Sustainability is a topic of utmost importance because, simply stated, our global future depends on it. Latin America’s corresponding endeavors are of great relevance: “With 15% of the world’s oil reserves, large stocks of minerals, a quarter of the world’s arable land and third of its fresh water [… it has the] potential to become the world’s provider of food, energy and water.”*
At the event, Latin American leaders and practitioners commented on different efforts to make Latin America more sustainable resulting in large scale social transformations. Discussions with participants sought for ideas, what needs to happen in the future, and how young St.Gallen talents could have a say in such endeavors.
The multidisciplinary event, co-organized by VIVA Idea and the HSG Centro Latinoamericano-Suizo, featured four short films from the “Architect of Sustainability Short Film Series” touching on topics of inclusive recycling, street football, music for education, and impact philanthropy and investing, followed by an open discussion with the protagonists of the documentary.
A panel of experts on topics of trust, economics and management, property rights, business, and measures of countries’ success discussed different elements critical to furthering Latin America’s efforts towards sustainability. Key takeaways might apply to many other regions of the world, especially to other emerging countries.
Finally, participants got a chance to talk on a one-to-one basis with the speakers and other Latin American leaders (representing 15 organizations in total) during the Social Transformation Fair.
The conference was an afternoon of sharing, learning, and inspiration.