Sir Fazle Abed, founder of BRAC in Bangladesh, the largest NGO in the world talked on developing entrepreneurship at the base of the pyramid. He argued that the perception of BoP has changed from "help the poor" to "sell to the poor" and further to "co-create with the poor".
Elmar Mock, founder of SWATCH, the famous fashion watch brand, made a passionate case for unleashing the creative forces within people, so that the creative does not become slave to the systematic; renovation does not replace innovation; and evolution does not pass off as revolution.
Zoltan Acs, professor at George Mason University's center for entrepreneurship and public policy, talked of entrepreneurial cities. Prof. Alain Fayolle of EMLYON business school talked on entrepreneurship education.
These four talks served as keynotes for four parallel tracks in the conference. Focused working groups were formed, and they got busy forming a vision for 2050 by sharing experiences, identifying drivers and inhibitors, and brainstorming ideas.
Time to leave for the Gala Ceremony where Entrepreneur for the World awards will be given away, followed by Barbara Hendricks concert and Gala dinner.
