The themes of forging connections, community building, and the interplay between individual and collective efforts driving positive change on a global scale came through during the 62nd ICCA Congress keynote on November 12, 2023.
Titled Pushing the Boundaries of Innovation, three thought leaders from science and education, business, and sustainability sectors carried the message that change begins with small, meaningful actions, before scaling up to create broader impacts.
Bonnie Chia, head of brand at WWF International, reminded the audience that change does not require a massive shift in their lives.
Chia elaborated: “It is about that seed of inspiration you have. I read a story about how a five-year-old Greek boy gave up a week of chocolate to get his neighbours to do something for the environment. That’s how important (the environment) is to him. We need to think of what we can do as individuals, and come together to inspire people around us.”
She also related how Earth Hour, a grassroots-led initiative that started in Sydney, Australia in 2007 is today a global movement across 192 countries and territories.
Jack Thomas, CEO of Base, shared his perspective on how community building and shared experiences played a pivotal role in his wellness business.
“Last time, it was a chore for me to go to the gym, but I did like to see the impact that (exercise) had on people’s lives. That drove me for the first few years. Now that I manage a team of 25 to 30 coaches, I see the greater impact they have on more individuals.
“We have a responsibility to help them with their struggles, be it their health or if they are not in a great headspace. What keeps me up at night is making sure that myself and my team do the best they can to help people hit their goals to be stronger and healthier. We want to impact positively as many people as we can,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Gladys Bernett, senior education USA, Panama Representative City of Knowledge, spoke about enabling more equitable access to information and better learning opportunities for the younger generation in smaller communities. Bernett herself is a recipient of an international education.
“Providing opportunities to a child from a small town outside of Panama City, and having them go (abroad to study on a scholarship) is an important representation (to show other children that) it is also possible for them to do it,” emphasised Bernett.
Speakers agree that each small step can set off a ripple effect that extends far beyond its origin, possessing the potential to bring about larger and more sustainable change throughout the world.
This observation reflects the theme of this year’s ICCA Congress – It Starts With Us – and the association’s encouragement for all attendees to initiate discussions and actions that matter to them and their organisations, to bring about positive change to the wider meetings industry over time.
