By Gabriel Katuho
THE World Indigenous Business Forum (WIBF) team from Canada is collaborating with the Department of International Trade and Investment in Papua New Guinea to prepare for the upcoming World Indigenous Forum scheduled for October.
The initiative aims to cultivate partnerships among nations and promote economic growth while spotlighting indigenous perspectives and businesses.
Working in concert with countries such as Taiwan, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, USA, Colombia, Chile and Guatemala, the WIBF team is enthusiastic about convening in PNG from October 23rd to 26th for the forum.
At a press conference held in Port Moresby, Rosa Walker, Chief Executive Officer of the Indigenous Leadership Development Institute, Barb Hambleton, Director of the World Indigenous Business Forum Makenzie Oatway, Manager of Executive Training and Special Projects, Indigenous Leadership Indigenous Development Institute, Inc. (ILDII), and Brat Jackson, CEO of PNG Agriculture Company, articulated their perspectives on the upcoming event.
Founded 23 years ago, the Indigenous Leadership Development Institute was established to enhance the capacities of indigenous communities.
Operated by indigenous individuals, the institute generates its own revenue and designs custom curricula to equip indigenous people with essential skills.
These skills encompass various areas such as business planning, strategic planning, good governance and leadership requisites.
The team has a history of collaborations, having partnered with the World Business Forum in New York City in 2010 to inaugurate the inaugural World Indigenous Forum.
Since then, the event has traversed the globe, culminating in the upcoming 12th edition in PNG in October. Rosa Walker emphasised the economic potential of hosting the WIBF, asserting that bringing delegates to a country can yield an economic impact ranging from $2-5 million dollars for the local economy.
The essence of the forum lies in creating platforms for indigenous collaboration, forging partnerships, and seeking investment opportunities.
As the event fosters indigenous entrepreneurship and cultural ex-change, Barb Hambleton extended an invitation to international attendees to treat the forum as an enriching vacation experience in the scenic landscapes of PNG.
Makenzie Oatway, with years of experience in PNG, expressed his confidence in the country’s potential to shine during the forum.
