On May 28, the event “Businesses with a Future: Strategy, Impact, and Responsibility” took place on São Miguel, bringing together business owners, managers, and professionals interested in reflecting on the role of organizations in building a more sustainable, ethical, and resilient economy.
One of the highlights was the presentation by Nuno Gaspar de Oliveira, Executive Director of NBI – Natural Business Intelligence, who introduced the concept of the Natural Economy, emphasizing the importance of recognizing nature’s strategic value as an economic asset. The session highlighted the need to promote regenerative development models capable of reconciling economic prosperity, the conservation of natural resources, and long-term value creation for businesses and territories.
The program also featured Rui Carlos Ávila de Sousa, Executive Director of A.E.S.A., who addressed the topic of Corporate Sustainability, reflecting on the challenges and opportunities organizations face in integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria into their business strategies. In turn, Catarina T. Ferreira Pacheco, from ACEESA – Atlantic Center for Solidarity Economy Studies, offered a perspective focused on organizational ethical culture and social responsibility, highlighting the importance of values and institutional consistency in creating a positive impact.
With enthusiastic participation from several Azorean companies, the event provided a valuable opportunity for learning, sharing experiences, and reflecting on issues that are increasingly crucial to organizational competitiveness and sustainability.
The day culminated in a roundtable discussion moderated by Catarina Almeida de Miranda (Higiaçores), President of the Board of Directors of A.E.S.A., with the participation of Catarina Pacheco (ACEESA) and ℂ𝕒𝕣𝕠𝕝𝕚𝕟𝕒 𝔸𝕣𝕣𝕦𝕕𝕒 𝕋𝕖𝕧𝕖𝕤 (MUSAMI). The discussion focused on some of today’s most relevant challenges, including the inclusion of people in vulnerable situations, the need to balance ambition with operational feasibility when implementing sustainable practices, and emerging ethical issues associated with automation, the digital transition, and the growing use of Artificial Intelligence.
The event reaffirmed the importance of fostering dialogue between different sectors and perspectives, contributing to the development of more aware and responsible organizations that are better prepared to address the challenges of the future.