Politics

Investing in human capital: World Public Assembly calls for global action

Investing in human capital: World Public Assembly calls for global action

One of the forum’s key sessions, titled: “From People’s Trust to the Trust of Economies: Humanitarian Foundations of International Partnership,” brought together economic representatives from Angola, Kuwait, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Myanmar, Russia, Switzerland, and other nations. The discussion centered on the evolving expectations of society toward business in an era of global change.

“We’ve reached a level of development that attracts genuine interest from international businesses,” said Andrei Belyaninov, Secretary General of the World Peoples Assembly, as he opened the session. “I’m confident that these conversations will spark new initiatives and projects.”

Sheikh Naif Al-Muhana Aladwani, Kuwait’s official representative for public diplomacy and President of the WAGB Public Charity Company, emphasised the role of business in shaping society: “A forum like ours strengthens international cooperation. It’s a great achievement to gather representatives from so many countries under one roof. We must recognize our responsibility to society.”

The session highlighted that corporate social responsibility is no longer optional, it’s a driving force behind inclusive growth and global trust. Businesses are expected to address social, environmental, and humanitarian issues alongside economic objectives.

Dr. Kang Zaw, Union Minister of Finance and Revenue of Myanmar, stressed the human dimension of economics: “Trust in the economy and trust among people are deeply interconnected. We must prioritize universal values and build partnerships that transcend borders.”

Svyatozar Darnev, Chairman of Russia’s Osnova construction and financial association, echoed this sentiment: “The economy of life begins with the search for meaning. Ultimately, the economy is built on people.”

Sabena Johannes, CEO of Afritrack Angola Construção Civil S.A., shared her organisation’s commitment to social responsibility: “Our mission is rooted in corporate and social responsibility. Human values depend on essentials like healthcare and education, and most importantly, peace. With peace, we prosper.”

Participants agreed that strengthening trust among people is vital to strengthening economies. Investments in education, healthcare, ecology, culture, and infrastructure were identified as pillars of long-term growth. In a multipolar world, trust between individuals, businesses, and states is emerging as the most valuable resource for sustainable partnerships.

“Politics rarely influences the economy. The reverse is more common. We must engage with politics through economic diplomacy,” added the speaker from Angola.

Raymond Jean Lacoste, CEO of Luxembourg-based IDSS GmbH, highlighted the importance of cultural understanding in global business: “We no longer operate within one country. Cultural adaptation is essential, and it requires management to deeply understand diverse perspectives. We must acknowledge that we think differently.”

Entrepreneurs exchanged best practices and explored new ideas for collaborative projects. Jaziri Alkaf Abdillah Suffian, former Malaysian Senator and Managing Partner of WIPPD Ltd., emphasised education as a strategic investment: “Education is vital, especially in the ASEAN region. Investing in our youth fosters youth diplomacy, which leads to future prosperity.”

The World Public Assembly concluded with a resounding call to action: businesses must embrace their social role, invest in human capital, and build trust across borders to shape a resilient and inclusive global economy.