LATAM Forum 2024: Week of events promotes immersion in Latin America's challenges
From November 2 to 8, São Paulo hosted the LATAM Forum 2024, an event that brought together CEMS students from the main business schools in Latin America, including the São Paulo School of Business Administration - FGV EAESP (Brazil), the Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez (Colombia) and the Universidad de los Andes (Chile). Organized by CEMS Club São Paulo and FGV EAESP, the annual meeting is a unique platform to build community, exchange knowledge, and explore innovative solutions to regional challenges. With a rich program that combines sustainability initiatives, academic debates and cultural experiences, the event invited participants to immerse themselves in the dynamic spirit of Latin America.
A weekend of sustainability in Ilhabela
The forum began with a two-day immersion in Ilhabela, an island famous for its natural beauty and cultural heritage. With the theme "Sustainability and Community Building", the weekend reinforced CEMS' commitment to training responsible leaders who contribute to a more sustainable and inclusive world.
On Saturday morning (02), the students participated in a beach cleaning effort, collecting waste to protect the delicate ecosystem of Ilhabela. In the afternoon, they visited the IIS Marine Conservation Project, where they learned about initiatives to preserve marine biodiversity, including sea turtles.
"This experience was revealing. It is inspiring to see how local initiatives can have such a significant impact," said Gaia dalla Zonca, MPGI/CEMS student and president of the CEMS Club.
Sunday (03) brought a mix of leisure and cultural discovery. Participants explored the Toca Waterfall, an impressive waterfall ideal for hiking and bathing, and ended the day with a capoeira workshop, immersing themselves in the Afro-Brazilian heritage through this unique blend of martial art, music, and dance.
Business and innovation in São Paulo
The week continued with events focused on networking and professional development in São Paulo.
On Monday (04), a visit to the Cartier boutique at Shopping Cidade Jardim showed the intersection between luxury and global commerce. In the afternoon, Marcelo Bradaschia, Head of Digital Credit at Banco ABC Brasil, gave a lecture on the fintech ecosystem in Brazil, highlighting the evolution of financial services and the essential role of technology.
"Brazil is at the forefront of fintech innovation, and understanding this scenario is fundamental for the leaders of the future," said Bradaschia, citing advances such as PIX and Open Finance.
On Tuesday (05), the highlight was a Gamified AI Learning Lab, where students programmed miniature self-driving cars and applied artificial intelligence to business scenarios. Led by professors Wagner Damiani and Jaci Leite, from FGV EAESP, the event addressed technologies such as robotics, computer vision, pedestrian movement detection and natural language processing. Participants also developed AI-based enterprise solutions, ending with an NVIDIA certificate proving their competency in AI applications.
Career development and networking
The midweek events were focused on professional growth, with a workshop led by Sanofi executives on Wednesday. Marcela Fernandes, Global Talent Partner, Andrea Suarez, Head of Talent Management Brazil, and Danielle Costa, Learning Partner, guided participants on career planning and personal branding.
"The PIE model – Performance, Image and Exhibition – can completely transform your approach to the professional trajectory", shared Marcela Fernandes.
Later, Oliver Wyman promoted a networking session, with associate Luis Kuster, MPGI/CEMS alumnus, sharing insights into the world of consulting.
A platform for connection and growth
The LATAM Forum 2024 exemplified the power of transnational collaboration. Combining sustainability efforts, professional insights, and cultural experiences, the event provided attendees with not only new knowledge, but also lifelong memories and connections.
"Events like this prove that the future of leadership is collaborative, inclusive, and impactful," concluded Alice Micheletti, a student at MPGI/CEMS.
In the end, the participants took away not only a deeper understanding of the LATAM region, but also a renewed commitment to promoting change in their communities.
