Presidential Greeting 2021

Thanks to the continued support and hard work of HBLF member companies, HBLF Diversity Charter members, the HBLF Board members and Team we closed Year 2020 as one of the most successful year since the Hungarian Business Leaders Forum was initiated and created by the Prince of Wales in 1992.  HBLF is a force for good and it is guided by a long-term vision for sustainability and responsible behaviour. 

Year 2020 has been a „Game Changer” for all including HBLF.  Every challenge can create an opportunity, so COVID-19 has completely changed our modus operandi.  In March last year, in a matter of a few weeks, all of the HBLF activities were moved to digital platforms. The new digital programs allowed us to reach out to a bigger, larger and more active audience.   
 
Among others, the HBLF X Mentor Program went global, the Diversity Week in last May gave us access to several European Diversity Week Programs and HBLF Romaster came out as one of the most successful best practices among SAP global diversity initiatives, with wide range of audiences. The 22nd Financial Summit on a first-time hybrid platform went also global with keynote speakers from all over the world and was an unprecedented success attracting numerous viewers and sponsors alike. HBLF started a new „Trendsetter” program in March and laid down the framework of the Diversity Charter’s „Master Classes” to be launched in 2021.   

With you alongside us, we managed to navigate through undeniably tough conditions and remain steadfast.  I am pleased to inform you that despite numerous obstacles over the course of the year our financials became positive breakeven in 2020 and has seen us grow as an organisation as well as ventured into new partnerships and exciting alliances.  HBLF successfully mobilised and facilitated businesses to take a lead in setting standards and engage innovative solutions during the pandemic. 
 
We have seen communities around the world come together to push for a more fair and equal society, and I hope to see further progress in the coming year.  For the first time, we witnessed the collective efforts of governments, businesses and civil societies contributing to help heal from the pandemic.  Finally, we all starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel - news on the Covid-19 vaccines arrived. 

The forces of human ingenuity and determination have once again set us on a brighter path.  Sustainability and digitalisation will take the centre stage and will grow in force in the coming years and expect a big step forward toward developing a more equitable society and economy. 
 
As we venture into the new opportunities and challenges that 2021 present us, I trust the new year bring better tidings for all of us.  I believe that 2021 brings new strengths and new thoughts for a better world shift in our economic model and sustainable inclusive growth. 
 
I would like to thank the HBLF Team: Zsuzsa Fieszl and Zita Pergel for their hard work and commitment throughout the year.  During challenging times HBLF companies increased their collective efforts to make a success. In 2020 HBLF demonstrated what is possible. 
 
Thank you for all! Together we made a difference.
 
I wish you and your families a wonderful 2021 – best of times. 
 
Borbála Czakó 
HBLF President