Letter from the Founder
Dear Friends,
Two years ago, the global economy was at a critical juncture. Around the world, financial sectors were struggling to rebound and the international system was fraught with pessimism and fear. At that time, we needed a platform to help restore confidence in our fragile economic system, while finding ways to reinvent business models and suggest solutions for growth and improvement.
With these principles in mind, The New York Forum was born. Held in 2010 and 2011, the Forum is an initiative-based meeting of business and political leaders, dynamic entrepreneurs, and innovative thought leaders tasked with challenging conventions and stimulating growth.
The takeaways from the New York Forum are implemented and maintained by the New York Forum Institute. The Institute was responsible for the 2010 and 2011 New York Forum declaration, which were subsequently presented to the G20 summit of world leaders.
This year I am bringing the New York Forum to Africa, a continent that is redefining its economic image, filled with boundless economic potential and experiencing unprecedented economic growth. At the same time, Africa faces its fair share of challenges, especially when it comes to good governance, security, and regulations. The New York Forum AFRICA will be the leading Pan African Forum uniting all generations of decision makers, entrepreneurs, and experts to collaborate on the emergence of a winning, innovative, fruitful, autonomous, stable and leading Africa–an Africa that holds a leadership role in the new international economic order. Gabon is a sensible gathering point in Africa given its ambitious national plans, innovative approach to sustainable growth, and commitment to creating a world-class infrastructure for business in Africa.
As an ideas laboratory and as global influencers, we hope to harness the power of collaborative action in response to collective problems while providing leaders with the tools to manage effectively and ethically.
I would like to add my special thanks and gratitude to H.E. President Ali Bongo Ondimba, the Government of Gabon and the Omar Bongo Ondimba Foundation.
We are so pleased to welcome you to Libreville and hope you will be an especially active participant during your time with us.
Regards,
Richard Attias