The inaugural Leadership Summit, organized by the United Asian Network (UAN), concluded with a call for unity and collaboration within Kenya’s Asian community, to contribute to national cohesion and economic growth.
The summit brought together a diverse group of community leaders, business executives, and youth representatives from across the country, all focused on the critical role the Asian community can play in building a more prosperous and peaceful Kenya.
The event, described as a milestone in unifying the Asian community in Kenya, explored strategies for addressing social and economic challenges, engaging youth leaders, and fostering a platform for open dialogue on national cohesion and peace-building.
UAN Chairman Dr Bimal Kantaria emphasized the intertwined relationship between the community’s prosperity and the well-being of the nation.
“As we navigate our paths to success, it is vital to remember that ‘if you make money in the country, it’s important to invest in the contribution towards national growth.’ Our prosperity is intertwined with the well-being of our nation,” he said, highlighting the summit’s focus on driving impact both within the Asian community and beyond.
President of the UAN, Surinder Singh Sihra, stressed the importance of collaboration as a cornerstone for community development. His remarks were followed by a keynote address from Dr Vimal Shah, Co-founder and Chairman of Bidco Africa, who underscored the importance of breaking down silos within multicultural societies to achieve national cohesion.
“National cohesion is only possible when communities work together and actively participate in shaping the future,” Dr Shah said.
The summit featured four thematic tracks that guided the discussions:
1. Understanding National Cohesion – Moderated by Mr. P.V.S. Rao, this session explored the need for internal unity within the Asian community as a stepping stone toward broader national cohesion.
2. Unifying the Asian Community in Kenya – Leaders discussed initiatives like the Festival of Friendship, which aims to bring together various segments of the Asian community through cultural and social events, fostering stronger connections.
3. Economic Collaboration – This track focused on entrepreneurship and economic opportunities, particularly through UAN’s Mombasa Chapter, which has been instrumental in supporting youth entrepreneurship in the region.
4. Gen Z Action Planning – Passionate young leaders took centre stage, presenting their vision for the future and their role as catalysts for community transformation.
A Platform for the Future
A significant outcome of the summit was the creation of a safe space for the Asian community to openly discuss social and economic challenges. Delegates committed to providing more opportunities for young leaders to voice their concerns and contribute to community development.
The summit culminated in the signing of a final communiqué, outlining ten pledges for future action aimed at strengthening community cohesion and supporting economic growth.
These pledges include commitments to fostering entrepreneurship, supporting youth leadership, and creating more inclusive spaces for dialogue on national unity.
The Leadership Summit will now be a flagship annual event for the UAN, reinforcing the organization’s mission to promote peace, cohesion, and economic development.
“The message from our discussions is clear: we need to focus on internal cohesion within our communities before we can expect national cohesion to make a meaningful impact,” Dr Kantaria concluded. “We are committed to transforming our communities for the greater benefit of Kenya.”
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