The inaugural Leadership Summit organized by the United Asian Network (UAN), a not-for-profit and a non-political organization, has concluded with deliberations on how the Asian community can contribute to national cohesion and growth.
The summit that brought together community and business leaders and youth from across Kenya also discussed strategies for promoting peace and economic stability within the Asian community.
The summit emerged from extensive research and discussions with community heads, business leaders, and Gen Z representatives, all advocating for a unified platform to drive impactful activities across various communities. The feedback highlighted a collective desire for cooperation, revealing that collaboration could yield greater benefits than individual efforts.
Dr. Bimal Kantaria, the chairman of UAN reiterated the importance of investing in the growth of the country: “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.”
Delegates at the summit discussed how to create a safe space for open discussions regarding social and economic challenges facing the Asian community, engage young leaders to ensure their voices are heard and inspire active participation in community development and provide a platform for speakers to offer insights on national cohesion, peace-building, and economic empowerment.
The summit kicked off with a warm welcome from President Surinder Singh Sihra, who emphasized the importance of collaboration for community growth. Keynote speaker Dr. Vimal Shah, Co-founder and Chairman of Bidco Africa, stressed the critical role of national cohesion in a multicultural society, urging attendees to break down silos that divide communities.
The event featured four thematic tracks:
Understanding National Cohesion led by moderator Mr. P.V.S. Rao, highlighting the need for internal cohesion as a prerequisite for national unity.
Unifying the Asian Community in Kenya, discussing initiatives like the Festival of Friendship as means to foster greater connection.
Economic Collaboration, focusing on entrepreneurial opportunities and the role of UAN’s Mombasa Chapter in igniting youth entrepreneurship.
Gen Z Action Planning, where passionate young leaders expressed their commitment to becoming catalysts for change in their communities.
The Leadership Summit will be established as an annual flagship event for UAN, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to fostering community cohesion and economic development. A final communiqué outlining ten pledges for future action was signed, signaling the collective determination to build a brighter future for the Asian community in Kenya.
“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. We are committed to transforming our communities for the greater benefit of Kenya,” Bimal added.
