Peace Summit 2008

1st Annual Summit on Peace and Prosperity through Trade and Commerce

Click on the image below to launch a video of the 2008 Peace Summit!

Without a doubt, trade and commerce can be a powerful engine for creating wealth while promoting peace and prosperity worldwide. This was the theme of the May 30th “Summit on Peace and Prosperity through Trade and Commerce” organized jointly by the University of San Diego’s Ahlers Center for International Business and The World Trade Center San Diego.

The absence of war is not the only state that defines peace. Living in peace implies a collection of conditions that allows dignity, hope, wealth creation and prosperity. As businesses do what they do best – develop and grow profitable and sustainable enterprises – they also have the potential to encourage peace and economic prosperity around the globe.

Business can lead to sustainable peace in a variety of ways. Trade and commerce cuts across borders, cultures, classes and religions creating communication and collaboration between diverse peoples around the world. The economic marketplace facilitates not only an exchange of products and services, but also of ideas, beliefs, music, food, fashion, among others. These exchanges build a foundation of understanding while at the same time cultivating interdependence and shared interests.

Business also has the potential to bring more people into the market system. As companies seek out new markets and sources of production many venture into areas, countries, and regions where poverty is rampant. Markets have the potential to bring benefit to the poor through positive social transformation, economic development, wealth creation and long-term sustainability.

Sustainability in business and sustainable peace both require an interdependent world. For business this interdependence means identifying their stakeholders to develop relationships and find ways to achieve mutual benefit. In the long run, this will generate larger profits, and lead to a more prosperous and peaceful society.

We are pleased to have you join us for our Second Annual Summit on September 18th, 2009 where these ideas will continue to be shared and debated in order to foster a deeper understanding for action, organizational transformation, and increased prosperity.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD A PROGRAM FROM THE 2008 SUMMIT

HOSTS:                 2008 SPONSORS:     ATTENTION SPAN MEDIA