MANILA, Philippines – On 28 September 2023, Nicko Mangabat embarked on a transformative journey to Berlin, Germany, to participate in the Berlin Global Dialogue launched by ESMT Berlin. The two-day event brought together global leaders, academics, and innovators to discuss critical world issues. Nicko represented not only the Asian Institute of Management (AIM) but also the Philippines, standing out as the sole Filipino delegate throughout the dialogue.
Nicko showcased his remarkable abilities by collaborating with fellow students from the Global Network for Advanced Management (GNAM). He worked with students from Canada, Brazil, and Mexico to develop a groundbreaking concept called Low Carbon Collab. Their proposal focused on creating a low carbon economy open innovation platform that allows researchers from across the world to upload their research and use cases online, facilitating collaborative efforts that can accelerate the transition to a more sustainable future. By making research accessible to a worldwide audience, the platform has the potential to revolutionize the way researchers and innovators collaborate on low-carbon solutions, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and eco-friendlier world.
During the event, Nicko had the unique opportunity to engage with some of the world’s most influential leaders and decision-makers. He had the honor of meeting the of Germany, Olaf Scholz, a crucial figure in Germany’s efforts to combat climate change and promote sustainable practices. He asked Chancellor Scholz whether he thinks Germany’s energy transition strategies can be replicated in developing regions, to which the Chancellor expressed a nuanced opinion stating that each country will have different needs and that an energy transition strategy must be tailored to the specific needs of the people.
Nicko also met with the CEOs of Mercedes-Benz and Deutsche Telekom during privileged meeting sessions with his learning team. He was particularly interested in asking them difficult questions, observing how these industry titans behave when probed.
Through AIM’s Executive Master in Business Administration program (EMBA), Nicko not only represented the Institute and his country, but also played a pivotal role in pitching the Low Carbon Collab platform to global leaders and business giants. Among those who attended the event were prominent leaders, including the Prime Minister of Albania, Edi Rama, the President of Sri Lanka, Ranil Wickremesinghe, and Larry Fink, the influential CEO of BlackRock, one of the world’s largest asset management firms. His interactions with global corporate leaders, political figures, and influential business personalities broadened his horizons and inspired him to further his research on low carbon solutions to current world problems.
Nicko’s journey is a testament to the power of young, innovative minds in shaping a more sustainable future for our planet. He was chosen among a pool of nominees across the Washington SyCip Graduate School of Business’ various programs as he displayed the leadership qualities the Institute instills in its students. AIM, being the only in the country to be a member of GNAM, is proud to have Nicko as a student representative at the Berlin Global Dialogue.
