Every year, the Global Solutions Summit brings together the brightest minds from around the world to tackle pressing policy issues affecting the G20, G7, and other international organizations. This two-day event, launched in 2017, serves as a platform for experts from think tanks, research institutions, governments, businesses, and civil society to develop practical solutions during the G20 presidency. This year, the CHB Group had the opportunity to attend the summit for the first time, under the theme, ‘Moving Beyond the Crisis: Mobilizing Change for Global Prosperity.’
As the world continues to confront various challenges ranging from climate change to economic inequality, the Global Solutions Summit provided a platform to unpack these challenges through fostering dialogue, collaboration, and actionable solutions. In the midst of significant unprecedented geopolitical changes, the summit convened thought leaders, policymakers, and innovators to address pressing issues such as ‘de-risking globalization,’ ‘decarbonization,’ ‘artificial intelligence,’ ‘the energy transition,’ and ‘the role of BRICS.’ Some of the notable speakers included Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy of the African Union; H.E. Amani Abou-Zeid, African Development Bank Special Envoy Amadou Hott, Deputy Director of the Tsinghua University Centre for International Security and Strategy Qian Xiao, and Bill Gates.
The CEO of CHB, Carl Heinrich Bruhn had the opportunity to participate in a closed Roundtable session titled, ‘Growing Africa’s Future; Advancing Food Sovereignty through Agricultural Progress and Innovation.’ The purpose of the Roundtable was to bring together African and European leaders from politics, business, and civil society to tackle pressing issues affecting both continents. This particular discussion focused on Africa’s agricultural potential, with 65% of its arable land currently unused. The participants agreed that stronger policies, investment, and regional collaboration will be key to making the most of this potential and achieving a win-win situation for both continents. This session proved very beneficial to the CHB group, given the company’s vast experience in agri-business and food processing in Sub-Saharan Africa.
The keynote address by Bill Gates was also very interesting. He gave a brief background on the genesis of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and spoke on inequality in health and stressed the importance of continuing to combat childhood death, and other critical public health issues through philanthropy and ensuring that everyone has fair access to medication regardless of socioeconomic factors.
As the summit drew to a close, participants displayed a collective keenness to translate dialogues into action. There was a resounding call to redouble efforts in implementing tangible solutions, forging new partnerships, and amplifying the voices of marginalized communities. The insights and commitments forged at the summit will certainly provide a roadmap for building a more resilient, inclusive and sustainable future for generations to come.
