More than 1,200 people from all over the world gathered in Mendoza under the slogan "Let's Live Impact" to be inspired, share experiences and discuss solutions on the future of the economy in the face of inequality and the climate crisis.
nexos+1 was reporting from Mendoza (Argentina), on the Encounter+Bwhich was held on September 11, 12 and 13. In this special edition of the nexos+1 news, we bring you the key messages of the 3 days of inspiration, connection and action.
Day 01: September 11
The first plenary was given by Otto Scharmer, Creator of Theory U, Professor at MIT and founder of the Presencing Institute, who shared and reflected on the theory of systemic change that society needs for the emerging future.
To drive social change, we must "begin to make a difference in our own sphere of influence. Thus, "success depends on the internal place from which we operate. This means going in with an open mind, an open heart and an open will."
Otto Scharmer
Regarding the challenges of the future, Juan Garibaldi, Vice President Latam of Danone Waters, explained the work of his company, which revolutionizes the market every day.
"We have a formal commitment to be carbon neutral, to take care of water, to have circular packaging and to apply regenerative agriculture. But we can't do this commitment alone. We are all responsible.
Juan Garibaldi
Guilherme Leal (Co-founder of Natura) and Halla Tómasdóttir (CEO The B Team) discussed the role of business in the face of inequality and the climate crisis.
Leal commented "the climate crisis and the inequality crisis are real, but at the same time we can see a big change today". From his personal experience he stated: "We need more conscious companies and good governments, because without policies we are not going to achieve any change. We have a challenge in front of us, but also a great opportunity".
CLIMATE EMERGENCY
María Paz Cigarán, co-founder and CEO of Libélula, and Gonzalo Muñoz, Champion COP25 and co-founder of Sistema B, shared the challenges of the climate crisis and inequality in the framework of COP25, which will take place in Chile from December 2 to 13 of this year.
In his plenary Gonzalo Muñoz declared a climate emergency on behalf of the B movement, urging and inviting all agents of change and B companies present to join this global initiative. "The B movement declares climate emergency and commits to be carbon neutral by 2030. The power is in our hands."
Day 02: September 12
Marina Silva, Brazilian politician, environmentalist and educator, together with Yolanda Kakabadse, former President of WWF International and member of the B Team, held a dialogue on the role of the State and international organizations in the face of the climate crisis and inequality.
"We have to be guided by values to govern and there are issues that are NOT NEGOTIABLE: care for the environment, democracy, human rights and cultural diversity."
Marina Silva
Ignacio Gómez, Director of Egg Tech, Silvia Flores, Executive Director of La Juanita and Henry Murrain, Executive Director of Corpovisionarios talked about the importance of alliances and spaces with civil society in relation to the thematic axes of the Encuentro+B.
"Climate change summons us...some may deny that it exists but they cannot deny that we have to avoid a mass extinction."
Ignacio Gomez
CALL TO ACTION!
An important moment was the call to action for the Amazon made by members of the B movement to mobilize against the fires that are destroying vital ecosystems for the planet.
Day 03: September 13
Friday began with a learning and transformation circuit in the Divisadero Largo Nature Reserve. In the afternoon, the closing of the Encuentro+B was celebrated together with the fiiS (International Festival of Social Innovation).
