The 10th Horasis Global Summit, themed “Harnessing the Power of Cooperation,” will take place on October 7-9 at the University of São Paulo. The event will bring together more than 1,100 leaders from over 80 countries.
Horasis, an independent think tank based in Zurich, Switzerland, aims to cultivate unity in both geopolitical and economic efforts, countering the tide of an increasingly fragmented world.
São Paulo as a global capital of unity and progress
São Paulo is a fitting host city because of its position as an economic, cultural, and social nucleus that holds the capability to bridge the Global North and South.
“São Paulo is more than Brazil’s financial capital: it is a melting pot of cultures, industries, and visionaries,” said Dr. Frank-Jürgen Richter, Founder and Chairman of Horasis. In many ways, São Paulo embodies the kind of cross-cultural exchange that forms the bedrock of global cooperation and collective progress.
By hosting the summit, São Paulo’s role as a global hub is further reinforced. The event will also highlight Brazil’s growing influence as a center for international collaboration and bridge between emerging and established economies.
What’s more, the University of São Paulo adds another layer of significance. As the largest public university in Brazil, it is a driver of innovation in the country’s tech ecosystem, connects public and private sectors, funds research, and nurtures solutions to real-world challenges. With the University as a co-host, São Paulo offers a uniquely exciting opportunity for constructive dialogue,
The summit’s central theme: cooperation
The three-day program will explore how cooperation- between nations, public and private sectors, generations, and regions- can play a central role in addressing shared challenges.
For Richter, the next decade hinges on one concept: cooperation. “It isn’t a choice- it’s a necessity,” he said, stressing that no country or institution can navigate today’s geopolitical climate alone.
In the multicultural and dynamic São Paulo, leaders will discuss pressing issues, such as climate change, artificial intelligence, urban mobility, health, female leadership, youth empowerment, and the travails of contemporary geopolitics.
The chairman also urged Brazilians to see the summit not as a showcase, but as an opportunity to shape real solutions. He emphasized that the world needs Brazil’s “creativity, energy, and collective intelligence.”
Who’s attending?
Horasis unites ministers, business leaders, academics, opinion leaders, and government officials from across the globe- alongside Brazilian leaders. It also welcomes young entrepreneurs, scientists, representatives from Indigenous communities, and civil society actors.
Dr. Frank-Jürgen Richter
Before Richter founded Horasis in 2005, he was the director of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland. He has described the birth of Horasis as a response to the limitations of traditional forums: “Global dialogue needed a more inclusive foundation, more connected to the challenges and opportunities of the Global South.”
Bo Inge Andersson
As a seasoned executive in the automotive industry, Andersson has led companies including Russia’s GAZ Group, Avtovaz, and Uzbekistan’s UzAuto Motors. Today, he is President and Founder of U.S.-based Ivanhoe IV, an investment and leadership firm based in the U.S., through which he continues to identify investment opportunities whilst sharing his valuable insights into global manufacturing and supply chain dynamics.
Richter praised Andersson’s “truly global perspective and deep understanding of industrial transformation across diverse markets.”
Alejandro Valenzuela
Valenzuela brings over 30 years of experience in the Mexican financial sector, having held positions in both private and public organizations. Valenzuela was CEO of Banco Azteca for over 9 years, transitioning in 2024 to the role of Chairman of the Board.
Under Valenzuela’s stewardship Banco Azteca served as a lifeline for millions of underbanked individuals and SMEs across Latin America. He proved that inclusive finance is key to reducing inequality by democratizing credit, digital banking, and financial literacy.
Valenzuela will share insights on the global economy, emphasising how emerging markets can lead the way in balancing growth, stability and equity.
Jojo Mehta
As Co-Founder and CEO of Stop Ecocide International (UK), Mehta leads a global initiative aimed at criminalizing ecocide- the destruction of the natural environment by deliberate action or neglect.
Her work in international law, environmental policy, and corporate accountability aligns with Horasis’ focus on sustainability and cooperation.
Dr. Sekai Masikana Holland
As Zimbabwe’s former Minister of National Healing, Reconciliation, and Integration, serving from 2009 to 2013, Dr. Holland has dedicated her career to human rights. From advocating for women and Aboriginal Australians, to campaigning against apartheid in South Africa.
Her dedication to peace and reconciliation has been recognized internationally, receiving both the Sydney Peace Prize (2012) and French Legion of Honour (2011).
Richter describes Dr. Holland as a “trailblazer for peace and social justice”, and her experience in pioneering frameworks for dialogue and unity will certainly be indispensable in São Paulo.
Featured image:
Image: Horasis Global Summit 2024
Source: Horasis
