Alvaro Noboa spoke of the social commitment of entrepreneurs which goes further than simply complying with the law, such as paying social security, given that in his particular case, he supports his employees through private medical attention, discounted provisions through commissaries, housing credits, partial and full scholarships, educational seminars to improve professional qualifications and donations towards family emergencies, besides taking care of the ecosystem and offering consumers one of the highest-quality products available.

“I accomplish,” he said, “what the State should do, but doesn’t”, referring to the work of the New Humanity Crusade, which he directs and maintains through his own funds and that of his companies in order to foment health via medical brigades, education via computers for poor students in state schools, aid to the disabled via wheelchairs and orthopedic limbs, and employment via credits to small businesses such as poultry farmers, pig farmers, mechanics and seamstresses, etc.

Important panelists such as Emilio Azcárraga of Televisa, Gustavo Cisnerso of Univision and Ricardo Salinas of Television Azteca took part in the summit, who – in the topic of communications – emphasized the importance of television as a mass media for raising education and cultural levels among populations.

Principal themes were the economic development of Latin America, how to generate more employment, and how to raise education levels among Latin Americans. The conclusion that for every dollar invested in education, Latin Americans obtain $4 dollars through production thus ratified the Chinese proverb that it is necessary to teach people how to fish.

The presentations of all the businessmen coincided in that social needs are extensive in Latin American countries; that poverty effects more than half of the population, which lacks access to education, health, nutrition, employment and housing; and thus it is the responsibility of businessmen to invest in social development programs directed at peoples in greatest need.

Special guests at this significant event included former President of Spain, Felipe González, of Uruguay, Julio María Sanguinetti, and of Colombia, César Gaviria, Former Secretary General of the OAS.

Alvaro Noboa invited the Latin American businessmen to invest in Ecuador.

Alvaro Noboa participated in the summit, accompanied by his wife, Anabella and his children, Daniel, John Sebastian and Carla, as well as his nephews, Leonardo y Antonio Noboa Ycaza.