37th FIABCI Global Business Summit Wrap Up

Dec 21, 2018 Latest News

Stakes were high for the 37th FIABCI Global Business Summit 2018, and with good reason, as it was the first to be held outside of Europe. Bali, the Island of Gods, welcomed the annual fixture under the theme "International Tourism Development and Affordable Housing" that gathered hundreds of movers and shakers from around the globe.

The warm-up for the summit started with a golf round on December 4th and a cultural visit do Garuda Wisnu Kencana, the day after. At the same time, a trade exhibition was taking place, in a display of stands from investors and developers, including the renowned Ciputra Group, among other stakeholders related to the industry.

Although the official opening ceremony only took place on December 6th, FIABCI members had plenty on their plates the day before with an afternoon dedicated to the National Monitoring Labs, in an effort to support and implement concrete tools to monitor urban sustainability. The first session, entitled "From Happy Cities to Happy Citizens", was hosted by World President 2010-11 Enrico Campagnoli. Against the backdrop of the Memorandum of Understanding signed between FIABCI and UN-Habitat on May 11th, 2017 to advance the implementation of the City Prosperity Initiative (CPI), Mr. Campagnoli said: "The Momentum of Understanding is not a formal attachment but a cooperation agreement between three entities: UN-Habitat, FIABCI and the city."

Later that day, not so far from The Westin Resort Nusa Dua, an award cerimony took place to recognize and distinguish 50 inspiring women that best reflect the World Women Leading Change movement in Indonesia, an initiative where women from all backgrounds and countries around the world take center stage to become agents of change, in particular in the business and entrepreneurial fields.

On Thursday, December 6th a busy schedule awaited the participants of the 37th FIABCI Global Business Summit 2018, kicking-off with the first seminar of the day on International Tourism Development. MNC Group CEO Mr. Hary Tanoesudibjo and Vanessa Borkmann from the Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Engineering IAO were among the guests speakers of the session. Mr. Tanoesudibjo presented the theme "Redifining Indonesian Tourism", highlighting the importance of property and tourism for the growth of the nation in the economy sector, while Ms. Borkmann talked about "The Future Hotel", featuring a room that reduces stress and strain, while supporting recovery and health.

After the coffee break, it was time for the second seminar of the day, themed "Affordable Housing". Senior Housing Specialist of the World Bank Dao Harrison and Associate Human Setttlements Officer for the UN-Habitat joined other renowned speakers from the real estate industry for an interesting discussion on how to create affordable housing for all.

A Power Lunch followed with the special participation of the Ukrainian architect Dymtro Aranchii, who presented "Algorythmic Architecture" and his views on the digital trend applied to architecture and design. Right before the official opening cerimony, there was still time to take part in fruitful B2B meetings.

The group choir "Voice of Bali" marked the opening cerimony of the 37th FIABCI Global Business Summit 2018. High-level attendees, including the Minister of Public Works and Public Housing, the Minister of Tourism of the Republic of Indonesia, and the Governor of Bali descended to the Mangapura Ballroom to witness the striking of the gong. In his opening speech, FIABCI World President Assen Makedonov recognized with honour the distinguished attendees, as well as World President 1989-1990 Ir. Ciputra, the first FIABCI President from Indonesia, followed by Mr. Ferry Sonneville, who served in 1995-1996. Mr. Makedonov then proceeded to thank the hosts for the work done and to highlight the strong tie between the main topics of the summit, stating: "The lack of affordable housing is a barrier to growth of tourism destinations."

The day finished with FIABCI's Principal Member REI (DPP Real Estate Indonesia) Excellence Awards Gala Dinner.

Friday and Saturday proved to be intense yet rewarding days for both FIABCI members and the broader audience of the summit. Between B2B sessions, forums, meetings and, the cherry on top of the cake, the General Assembly, participants were able to unlock networking opportunities and conduct business, take part in in-depth discussions, and reunite with the FIABCI Community. Moreover - and one of the highlights of the summit - was the official signing of the another global event: the 70th FIABCI World Real Estate Congress, to be held in Moscow, Russia from May 27 - 31, 2019.

Registrations for the World Real Estate Congress will open in the second half of January at fiabci.org.