Founding Chairman

Gil Rémillard

Founding Chairman
International Economic Forum of the Americas
Conference of Montréal

In the wake of the worst economic and financial crisis since the Great Depression of the 1930s, a new world order is becoming established, under the influence of five major factors: (1) an international economy which remains fragile and the development of emerging countries, especially China; (2) climate change and sustainable development issues, especially those involving energy; (3) insecurity over the nuclear and terrorist threats; (4) demographic trends and migratory shifts; and (5) poverty and world hunger.

The need to innovate

This new world order is bringing changes which, due to their global nature, are unprecedented in the history of mankind.  Our challenge is to find sustainable solutions to problems which, for the first time in history, involve the entire planet.  We must therefore be innovative in our new multi-polar world, and we will have quite little maneuvering room.

A new global market

Return to growth is not assured.  We know that if we are to have a sustainable and equitable economic recovery it must be based on a sound global market.   However, 15 years after the creation of the WTO (World Trade Organization) we are witnessing an economic globalization greatly disrupted by difficulties completing the Doha Round, which was initiated in 2001, by regionalism, and also by protectionism, to which we can add unstable currency values.

It is important to properly understand the challenges in building the new world order so we can make the right decisions, which will affect our companies and institutions for decades to come.  Barely two weeks prior to the G8 and G20 summits to be held in Toronto, the International Economic Forum of the Americas / Conference of Montreal, focused on the central theme “Innovating to Succeed in a New Global Market”, will bring you privileged information from some of the most important decision-makers and strategic analysts in the world.  The Conference of Montreal will also help you develop your business contacts with the 3,000 or more participants who are expected to attend the various functions, including a number of international delegations.

I hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you to the 16th Conference of Montreal, to be held from 7 to 10 June 2010 at the Hilton Montreal Bonaventure Hotel.

We remain at your complete disposal to help make your attendance at the Conference of Montreal a most successful and pleasant event.

Until then,

Gil Rémillard