The Australian Business Summit Council Inc. (ABSC Inc.) hosted its Annual Gala Dinner and the Official Launch of EKONOMOS Issue 7 at Aqua Luna Waterfront Dining, Drummoyne, New South Wales on 29th May 2026 with an impressive gathering of almost 300 diplomatic representatives, business leaders and community stakeholders from across Australia and around the world.
This distinguished event attracted ambassadors, high commissioners, deputy high commissioners, chargés d’affaires, consuls-general, diplomats, business leaders, academics, bankers, legal practitioners, government representatives, community leaders and members of the media, highlighting the ABSC Inc.’s growing role as a platform for international engagement, economic cooperation and cross-cultural collaboration, while celebrating diplomacy, trade, investment, entrepreneurship and multiculturalism.
Masterfully hosted by the eminent Master of Ceremonies Mr John Gatfield OAM, the evening commenced with the arrival of VIPs and ordinary guests in an atmosphere of warmth, professionalism and international goodwill to celebrate another significant milestone in the growth of the ABSC Inc. at the magnificent five-star venue overlooking the picturesque Parramatta River waterfront against the inimitable backdrop of Sydney Harbour.
In welcoming the attendees, Mr Gatfield acknowledged the remarkable diplomatic presence that had assembled for the event. Ambassadors representing Indonesia, Egypt, Türkiye, Colombia, Romania, Angola, Mongolia, Zimbabwe, Peru, Ecuador, Costa Rica and Kosovo were in attendance, together with High Commissioners from Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Ghana, Botswana and Mauritius. Also present were Deputy High Commissioners from Kenya and Uganda, Chargés d’Affaires from Ethiopia and Sudan, and Consuls-General representing China, Russia, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Vietnam, Egypt, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Poland, the Netherlands, Uruguay and Vanuatu. Additional diplomatic representatives attended from the United States of America, France, Greece, Iraq, Malaysia, Thailand, Hungary, the Slovak Republic and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Their collective presence demonstrated the growing reputation of the ABSC Inc. as an important platform for international engagement and cooperation.
Initially, the audience was invited to hear from the ABSC Inc. President, Dr Frank Alafaci PhD, who reflected on the extraordinary growth of both the Council and EKONOMOS, emphasising that the magazine was conceived as far more than a business magazine but as an intellectual platform through which ambassadors, diplomats, business leaders, academics, entrepreneurs and policymakers could contribute meaningful insights on trade, investment, innovation, leadership and international cooperation.
Dr Alafaci noted that economic diplomacy has become one of the defining forces shaping international relations in the twenty-first century. Trade and investment, he observed, are no longer simply commercial activities, but powerful instruments for building partnerships, encouraging innovation, strengthening stability and fostering long-term cooperation between nations. He explained that EKONOMOS was established to contribute to these important conversations by providing a forum where diverse perspectives could be shared and examined.
The President emphasised the significance of the seventh issue of EKONOMOS, which features contributions from twenty-seven distinguished authors in addition to his own contribution. These contributors represent an impressive range of countries, industries and professional disciplines whose articles examined topics including global trade and investment trends, economic diplomacy, entrepreneurship, infrastructure development, sustainability, leadership, governance, education and international engagement, contributing to a publication that continues to grow in stature, influence and international relevance.
A major highlight of the evening was the keynote address delivered by Mr Taylor Nugent, Senior Economist with the National Australia Bank. Widely regarded as one of Australia’s leading young economic commentators, Mr Nugent provided guests with an insightful analysis of the economic conditions shaping Australia and the global economy.
Drawing upon his extensive research and professional experience, Mr Nugent examined inflationary pressures, business confidence, labour market trends, consumer activity, trade dynamics and broader macroeconomic developments. His presentation offered valuable perspectives on the challenges and opportunities confronting businesses in an increasingly complex and uncertain global environment, generating considerable interest and discussion throughout the remainder of the evening.
Adding a rich cultural dimension to the evening were two outstanding performances by internationally acclaimed tenor Mr Simon Kim. Born in South Korea and trained in both his native land and Europe, Mr Kim has enjoyed a distinguished international career and has performed leading roles with Opera Australia and major opera companies around the world.
His performances captivated the attendees with a selection of magnificent Italian operatic works and traditional repertoire, delivered with exceptional vocal power, artistry and emotion, serving as a reminder of the important role that culture and the arts play in fostering understanding and connection between people from different backgrounds and ethnicities.
One of the most significant moments of the evening occurred when Dr Alafaci formally launched the seventh issue of EKONOMOS which represents the ABSC Inc.’s continuing commitment to promoting informed discussion and strategic thinking on matters relating to business, trade, investment, diplomacy and international cooperation.
Issue 7 is arguably the most internationally diverse edition of the magazine published to date as its article contributors include ambassadors, high commissioners, diplomatic representatives, business executives, academics, entrepreneurs, consultants and thought leaders from around the globe. Collectively, their articles provide valuable insights into contemporary economic and geopolitical issue, whilst highlighting opportunities for future cooperation and growth.
The official launch was followed by the EKONOMOS Contributors Recognition Ceremony where hard copies of the magazine and commemorative crystal plaques were presented to the article contributors and their representatives in recognition of their valued support and participation, ranging from Angola, Colombia, Zimbabwe, Thailand, Uganda, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Ethiopia, and Botswana to the Netherlands, together with an outstanding group of business leaders, academics and professionals who had contributed articles to the publication.
Moreover, the evening continued with the EKONOMOS Sponsors Recognition Ceremony, during which the ABSC Inc. formally acknowledged the organisations whose generous support made both the publication and the Annual Gala Dinner possible, with special recognition given to Alliance Project Group, Arab Bank Australia Limited, EZGrants, Symphonic Management Consulting, Serenade Leather, Blue River Wines, DRS ABCD First Aid Training and TradeWindow whose representatives were also invited to the stage to receive hard copies of the magazine and commemorative crystal plaques in appreciation of their financial contribution and support.
In acknowledging the sponsors, Dr Alafaci noted that sponsorship represents far more than financial assistance. Rather, it reflects confidence in the ABSC inc.’s mission and a shared commitment to promoting international engagement, dialogue, collaboration and partnership between business, government, academia, diplomacy and the wider community.
Following the awards presentations, the EKONOMOS article contributors, sponsors, diplomats and dignitaries gathered on stage for the official commemorative photograph, creating a lasting record of an evening that celebrated diplomacy, business excellence and international cooperation.
The formal proceedings concluded with closing remarks from Mr John Gatfield OAM who reflected upon the success of the evening, observing that the event had been far more than an Annual Gala Dinner. It had been a celebration of international friendship, multiculturalism, diplomacy, business collaboration and the enduring importance of dialogue between peoples and countries.
Mr Gatfield thanked Dr Frank Alafaci, Councillor Sylvia Alafaci, the ABSC Inc. Board of Directors, committee members, volunteers, sponsors and supporters whose dedication had made the event possible, as well as the many diplomatic representatives who had honoured the Council with their presence and encouraged the attendees to continue the conversations and relationships initiated throughout the evening.
As guests departed Aqua Luna Waterfront Dining, there was a strong sense that the 2026 ABSC Inc. Annual Gala Dinner and Official Launch of EKONOMOS Issue 7 had been one of the most successful events in the Council’s history. The exceptional diplomatic representation, the high calibre of speakers, the outstanding musical performances, and the recognition of contributors and sponsors all combined to create an evening of distinction and significance.
Most importantly, the event reinforced the ABSC Inc.’s central belief that meaningful relationships, constructive dialogue and international cooperation remain essential foundations for economic prosperity, peace and mutual understanding in an increasingly interconnected world, celebrating not only the successful launch of EKONOMOS Issue 7 but also strengthening the many friendships, partnerships and professional relationships that will continue to advance international engagement and cooperation in the years ahead.
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