The conference highlighted the importance of placing environmental considerations at the heart of financial policies as well as promoting a change from the traditional economic model to one, which provides equitable improvements in living standards without eroding environmental assets.
Minister for the Environment, the Hon. Dr. John Cortes, opened the conference with a presentation on the plans and strategies that the Government has in order to develop a much more green and environmentally friendly Gibraltar.
Juan Verde, former Secretary of State for Europe and Eurasia at the US Department of Commerce opened his speech congratulating the Government of Gibraltar for its green initiatives, as well as Chrand Management on their vision and professionalism. The speech was titled “Global Trends and The Green Economy. Building a Competitive and Sustainable Economic Model: Challenges and Solutions Facing the XXI Century”. Juan Verde emphasised that “we will see an unprecedented growth in green technology use and innovation which will result in historic business and investment opportunities for governments and businesses that seize the moment”. He also stressed, “Innovation increases competitiveness and brings prices down.”
Former Vice President of the United States and Nobel Peace Prize winner, Al Gore, went on stage to deliver a presentation entitled “Thinking Green: Economic Strategy for the 21st Century”. Mr. Gore opened his speech with an acknowledgement to Chief Minister Fabian Picardo and congratulated Pancho Campo and his team at Chrand Management. Arguing that the physical changes in our planet influence our global economy, Vice President Gore encouraged the audience to consider broader issues – environmental, social and political – when setting business strategy.
Immediately after Mr. Gore´s speech the guests moved to the spectacular St. Michael´s Cave for the Official Dinner of the event. The dinner was presided by Chief Minister Fabian Picardo and accompanied by Vice President Al Gore and Juan Verde as guests of honour who joined a group of approximately 160 attendees. Dinner was matched by a nice selection of wines sponsored by Bodega El Chantre from Ronda, Gonzalez Byass, Caves Vilarnau and Viñas del Vero.
The Government of Gibraltar presented and sponsored Thinking Green. Chrand Management created the concept and designed the programme, arranging the participation of Vice President Gore and Juan Verde, as well as assisting in every logistical aspect. “We are honoured to have been able to work with the Government of Gibraltar and for being able to contribute to such a successful conference”, declared Francisco Campo, CEO for Chrand Management.