As peace gains momentum and the economy takes off, some Colombian business leaders are keen to play an active role in building the country anew. But it’s not only because they foresee more profits. What they really are interested in is to assume fully their role as leaders in order to bring about social changes. Such is the belief of the Forum of Presidents (Foro de Presidentes), an organization set up in 2004 that gathers some 170 top executives of the country’s largest companies.
“The participation of businessmen in public policies is a theme that will become increasingly relevant in time. Entrepreneurs and businessmen must accompany the government in building a better society,” says Omar González, President of the Forum of Presidents. “Improving the conditions for businessmen and helping foreign investment reach our people could help generate opportunities, as long as we don’t forget that a job must be paid on time, with adequate social benefits and with projection in the future.”
The Forum of Presidents also believes that the process of winning the peace is complex and that authorities and businesses must help former fighters to learn another way of life. “It has to be done with intelligence because these people come from holding a rifle and they want to be part of society again. It is possible to find them jobs they will feel comfortable with, for instance as border or forest guards.”
Decidedly innovative and forward-thinking, the Forum of Presidents has been inspired by research on management conducted at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). “Our philosophy is to go from an ego-system – a system centered in ‘me, us, our environment’ – to a truly eco-system focused on society as a whole and on how each of us can take part in improving it,” explains Mr. González.
Top Ten:
1.
Grupo Nutresa2.
Grupo Éxito3.
Procaps4.
Grupo Aval5.
Grupo Sura6.
Grupo Argos7.
Manuelita8.
Carvajal9.
Pacific Rubiales10.
Synergy
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