroused significant interest in defending the need for a sustainability policy for the country, based on the vast experience accumulated in decades of studies, surveys, debates, and initiatives in the political-administrative and Third Sector areas.
‘People know how to preserve’ There was no shortage of regional political-environment representativeness, such as the governor of Amazonas, Omar Aziz, Senator Eduardo Braga and the mayor of Manaus, Amazonino Mendes. At the opening of the event the governor said: “People know how to preserve and are aware the importance of keeping the forest alive”. As for the role of the State, he explained: “We just want to help people find solutions. It is a political appeal, a call to help this orderly, compassionate, and law-abiding people”.
Neo Mondo - April 2011
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