Top forum for mayor
THE Brisbane Olympic Games in 2032 and ongoing challenges with Covid-19 will be some of the key discussion points for Toowoomba Mayor Paul Antonio when he joins a major Asia-Pacific region cities summit next month.
Mr Antonio will join a number of his mayoral colleagues in southeast Queensland, as well as a host of nations across Asia, for the Asia Pacific Cities Summit and Mayors’ Forum in Brisbane from September 8.
It will be the first time mayors and local businesses across the region have gathered since the start of the pandemic last year.
The Mayor said he was looking forward to reconnecting with a number of key people to showcase the Toowoomba region’s recent economic achievements.
“You only have to look at the successful 2032 Olympic bid to realise what sort of things can be achieved by coming together at events of this nature,” Mr Antonio said.
“There’s no doubt a collective and united voice is far stronger than an individual voice and as such, I encourage leaders and businesses alike, to be part of this summit.”
Keynote speakers for the event include British infrastructure consultant Simon Wright, Former Maryland Governor and US presidential candidate Martin O’Malley and respected Australian athlete Kurt Fearnley.
Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the summit was an opportunity for local businesses across Queensland to join the conversation and connect with other leaders.
“From Covid to climate change, growing populations and life changing innovation to Brisbane 2032 Games, these are the hot topics that will be tackled when business leaders and mayors meet next month,” Mr Schrinner said.
“The last time mayors and business leaders across the Asia Pacific and beyond came together was in 2019, and clearly a lot has changed since then.
“APCS provides an excellent platform for community leaders and local businesses to leverage the exposure of Brisbane 2032 and promote their capacity and capability to foreign businesses.
Businesses will be given the opportunity to showcase their brand, services and products to the key decisionmakers of the region, including government, business, industry and emerging leaders.