IWFCI organises an international Summit called the Global Women’s Trade Summit (GWTS) every year to provide a platform for a rich and informative exchange of ideas and connections among businesswomen and leaders across the world. This year the GWTS, 2019 was hosted by IWFCI, Busan, South Korea.
Date
Day
1st – 3rd October, 2019
Tuesday – Thursday
A 5 – women delegation from Forum of Women in Commerce and Industry (The International Women’s Federation of Commerce and Industry (IWFCI) India National Chapter) attended the Global Women’s Trade Summit (GWTS) & Global Women Leaders Forum (GWLF) 2019, held in Busan, South Korea from the 1st – 3rd of October, 2019. The delegates included Dr. Daphne Pillai and Dr. Celina Joy of Pillai Institute of Management Studies & Research. The summit was on the theme ‘Women’s Entrepreneurship and Leadership towards Global Economic Growth’ and was inaugurated by Keo-don Oh, Mayor, Busan Metropolitan Council. The aim of this Summit was to share knowledge, form strong new friendships and the exchange of trade, economic opportunities and discovery of new ideas through networking. At the inaugural ceremony Diana Abruzzi, International Chair, IWFCI gave a very inspiring welcome address. She spoke on how leaders today should be high on the emotional quotient (EQ) and only then can they help others through collaboration, communication and mentoring. She further elaborated that women are high on EQ and that women are great problem solvers and influencers, even in their daily lives thus making them natural leaders. She shared that in this time of change and uncertainty, businesses should be practical and creative, and that they should have a visionary leader, with a deep and strong character. Her address tugged at the heart of every participant as she spoke about how leaders should be ‘motivated by the heart and not by the head’.
IWFCI India delegation with Mr. Hazem Fahmy, Ambassador of Egypt
IWFCI India National Chapter President, Dr. Daphne Pillai Presenting on ‘Programs and Policies for the Enhancement of Women the India Perspective’ At The Gwts - Gwlf, 2019
IWFCI India delegation with Diana Abruzzi, Founder International Chair, IWFCI at the Gala Dinner (R-L) Vinita Bimbhet, Celina Joy, Daphne Pillai, Diana Abruzzi, Rema Ramchandran and Yvette Lee
Ms. Vinita Bimbhet speaking at the GWTS 2019
The Indian Delegation at the Inauguration of Global Women Trade Summit (GWTS) and Global Women Leader s-Forum (GWLF), Busan, 2019 (R-L) Rema Ramchandran, Director, Services Vinita Bimbhet, Advisor, Dr
The Indian Delegation at the Inauguration of Global Women Trade Summit (GWTS) and Global Women Leader s-Forum (GWLF), Busan, 2019 (R-L) Rema Ramchandran, Director, Services Vinita Bimbhet, Advisor, Dr
The Presidents meeting (R-L) Ann Phua, Founder President, IWFCI Singapore Tomomi Sugahara, President IWFCI Japan Dato Elaine Teh, President of IWFCI Malaysia Diana Abruzzi, Founder International Chair, IWF
The Indian delegation was headed by IWFCI India National Chapter President, Dr. Daphne Pillai who was also invited as a speaker and panelist for the Summit. Dr. Pillai was asked to speak on the topic ‘Programs and Policies for the Enhancement of Women: The India Perspective’. She spoke in detail about the socio-political-cultural setting in India that has always hindered the growth of women both socially and also economically. She further added that today with the change in times and also with a change in the social ecosystem, women are being encouraged to take up newer roles. She elaborated on the current government policies and bank schemes that help women entrepreneurs build their businesses in India. She ended her talk with the need for mass leaders that could encourage the masses and also the need for more role models from women to inspire other women to break all barriers and become independent. Another IWFCI Indian delegate, Ms. Vinita Bimbhet, Advisor, IWFCI, India & India Chair, ASEAN spoke on ‘Women Entrepreneurs in India’ during the inaugural session.
The Summit was a great platform to learn best practices in business from around the world. Over a period of 2 days of the summit around 500 women from 24 countries participated in various inspiring sessions and exhibitions which showcased their products and businesses.
Sessions were held on topics like Entrepreneurial Leadership, Work life balance for today’s working moms, ASEAN Business Network and how to do business with Korea. There were also inspirational sessions on pioneering women who are paving the way for women leaders of tomorrow.
Many eminent personalities and diplomats’ participated in the conference. The Indian delegation had the opportunity to meet and interact with Mr. Hazem Fahmy, Ambassador of Egypt, Mr. Jakob Hallgren, Sweden Ambassador to Korea and Mr. Gennady Ryabhov, Consul General of the Russian Federation. During the 2 days of the summit there were also numerous opportunities to network with entrepreneurs and like-minded people over tea and dinners. The delegates as a part of IWFCI also had the opportunity to attend the inauguration of the 24th International Busan Film Festival held on the 3rd of October, 2019.
The Summit which was held on a grand scale ended with the announcement and passing of the torch to the next host country for GWTS, 2020. The next GWTS will take place in Tokyo, Japan.
