Local media coverage and client feedback confirmed that the conference succeeded in establishing KPMG in Nicaragua as a service provider in new areas, such as Development Services, Sustainability, and Government Advisory Services.
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The From Complexity to Opportunity conference was the first IDS event targeted specifically at foundations, not-for-profit organizations, and private sector entities working on development initiatives. The agenda allowed the 150 attendees to not only gain expert insights, but also to get a first-hand look at how specific local efforts that are addressing social needs.
One of the main activities was a visit to the Burned Children Care Foundation, which offers a free, specialized, and comprehensive care and prevention model to children suffering from burns and its subsequent consequences such as, congenital and acquired malformations in Nicaragua and Central America. Day-two started with a field visit to VEGA BAJA, a development project sponsored by KPMG in Nicaragua, located about 40 minutes away from Managua, which focuses on empowering women of the pacific region by combining training in technical and entrepreneurship skills with a culture grounded in values. Additionally, a one-hour meeting was held with students from Ave Maria University, an institution accredited in the United States of America, where more than 75 students actively participated on themes related to Employer of Choice.
The conference closed with a panel discussion on how to best plan for future development – which was moderated by Alfredo Antonio Artiles, Managing Partner of KPMG in Nicaragua. Participants included:
- Lord Michael Hastings, KPMG Global Head of Citizenship and Diversity
- Timothy Stiles, Global Head of IDS
- Antonio Lacayo, Former Prime Minister of Nicaragua and Executive Director of Centro Empresarial Pellas
- Carlos Reynoldo Lacayo, President of uniRSE – an NGO working on Corporate Social Responsibility
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The conference was a clear demonstration that KPMG brings a compelling combination of practical knowledge, technical know-how, and passionate commitment to reform-minded governments and other development players throughout the world.