Konvergenta takes over Eventmanagement of conference on "Happiness and Competitiveness" in Bhutan
From June 20 to 26, 2011, the Kingdom of Bhutan, one of the most fascinating and breath-taking countries of the world, was host to the first Gross National Happiness Fund meeting in Thimphu (Bhutan), together with the Blue Economy. Konvergenta InterZero assisted the organizers in developing, organizing and implementing the event.
The Bhutan Meeting began on June 20 with a welcoming of the more than 70 participants from all over the world by Her Majesty the Queen Mother Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck. Moderated by Prof. Gunter Pauli, experts of the Blue Economy presented their innovations and business models during the following days. All use locally available resources, which can support Bhutan in its development of a sustainable and succesful economy. Among these were concepts for international marketing of organically farmed buckwheat for food production in industrial nations like Japan and Germany. Some promising products from buckwheat are the manufacturing of alcohol-free organic beer and soba (Japanese noodles).
The portfolio of technologies that may be implemented to achieve national energy independence was of a special interest. At present the country relies on fuel imported from neighboring countries like India, and is in need of decentralized solutions for the many remote Himalayan communities. A combination of technologies like solar panels by the Swedish company Solarus AB, the production of methane gas from sewage slurry and organic waste within biogas plants and terpentine won from pine trees will surely form part of the strategy in reaching this milestone.
The innovations and business models presented were discussed with the participants and the Bhutanese government, focusing on their potential for Bhutan and their economic viability. After the Bhutan Meeting, the best and most promising concepts will be implemented within a series of projects. Almost all meeting participants have announced their willingness to assist through providing financial and technological support for these projects.
In cooperation with the Blue Economy, Bhutan is developing an initiative which is unique in the world and will surely be an outstanding example and a new benchmark for sustainable ecological and economical activity.
Konvergenta and Blue Economy present at Cultural Entrepreneurship
On May 19, 2011, a conference is being held at Freie University in Berlin on Ethics, Finance and Politics. Our CEO Anne-Kathrin Kuhlemann will be holding a Keynote there. Her view on the topic: "Despite the crisis: our market economy is the best model for an innovative response to challenges. Our society gives us the room for manoeuvre that we need – and that invites all of us to show we want to shape the way we live. Creativity is crucial to formulate business models that meet the needs of everyone on this planet – while preserving the resources that future generations need to survive. Many entrepreneurs are already putting into practice their answers to our pressing questions. The time has come for the world to find out about that and for good examples to be imitated!" Those that want to join the conference should register soon here.
Konvergenta in "brand eins" - March 2011
In its March 2011 edition, the German business magazine ”brand eins“ is presenting a series of German social entrepreneurs. Our CEO Anne-Kathrin Kuhlemann was interviewed as one of the do-gooders with business sense.
She stressed toward “brand eins” how important it is for young companies with a social mindset to find the right financier as a partner and companion, rather than solely profit-maximizing investors. To convince these financiers, social entrepreneurs have to show a viable business concept. This is the area Ms Kuhlemann considers the most crucial - and often weakest due to a lack of innovative business ideas and entrepreneurial skills.
Konvergenta InterZero invests the largest part of its profits in selected projects and investments. Before any such undertaking, the entrepreneur heading the endeavour is screened with the aim to gain trust in his/her competence. This year, Ms Kuhlemann will launch Germany´s first social stock exchange – a public market place for social and ecological investments, where investors can provide growth capital to world-improving ventures.
Konvergenta in "Capital" - December 2010
We are very pleased that our managing director and shareholder Anne-Kathrin Kuhlemann was elected into the circle of "Young Elite" under 40 of the business magazine Capital. "Capital determined 40 top talents from politics, business, science and society. Among others, the editors asked politicians and officials, career networks and headhunter."
As Konvergenta, we consider it an award to see that the agency's work is not only valued by our customers, but also receives recognition in society, press and public. Through the creation of a Social Stock Exchange, we are building communicative bridges between Socio-Ecological Entrepreneurs and High-Impact Investors wishing to support the growth of these companies.
