On May 21, 2023, the prestigious Better World Fund Gala took place. This grand event, meticulously orchestrated by the AMAZONIA FUND ALLIANCE, brought together iconic personalities, including Leonardo DiCaprio, the Brazilian delegation, and indigenous representatives, who graciously and humbly responded to the sincere invitation. It was a collective desire for a brighter future that united these extraordinary individuals, embarking on a profound journey to redefine society's trajectory. Leading this emotional odyssey were the fascinating Nadia Farès, a talented actress, and the gifted musician Ghassan Yammine, who served as hosts for the evening. In the opulent halls of the Hotel Carlton Cannes, adorned in splendor for two consecutive days, May 21 and 22, an assembly driven by an unwavering commitment to social change gathered. Their goal was clear: to illuminate the path to a better world, a shared sentiment that resonated throughout this gathering. The Better World Fund expresses its deepest gratitude to the AMAZONIA FUND ALLIANCE program and its co-founders, Thierry Klemeniuk and Jean-Charles Jougla. The remarkable presence of Leonardo DiCaprio, Fisher Stevens, Alok, and distinguished Brazilian and indigenous officials such as Sonia Guajajara, Minister of Indigenous Peoples; Célia Xakriabá, federal deputy of Brazil; Osmar Almeida Junior, Secretary of State for the Ministry of Social Development of Brazil; and the venerable Chief Raoni, Mapu, was particularly notable. This unprecedented gathering of prominent indigenous figures under one roof fills us with pride. The partnership with Amazoniafundalliance.org for this event has been a source of great pleasure and anticipation for future collaborations. At the heart of this grand event is the Akbaraly Foundation, led by the visionary Cinzia Akbaraly, who tirelessly advocates for the fundamental rights of women and children in Madagascar. Their unwavering dedication aims to provide access to healthcare, education, and a better quality of life, promising a brighter future for all. Equally commendable is the Amazônia Fund Alliance program, under the auspices of the Brazilian Federation of UNESCO (BFUCA).
This program acts as a guardian of the invaluable ecosystems of the Amazon, ardently defending their preservation and safeguarding the beauty and life they contain. The impressive turnout and boundless generosity observed at this grand event have left an indelible mark on Manuel Collas de la Roche, the driving force behind this historic event. Overflowing with gratitude for this remarkable demonstration of solidarity, he emphasizes the transformative power that emerges when individuals transcend their personal interests and unite to lead projects that uplift entire communities. Collas de la Roche firmly believes in the potential of the film industry as a medium for disseminating social, educational, and environmental values, shaping our collective consciousness and inspiring change. The birth of this extraordinary event owes its existence to the invaluable support of the International Well-Being Institute (IIWB), an organization dedicated to fostering connections between talented individuals and intellectuals beyond borders. Driven by the desire to bring together the global elite through meaningful encounters and exchanges, the IIWB played an essential role in organizing this impressive event. The unwavering commitment and invaluable contributions of remarkable personalities such as Dr. ZHANG Dazhun, a psychologist, Emily Cheong, Secretary-General of the IIWB, and Grace Shi, CEO and spokesperson of the IIWB, deserve our sincere appreciation. The conferences held as part of this grand event, bringing together distinguished experts in various social, educational, cultural, and environmental fields, exceeded all expectations. The carefully designed 2023 edition, aimed at empowering and celebrating the younger generation, highlighted their pivotal role in shaping the future and opening a path to a "better world." A particularly captivating conference titled "Youth's Got the Power," organized and led by young people for young people, left an indelible impression on all who attended, testifying to the immense potential that the rising generation holds. The Better World Fund Gala at the Hotel Carlton Cannes was a true celebration of unity, compassion, and the unwavering quest for a brighter future. Through the collective efforts of extraordinary individuals and organizations, a fabric of hope and inspiration was woven, leaving an indelible mark on all those fortunate enough to be part of this historic event. As the curtains closed, the world witnessed the power of collaboration and the profound impact that can be achieved when hearts and minds unite for a common cause.