Cape Town’s Sustainable Brands event was the first of its kind in Africa. Hundreds of thought leaders, brand innovators, designers, and global business leaders gathered to explore various topics and issues pertinent to sustainability over a period of 4 days. Brands such as Procter and Gamble, Nedbank, SAB Miller, and BASF were represented.
The event had a host of impressive speakers such as Kevin James and Lise Pretorius from GCX Africa who believe that the only way to solve the many problems that our current sustainability conundrum presents, is to connect the dots between stakeholders, their activities, and the various systems within which they all interact. Kim Clayton and Kate Hawke from Within People also gave a workshop presentation. They believe that growth comes from within and they help business leaders and brands find their truth, their purpose, and then to live it. Wholeheartedly.
Another speaker was Thomas Kolster author of the book, The Bible of Goodvertising which is about how the responsible revolution is transforming not only the advertising but the business landscape as we know it – and how communication has a pivotal role to play in finding solutions for good. Thomas gave an impressive workshop presentation alongside Mark Aink, a brand activist whose dream is to help brands that add real value (ecological, social, and economic) win. His client’s responsibility includes Apple, Nike, Heineken and Microsoft among others.
There was also Dr. Sirikul from Thailand who gave a fascinating presentation on the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy, which has its roots in Buddhism. Dr. Sirikul works with clients who truly believe in sustainable branding and systematic methodology.
Perhaps the most thought-provoking encounter for us at MK-Africa was with KoAnn Vikoren Skrzyniarz who founded the widely respected Sustainable Brands Conference, which is now the premier international community of sustainable business innovators. The conversation with KoAnn simplified ‘sustainability’. Having enough. Living for the experience rather than for things. All too often, we are driven by the rampant consumerism in our society to keep wanting more, bigger, and better. There is value in ‘enough’ even for companies.
Through an innovative program of collaboration and information, Sustainable Brands Africa creates a gathering of international proportions to evaluate the opportunities for African brands to adapt and thrive in a fast-changing to drive business success and activate positive social and environmental change. It is definitely THE sustainability event in Africa.
