In a stunning display of unity and dedication to a brighter future, the prestigious Better World Fund Gala unfolded at the Hotel Carlton Cannes on May 21, 2023. Meticulously organized by the AMAZONIA FUND ALLIANCE, this grand event brought together a constellation of iconic personalities, including the likes of Leonardo DiCaprio, the Brazilian delegation, and indigenous representatives. Their sincere response to the invitation symbolized a collective desire for profound societal transformation.
The evening was gracefully hosted by the captivating Nadia Farès, a talented actress, and the gifted musician Ghassan Yammine. For two consecutive days, May 21 and 22, the opulent halls of the Hotel Carlton Cannes radiated splendor as a diverse assembly committed to social change gathered. Their shared goal was crystal clear: to illuminate the path toward a better world, an aspiration that reverberated throughout the event.
Deep gratitude is extended to the AMAZONIA FUND ALLIANCE program and its co-founders, Thierry Klemeniuk and Jean-Charles Jougla, by the Better World Fund. The remarkable presence of Leonardo DiCaprio, Fisher Stevens, Alok, and distinguished Brazilian and indigenous officials such as Sonia Guajajara, Minister of Indigenous Peoples, Célia Xakriabá, federal deputy of Brazil, Osmar Almeida Junior, Secretary of State for the Ministry of Social Development of Brazil, and the venerable Chief Raoni, Mapu, was truly noteworthy. The gathering of such prominent indigenous figures under one roof fills us with immense pride. The partnership with Amazoniafundalliance.org for this event has brought great pleasure and fuels anticipation for future collaborations.
At the heart of this grand affair lies the Akbaraly Foundation, led by the visionary Cinzia Akbaraly, a tireless advocate for the fundamental rights of women and children in Madagascar. Their unwavering dedication aims to provide access to healthcare, education, and an improved quality of life, promising a brighter future for all. Equally commendable is the Amazônia Fund Alliance program, which operates under the auspices of the Brazilian Federation of UNESCO (BFUCA). This program acts as a guardian of the invaluable ecosystems of the Amazon, passionately defending their preservation and safeguarding the beauty and life they encompass.
The overwhelming turnout and boundless generosity witnessed at this magnificent event have left an indelible mark on Manuel Collas de la Roche, the driving force behind this historic gathering. Overflowing with gratitude for this remarkable demonstration of solidarity, Collas de la Roche emphasizes the transformative power that emerges when individuals transcend personal interests and unite to lead projects that uplift entire communities. He firmly believes in the potential of the film industry as a medium for disseminating social, educational, and environmental values, shaping our collective consciousness and inspiring change. The birth of this extraordinary event owes its existence to the invaluable support of the International Well-Being Institute (IIWB), an organization dedicated to fostering connections between talented individuals and intellectuals beyond borders. Driven by the desire to bring together the global elite through meaningful encounters and exchanges, the IIWB played an essential role in organizing this impressive event. The unwavering commitment and invaluable contributions of remarkable personalities such as Dr. ZHANG Dazhun, a psychologist, Emily Cheong, Secretary-General of the IIWB, and Grace Shi, CEO and spokesperson of the IIWB, deserve our sincere appreciation.
The conferences held as part of this grand event, featuring distinguished experts in various social, educational, cultural, and environmental fields, exceeded all expectations. The thoughtfully curated 2023 edition, aimed at empowering and celebrating the younger generation, highlighted their pivotal role in shaping the future and forging a path toward a "better world." One particularly captivating conference, titled "Youth's Got the Power," organized and led by young people for young people, left an indelible impression on all who attended, testifying to the immense potential held by the rising generation.
The Better World Fund Gala at the Hotel Carlton Cannes served as a true celebration of unity, compassion, and an unwavering quest for a brighter future. Through the collective efforts of extraordinary individuals and organizations, a fabric of hope and inspiration was woven, leaving an indelible mark on all those fortunate enough to be part of this historic event. As the curtains closed, the world bore witness to the power of collaboration and the profound impact that can be achieved when hearts and minds unite for a common cause.