The author had the privilege of attending the Horasis Global Leadership Meeting in Vitória, Brazil, from October 24-27, 2024. This event convened thought leaders, policymakers, and industry experts for a forward-looking conference focused on addressing critical global issues. The meeting’s theme of “Building Bridges: Inspiring our Future” resonated within the attendees as both a practical and philosophical endeavor: the collaborative efforts in Vitória underscored our shared responsibility to bridge divides, advance sustainable practices, and shape a world where technological innovation aligns with human values.
Key Organizers and Vision
The meeting was co-hosted by two key Brazilian organizations: Espírito Santo em Ação and Findes. Espírito Santo em Ação, an advocate for sustainable development and transparency in governance, and Findes, the leading industrial federation in the state, provided invaluable local expertise. Together, their focus was to elevate Espírito Santo as a model of growth and sustainability on the global stage, focusing on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) priorities. Sponsorship was provided by Apex Partners, Cesan, Sicoob, Banestes, ArcelorMittal, Vale, Bandes, Brazilian National Confederation of Industry (CNI), and ES Gás. Other sponsors were Fetransportes, representing the transport and logistics private sector in Espírito Santo; the Águia Branca Group , a major Brazilian transportation and logistics conglomerate; Marca Ambienta, the largest waste management provider in Espírito Santo; Suzano, a leading global pulp manufacturer committed to sustainability and the bioeconomy; Allemand Consulting and Business Law, a law firm emphasizing ESG practices and data privacy; Espírito Madeira, which integrates the forestry and design sectors, promoting innovation and networking; GVBus, representing urban transport companies in the Espírito Santo metropolitan area; and Portocel, a multimodal terminal for international cargo, co-owned by Suzano and Cenibra. The State of Espírito Santo , known for its economic transparency and fiscal balance, also participated, showcasing its progress in sectors such as oil, gas, mining, and tourism.
The event’s co-chairs included Bo Inge Andersson, Fetransportes, Águia Branca Group, Marca Ambiental, Suzano, Allemand Consulting and Business Law, Espírito Madeira, GVBus, Portocel, the State of Espírito Santo, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan; Jose Amarildo Casagrande, Chief Executive Officer of Banestes in Brazil; Claude Béglé, Chairman of SymbioSwiss in Switzerland; William Bohnett, Chairman of American Forests in the USA; Edison Carlos, Chief Executive Officer of Instituto AEGEA in Brazil; Fernando Cinelli, Chief Executive Officer of Apex Partners in Brazil; Maria Cristina Frias, Partner at Grupo Folha in Brazil; HH Princess Nisreen El-Hashemite, Executive Director of the Royal Academy of Science International Trust in the USA; Fahim Hashimi, Chairman of the Hashimi Group and former Minister of Communications and Information Technology of Afghanistan; Sekai Holland, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees for the Zimbabwe Peacebuilding Initiative and former Minister of State for National Healing, Reconciliation, and Integration in Zimbabwe; Dan Ioschpe, Chairman of Iochpe Maxion in Brazil; Mamphela Ramphele, Honorary President of the Club of Rome in South Africa; Murat Seitnepesov, President of the Greater Caspian Association in Switzerland; Charles Tang, Chairman of the Brazil-China Chamber of Commerce & Industry in Brazil; and Luiza Helena Trajano, Chairperson of Magazine Luiza in Brazil.
Spanning Continents, Connecting Minds and Transcultural Dialogues
Transcultural dialogue refers to conversations that actively bridge and blend diverse cultural perspectives, rather than merely comparing them. This form of dialogue goes beyond cross-cultural exchanges by focusing on finding shared understanding and creating new, hybrid perspectives that transcend individual cultural boundaries.
Horasis Global Meeting Opening Chaired by Márcio França, Minister of Entrepreneurship, Microenterprise, and Small Business, Government of Brazil, this opening session celebrated the eighth annual edition of the Horasis Global Meeting. Notable speakers included Renato Casagrande, Governor of the State of Espírito Santo, Brazil, Paulo Baraona, President of Findes, Brazil, Nailson Dalla Bernadina, President of Espírito Santo em Ação, Brazil, and Frank-Jürgen Richter, Chairman of Horasis, Switzerland, who emphasized the importance of building global partnerships to foster sustainable development in Vitória.
Bridging To Achieve the Potential of AI Chaired by Yip Thy-Diep Ta, Founder, J3d.ai Labs, Germany, this session addressed the specific challenges of deploying AI models across diverse cultural contexts. Participants included Santosh Kaveti, CEO and Founder of ProArch, USA, Jessica Regina, Founder of Financ.ia, Brazil, Harold Schultz, Chief AI Officer at MakeOne, Brazil, and Demetrius Oliveira, Founding Partner at Goshenland, Brazil, who discussed strategies for evaluating the effectiveness of AI systems in different cultural settings, the legal implications of using AI developed in foreign contexts, and the future role of AI in management.
Understanding and Using AI Models Chaired by Rufus Lidman, Chairman of Digitalenta, Singapore, this session explored the applicability of emergent AI models in enhancing occupational efficiency and precision. Speakers included John D. Graham, Founder of Global Ideation, USA, Mickael Malka, Founder and Executive Chairman of Kenlo, Brazil, and Dimas Timmers, Founder of Mundos, Brazil, who debated the potential for domain-specific AI learning to meet industry needs and addressed concerns over big tech’s dominance in cloud-based AI development.
Realizing Techno-Fantasy through Techno-Realism Chaired by Stiphan Beher, CEO of the International Water Security Foundation, USA, this session examined the gap between the promise of technological breakthroughs and their practical, scaled implementation. Panelists Ayla Annac, CEO of InvivoSciences, USA, Richard Freund, CEO of Konker, Brazil, Ralf Hirt, Founder and CEO of CovQ by 8W8, USA, Tamer Nakisci, Founder of Futureisblank, UK, and Muhammad Lawan Zanna, CEO of Oryo, Nigeria, discussed pathways to balance resource-sensitive innovation with a people-centered approach and how to align capitalism more closely with sustainable, impactful advancements.
The Tyranny of the Algorithm: The Blue Jean Syndrome Chaired by Harold Sjursen, Professor Emeritus of Philosophy, New York University, USA, this session delved into the global trend toward uniformity in consumer products and experiences. Panelists Yuri Binder, CEO of 213 Sports, Brazil, Sebright Chen, Chairman and CEO of Summer Atlantic Capital, USA, Saruhan Hatipoglu, CEO of BERI, USA, and Rajae Sahouri, Founder and Host of The Straight Up Start Up, Jordan, examined how algorithm-driven preferences might suppress diversity and discussed ways to promote cultural distinctiveness in global markets.
Blending Profits and Goals to Aid Social Entrepreneurship Chaired by Noel Akpata, Founder of PSLSIA, Nigeria, this discussion centered on integrating social impact into profit-driven business models. Participants Paula Barcellos, Changemaker at Oliveira Foundation, Brazil, Mahesh M Gandhi, President of AFII Capital, Germany, Alberto Gavini Filho, Director General of ADERES, Brazil, Sergio Serapiao, Co-founder & CEO of Labora, Brazil, and Tanya Woods, Chief Impact Officer at The Kind Village, Canada, explored frameworks for balancing corporate profitability with social responsibility and discussed regulatory adjustments needed to support this dual approach.
Exploring Sustainability and ESG A central focus of the meeting was sustainability, particularly the integration of ESG principles into business and governance practices. ESG principles, which stand for Environmental, Social, and Governance, are criteria used to guide responsible and sustainable business practices. They form a framework to assess how organizations address environmental impact, social responsibility, and governance standards. The session “Modeling an ESG-friendly Capitalism” explored frameworks for reconciling economic growth with environmental responsibility, while “Embedding ESG Throughout the Value Chain” highlighted the critical role of leadership in creating sustainable, impactful businesses.
Creating Multiple Bridges Across Africa Chaired by João Canda, President of Instituto Literáfrica, Brazil, this plenary focused on Africa’s potential as a burgeoning global economic force. Panelists Bright Chukwuemeka Elumelu, CEO of Bridan Global Trade Agriculture, Nigeria, Mekbul Hassen Husse, CEO of Tadesse Gidey Import & Export, Ethiopia, Pedro Neto, Managing Director of MediaNova Group, Angola, Armstrong Takang, CEO of Ministry of Finance Incorporated, Nigeria, and Nangula Nelulu Uaandja, CEO of Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board, Namibia, discussed the critical role of economic reforms and digital transformation in achieving sustainable growth across the continent.
Geopolitics and International Trade The Horasis meeting also addressed global geopolitical challenges, emphasizing the importance of partnerships and trade. In sessions such as “Bridging to FDI in ES,” “Bridging the world,” and “Bridging to Geoeconomics,” leaders discussed strategies to strengthen international trade relations, enhance supply chain resilience, and establish fairer, more inclusive economies.
This fertile cross-section of workshops and events highlights that bridge-building in our interconnected world takes many forms – from cultural understanding to technological integration, from social responsibility to economic development. Each session, led by distinguished chairs and supported by diverse panels of experts, contributed unique perspectives to this vital dialogue about global connectivity and cooperation.
Beyond formal discussions, the event offered extensive networking opportunities, with receptions, dinners, and informal gatherings promoting cross-sector collaboration. A unique Nature Quest, a 2.5-day retreat, allowed select leaders to connect deeply with themes of leadership, environmental stewardship, and mental wellness in the scenic hills of Espírito Santo.
Interviews and Insights
The author had the opportunity to interview participants, who shared their insights in response to three questions. Responses have been edited for brevity and clarity.
Q 1. The conference aimed to bridge divides between North/South and East/West. Can you share a specific conversation or connection you made that exemplifies this bridge-building, and what tangible outcome might result from it?
Carlos Foz; Chairman at Andbank; Entrepreneur and Lifelong Learning Enthusiast “The opportunity to engage with people from all over the world was incredible. I conversed with individuals from Europe, Asia, Africa, and America, discussing global cases and issues specific to our countries. This exchange was fantastic for bringing solutions implemented elsewhere to our local realities. For instance, I connected with professionals seeking investment opportunities in Brazil, with whom I will build relationships to unite our countries economically.”
Luiz Felipe Giacomelli; Visionary Leader with Entrepreneurial Success Across Diverse Industries “One impactful conversation involved delegates from Europe, Africa, and Latin America discussing sustainable resource management and research. This connection highlighted how regions face similar environmental and economic challenges but approach them through diverse cultural lenses. The tangible outcome was a preliminary plan to foster collaborative research and training between institutions in Espírito Santo, a European country, and a West African nation to build sustainable development skills and share best practices.”
Dr. Ciprian-Dan Costea, PhD; Romanian Economist with Extensive Board and Management Experience “I engaged with Brazilian bank board members and the Minister of Entrepreneurship and Small Businesses, Mr. Marcio França, who were very interested in the guaranteed schemes managed by the Romanian National Credit Guarantee Fund for SMEs. These schemes ease access to loans for small and medium-sized enterprises. We plan to further discuss these successful European financial products to potentially implement similar solutions in Brazil.”
Nikolas Mancebo; Educator and Advocate for Integrating Technology in Learning “During the opening at Palácio Anchieta, I had a profound conversation with Mamphela Ramphele about ancestrally and reconnecting with our roots. The collective unconscious and concepts like ‘swarm intelligence’ in robotics were discussed. Though initially challenging to bridge these ideas, we later utilized AI tools to continue the dialogue, which fostered a lasting connection among the four participants involved.”
Q 2. Espírito Santo was chosen as the first South American location for this event, highlighting its role in sustainable development and global dialogue. From your experience at the conference, what unique perspectives or solutions did this location bring to discussions about pressing global challenges?
Raquel Kibrit, CEO of Sterna International Business. As an accomplished international strategist, she specializes in guiding companies through the complexities of global expansion. “As a world traveler, this was my first time in Vitoria, and I thought it was a brilliant choice of location and venue. I was impressed with the city and how they are driving the climate agenda. I met so many people whose paths I would have not crossed otherwise and engaged in meaningful exchanges.”
Carlos Foz; Chairman at Andbank; Entrepreneur and Lifelong Learning Enthusiast “Vitória, the capital of Espírito Santo, boasts the second-highest Human Development Index in Brazil and is considered one of the best cities to live in by the UN. Its strategic location as an important economic hub, especially with the Port of Tubarão, makes it a vital connector from the south to the north and west of the country. Being an island connected by bridges, Vitória symbolized our event’s theme of building connections. The state’s moderate political governance has paved the way for economic, cultural, and social development, all of which were key topics during the conference.”
Luiz Felipe Giacomelli; Visionary Leader with Entrepreneurial Success Across Diverse Industries “Hosting the Horasis Global Meeting in Espírito Santo showcased Brazil’s commitment to sustainability through a local lens, particularly its model of sustainable agroforestry. Espírito Santo demonstrated that sustainable practices could align with economic growth, especially in industries like coffee and cocoa. This provided a unique perspective on balancing environmental protection with economic expansion, sparking discussions about applying similar models globally.”
Dr. Jadir Pela; director of the Federal Technical School of Espírito Santo, was General Director of CEFETES and Rector of IFES and chaired the Council of Directors of Federal Centers of Technological Education from 1999 to 2001. He was Secretary of State for Science, Technology, Innovation, Professional Education, and Labor from 2011 to early 2014, in addition to being president of the National Council of State Secretaries for Science, Technology and Innovation Affairs and president of the State Labor Council. “Our close relationship with government and business enterprises in Espírito Santo is exemplified by our ‘Innovation City’ project. The debates at Horasis are crucial for such initiatives. Inspired by global models, like those in Norway, we are developing a medium to long-term project to foster innovation. Espírito Santo’s commitment to including people from peripheral communities in such projects brings a unique perspective to discussions about inclusive sustainable development.”
Paul Malicki; Founder and CEO of Flapper, Aerial Mobility Platform “An interesting fact about Espírito Santo is that it accounts for 90% of all airplanes imported to Brazil in 2023, with 275 aircraft. For Flapper, a general aviation company, this underscores the state’s openness to international trade and the aviation sector. Espírito Santo’s proactive approach in building an ecosystem for startups in enterprise and industry sectors adds a valuable dimension to global dialogues on innovation and mobility.”
Q 3. Looking back at these three days in Vitória, what conversation, moment, or insight shifted your perspective or touched you personally in a way you didn’t expect?
Carlos Foz Chairman at Andbank; Entrepreneur and Lifelong Learning Enthusiast “I was deeply moved by conversations with individuals from non-profit organizations. I was impressed by how these people do good without expecting anything in return—they are enlightened individuals transforming millions of lives. This resonates with a definition from Singularity University: a millionaire is a person who impacts millions of lives. Additionally, dialogues with businesspeople who find meaning in what they do reinforced the idea that having a purpose and doing the right thing brings transformation not only to oneself but also to those affected.”
Luiz Felipe Giacomelli; Visionary Leader with Entrepreneurial Success Across Diverse Industries “An unexpectedly profound conversation revolved around the globally relevant issue of rising sea levels. Speaking directly with global experts made me reassess my decisions and preparedness concerning this matter, especially since I currently live on the island of Vitória. This personal connection to a pressing global challenge underscored the urgency of collective action.”
Claudiu Butacu; Co-founder and Chairman of EFdeN and energiaTa; Pioneer of Romania’s Sustainable City Concept “One moment that struck me was a discussion on the role of education in shaping future urban ecosystems. Listening to leaders across the Americas reinforced my belief in actively fostering sustainability-minded leaders equipped with real-world skills. Inspired by this, we are launching the European Institute for Sustainability (EIS) as a platform to cultivate a new generation of changemakers ready to address sustainability on a systemic level.”
Nikolas Mancebo; Educator and Advocate for Integrating Technology in Learning “The conversations about ancestrality and the collective unconscious not only bridged cultural and technological concepts but also touched me on a personal level. Using AI to facilitate and continue these discussions showed me the potential of technology to enhance human connections and understanding.”
Building Bridges: Virtue, Purpose, and the Pursuit of Wisdom
Reflecting on the Horasis Global Meeting 2024 through the expansive lens of Nicomachean Ethics – with its emphasis on virtue, purpose, and the pursuit of wisdom – highlights a profound intersection of ethics with not only AI and education but with every facet of societal progress. As the author considers AI’s impact on global systems, economies, and individual lives, Aristotle’s philosophy reminds her that true advancement requires more than technical prowess. It demands a commitment to virtues that enable responsible, human-centered innovation.
Aristotle’s words from Nicomachean Ethics resonate powerfully here:
“The good for man is an activity of the soul in conformity with excellence or virtue”
Aristotle (Nicomachean Ethics, Book I, Chapter 7)
This idea underscores that genuine progress- in technology, policy, and global relations – must align with virtues that advance the common good. As we navigate complex challenges and bridge divides across cultures, industries, and continents, Aristotle’s insights remind us that the path forward is most sustainable when built on a foundation of moral integrity and purposeful action, principles as timeless today as they were in his era.
The upcoming Horasis Asia Meeting in Dubai, scheduled for November 18-19, 2024, will continue this momentum by gathering top executives and ministers to explore economic futures, specifically through the Global Freight Summit. With the support of DP World, this event seeks to strengthen global partnerships, encouraging cross-regional cooperation essential for building a more interconnected and resilient world.
For further reading, refer to Nicomachean Ethics available via Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/8438.
This article was produced by Dr. Jasmin (Bey) Cowin, Associate Professor and U.S. Department of State English Language Specialist (2024) As a Columnist for Stankevicius she writes on Nicomachean Ethics – Insights at the Intersection of AI and Education. Get in touch via LinkedIn.
