Former Costa Rican President José María Figueres highlights economic challenges facing environmental initiatives
Dubai, UAE -With more than a decade of experience in implementing and advising on environmental policies, former Costa Rican President and CEO of Concordia 21 in Spain, José María Figueres, believes the biggest challenges lie ahead.
Sponsored by HSBC Bank Middle East, the event this week saw Figueres give an exclusive presentation to members of the Capital Club, Dubai's premier private business club. The title of his business evening forum presentation was Inconvenient Truths and Present Economic Challenges. Based on his business experience, and his years in public service where he worked closely together with US Vice President Gore, President Figueres spoke about the opportunity within the present financial crisis to reactivate the global economy in such a way as to also mitigate climate change.
"The private sector has a tremendous opportunity to create new business models that support pro-active environmental policies. Governments must show leadership by enacting the regulatory frameworks that facilitate this transformation," said Figueres.
Youssef Nasr, Chairman of HSBC Bank Middle East, said: "Managing our business successfully, profitably and for the long term is the single biggest way we contribute directly to the economic performance of the countries we operate in. Through all our actions we must aim to maintain a stable environment and build healthy, educated communities. At HSBC our focus is on education and environment as these are the fundamental building blocks for the development of society."
Commenting on the event, Andrew Christon, General Manager of the Capital Club, said: "It was a privilege for the Capital Club to host Mr Figueres for the second time, as he inaugurated the speakers' programme in 2007. His insights are very valuable to our members, as well as to the international community."
A dynamic speaker, Figueres rose to prominence when he became the youngest president of a Central American country in modern times. During his tenure as president, from 1994 to 1998, he created a comprehensive national Sustainable Development strategy, factoring in macroeconomic indicators, technology and human development.
After his presidency, Figueres shifted his focus to the international arena with achievements such as helping create and lead the United Nations Information and Communication Technologies Task Force (ICT) and becoming the first CEO of the World Economic Forum in 2003.
Figueres is currently the CEO of Concordia 21 (C21), a social investment vehicle chaired by Kofi Annan, former UN Secretary-General, which is dedicated to the support of organisations which promote development and democratic values around the world. He holds an Industrial Engineering Degree from the United States Military Academy at West Point, and a Masters in Public Administration from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.
The evening with José María Figueres was the latest fixture of the Capital Club's speakers' programme, which has previously hosted Her Excellency Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade and distinguished member of the Capital Club's Board of Governors; Dr. Omar, Governor of the Dubai International Financial Centre; and one of the world's best violinists, Miha Poga?nik.
The Capital Club opened on 9 April, 2008 in the DIFC's Gate Village. Since its launch in late 2006, the Capital Club has attracted over 1,250 members, including some of the region's most senior decision-makers, and leaders in business, finance and government. Little expense has been spared to create within the DIFC an elegant and welcoming ambience in which to meet, to exchange ideas and to entertain guests. The luxurious décor of the club - which houses dining rooms, lounges, private meeting rooms, a wellness area, and guest rooms - is exquisite and includes contemporary art from the region, fine antiques, handcrafted furniture and rich imported fabrics.
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About the Capital Club
Located at the heart of Dubai International Financial Centre, occupying a prestigious site on the top four floors of Building 3 of Gate Village, the Capital Club is Dubai's premier private business Club and opened in April 2008.
The Capital Club is exclusively designed to meet the demands of those from the top echelons of business, finance and government. The Club provides the highest level of comfort and cuisine, an exceptional event programme which fosters the exchange of ideas, global business and social interaction, camaraderie and unmatched personal service.
Membership is by invitation, and reflects the international and cultural diversity of the region. Select corporations and individuals are introduced to the Club through personal introduction and referral to the Board of Governors.
www.capitalclubdubai.com
José María Figueres was president of Costa Rica from 1994 to 1998. Prior to serving as President he was Minister of Foreign Trade (1987 to 1988) and Minister of Agriculture from (1988 to 1990). He is the recipient of numerous awards and distinctions including the Sustainability Award in Switzerland.
www.josemariafigueres.org
HSBC in the Middle East
HSBC Bank Middle East Limited is the largest and most widely represented international bank in the Middle East. HSBC Bank Middle East Limited has 45 branches throughout the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Jordan, Lebanon, Pakistan and the Palestinian Autonomous Area. In addition to the branch network, the bank maintains representative offices in Tehran, Iran and Tripoli, Libya. This extensive regional coverage is strengthened by another member of the HSBC Group, HSBC Bank Egypt SAE, and by its associated companies: The Saudi British Bank; British Arab Commercial Bank Limited; HSBC Saudi Arabia Limited; SABB Securities Limited; SABB Takaful Co.; and Dar Es Saalam Investment Bank.
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© Press Release 2009
