The inaugural Leadership Summit, organized by the United Asian Network (UAN), a non-political, not-for-profit organization, concluded with insightful discussions on how the Asian community can contribute to national cohesion and economic growth in Kenya. The summit brought together community leaders, business heads, and youth to explore strategies for fostering peace and stability within the Asian community while advocating for their role in Kenya’s broader development.
The summit emerged after extensive consultations with leaders across various sectors and generations, all emphasizing the importance of a unified platform for the Asian community to drive impactful initiatives. The research highlighted a shared understanding that collaboration could yield far greater benefits than individual efforts, offering a cohesive approach to addressing social and economic challenges.
Dr. Bimal Kantaria, UAN’s chairman, underscored the community’s responsibility in contributing to national development, stating, “If you make money in the country, it’s important to invest in contributing towards national growth. Our prosperity is intertwined with the well-being of our nation.” His sentiments highlighted the commitment of the Asian community to play an active role in Kenya’s development.
The summit explored how to create a safe space for addressing challenges, empowering youth leadership, and fostering discussions on national cohesion, peace-building, and economic empowerment. Attendees discussed the importance of ensuring the voices of young leaders are heard and encouraged active participation in community development.
President Surinder Singh Sihra opened the event by welcoming attendees and emphasizing the need for collaboration to ensure community growth. The keynote speaker, Dr. Vimal Shah, Co-founder and Chairman of Bidco Africa, stressed the significance of national cohesion in a multicultural society, urging participants to break down silos that divide communities.
The event featured four key thematic tracks:
- Understanding National Cohesion, led by moderator P.V.S. Rao, focused on the need for internal unity within the Asian community to foster national cohesion.
- Unifying the Asian Community in Kenya, which highlighted initiatives like the Festival of Friendship aimed at building stronger connections within the community.
- Economic Collaboration, which explored entrepreneurial opportunities and UAN’s Mombasa Chapter’s role in driving youth entrepreneurship.
- Gen Z Action Planning, where young leaders pledged their commitment to becoming change-makers within their communities.
The Leadership Summit is set to become UAN’s annual flagship event, reinforcing its dedication to building community cohesion and promoting economic development. The summit concluded with the signing of a communiqué outlining ten pledges for future actions, signaling the community’s determination to work towards a brighter future for the Asian community in Kenya.
Dr. Bimal Kantaria summarized the event’s key takeaway, saying, “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.”
