By Regina Cervera, Projects Coordinator, C Minds' Future of Earth
In the bustling city of Tianjin, China, an extraordinary event took place—the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting of the New Champions 2023.
This year, I had the privilege of attending the 14th edition of this prestigious event. I represented my work at the Future Of Earth Lab, the AI for Climate Initiative, and the Tech4Nature Mexico project at C Minds, and my trajectory as a Global Shaper in Merida, and I can confidently say that it was an experience that left me in awe, with a profound sense of responsibility and commitment to leave my grain of sand in the world.
Surrounded by passionate, and remarkable out-of-the-box changemakers, the conference showcased groundbreaking ideas and solutions that are shaping the global landscape and driving positive change in the world.
A Confluence of Visionaries
The Annual Meeting of the New Champions (also known as Summer Davos) brought together over 1,500 influential leaders, innovators, and disruptors from government, business, and academia, as well as representatives from international organizations, media, and civil society. This diverse gathering of brilliant minds provided a melting pot of ideas and perspectives, all converging with a shared purpose—to foster innovation and entrepreneurship for a more equitable, sustainable, and resilient global economy.
Under the theme "Entrepreneurship: the Driving Force of the Global Economy," the event delved into key topics that are crucial for shaping our collective future. Climate change, digital transformation, social impact, and economic resilience were among the critical areas of focus, with experts and leaders providing invaluable insights and strategies to address these pressing challenges.
The event featured an impressive lineup of over 100 sessions, ranging from engaging panel discussions to interactive workshops and thought-provoking presentations. This diverse array of formats allowed attendees to actively participate, share ideas, and collaborate, fostering an environment of innovation and cooperation. Attendees had the opportunity to hear from visionary leaders, industry experts, and groundbreaking entrepreneurs. Their insights provided a glimpse into the potential of human ingenuity and collective action to bring about transformative solutions.
Innovation and Technology for Positive Impact
One of the central themes was harnessing the power of innovation and technology to propel momentum for entrepreneurship across different geographies. The aim was not only to revive global economic growth but also to establish new industry models and partnerships that would lead us toward a brighter future. These discussions emphasized the importance of embracing technological advancements to tackle the world's most pressing issues and drive positive change on a global scale.
The global challenges of AI, climate change, and sustainability took center stage, and C Minds emerged as a leading force in addressing these issues in Latin America. With our innovative strategies for protecting biodiversity, we showcased our dedication to shaping a more sustainable and equitable world in two highlighted events: the “Exponential Agriculture” panel, and the “Nature and Climate Cross Community Dinner”, where we shared our knowledge, passion, and expertise in the power of harnessing frontier digital technologies, and community-centered approaches to protect biodiversity, increase climate resilience while benefiting the most vulnerable populations. It was a privilege to be an important part of these conversations together with prominent experts from Vivent Biosensor, Organic and Beyond in China, the World Economic Forum, EDGE Technologies, the Ministry for Information Technology and Communication from Namibia, Regal Hotels International, Beijing Milun Traditional Kungfu and the Energy Foundation China.
The focus on AI, climate change, and sustainability during the conference highlighted the urgency of these issues on a global scale. By incorporating the lessons learned, C Minds will strengthen its strategies for protecting biodiversity in Latin America and beyond. The emphasis on technology and innovation also offers us an opportunity to expand our reach and impact, as we leverage advanced tools to enhance conservation efforts. As you can read in our latest impact report states, through our Future of Earth Lab, we are launching an ambitious global strategy, starting with Latin America and the Caribbean, which involves the use of new technologies, such as AI, Web 3.0, network sensors, environmental DNA, among others, to enable and scale biodiversity conservation and regeneration actions.
Moreover, we will support governments with the new paradigm: the Twin Transition (green and digital transition) and we will work with the innovation ecosystem and our partners at a global, regional, and local level to explore and strengthen new decentralized markets for the investment and protection of nature.
Conclusion
The Annual Meeting of the New Champions in Tianjin, China, was an inspiring event that left a lasting impact on all who attended. The convergence of brilliant minds, passionate changemakers, and cutting-edge ideas created a platform that fostered innovation, collaboration, and hope for a better tomorrow. The emphasis on collaboration and partnership was a significant takeaway for me. I was tremendously inspired by the spirit of cooperation among attendees and the importance of collective action to tackle global challenges effectively.
As we move forward, we are more positive than ever that will carry the spirit of innovation and cooperation with us, using the knowledge gained from the conference to strengthen our strategies for protecting biodiversity in Latin America and beyond through innovative approaches. The event reaffirmed our commitment to exploring and leveraging advanced technologies to enhance conservation efforts and drive positive change.
Above all, the connections made during the Annual Meeting were invaluable. Interacting with like-minded individuals from diverse backgrounds, all driven by a shared purpose, was a powerful reminder of the collective strength needed to shape a brighter and more sustainable future for generations to come.
Leaving Tianjin, I am more determined than ever to continue our mission at C Minds, advancing towards a more resilient future and contributing to global efforts to create a better world. The Annual Meeting of the New Champions has ignited a spark within me, and I look forward to collaborating with partners at all levels to turn ideas into impactful actions. Together, we can make a difference and leave a lasting legacy of positive change.