Connect & Cheers 3 Builds New Bridges Between Business and Diplomacy
Diplomats, business leaders, government representatives, chamber executives and community leaders gathered at L’Aqua Rooftop Terrace at Sydney’s Cockle Bay Wharf on 30 July 2026 for Connect & Cheers 3. An Evening of Business and Diplomacy.
Hosted by the Australian Business Summit Council Inc., the event marked the third instalment of the organisation’s growing Connect & Cheers series that was created to provide an elegant yet relaxed environment where representatives from different countries, industries and institutions could meet, exchange ideas and establish meaningful professional relationships.
Addressing 120 VIPs and other guests, ABSC Inc. President Dr. Frank Alafaci PhD stated that the continuing success of the series demonstrated the need for opportunities where business and diplomacy could come together outside traditional conferences, official meetings and formal programs. Informal conversations could often become the beginning of significant business relationships, international partnerships, trade opportunities and enduring friendships.
Connect and Cheers 3 attracted an eminent diplomatic delegation, featuring consuls general and other consular representatives from Croatia, Italy, Egypt, Türkiye, Malta, Romania, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, the Philippines, Bangladesh, Namibia, Japan, the United States, China, Indonesia, Iraq, Hungary, Malaysia, Greece, Latvia, Estonia, Slovenia, El Salvador and the Slovak Republic.
Senior business, government and community representatives also attended, including Chief Inspector Bradley Johnston of the NSW Police Force; Mr. Larry Kestelman, Executive Chairman of the LK Group; Mr. John Jiang and Mr. David Zhang of the Australian Dongbei Chinese Chamber of Commerce; Mr. Ju Bek Hyung of the Korean Society of Sydney; Mr. Richard Boateng of the Australian Ghanaian Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Ms. Ubah Gabris of the Somali Council of NSW; Mr. Michael Azzi of the Liverpool Chamber of Commerce; City of Canada Bay Councillor Mas Meuross; and City of Canada Bay Councillor and Australian Business Summit Council Inc. Secretary Sylvia Alafaci.
Dr. Alafaci noted that the diversity of those present reflected the growing importance of constructive international engagement and the increasing role of the Australian Business Summit Council Inc. in connecting people across countries, industries and communities.
The central message of the evening was that successful networking must extend beyond exchanging business cards or adding new contacts on social media. Genuine professional relationships require curiosity, listening, trust, generosity and a willingness to explore what people and organisations can achieve together.
The range of participants created numerous possibilities for cooperation. A diplomatic representative could meet an Australian company capable of contributing to economic development in another country. A business leader could discover a new export market or investment opportunity. A chamber of commerce could identify a potential partnership with another organisation, while a government representative could gain a better understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing business.
Dr. Alafaci stressed that complex economic, social and international challenges could not be addressed by governments, businesses or civil society acting alone. Progress required cooperation, shared knowledge, trust and common purpose. Formal meetings remain essential, but informal diplomacy can allow participants to communicate more openly and discover opportunities that may not emerge in a formal setting.
The Australian Business Summit Council Inc. is a not-for-profit, multisector organisation dedicated to advancing international business, trade, investment, diplomacy and knowledge exchange. It brings together diplomats, policymakers, business leaders, investors, academics, chambers of commerce and community representatives through forums, conferences, networking events and publications.
The Council seeks to complement the work of diplomatic missions, government agencies, trade bodies and chambers of commerce by providing an independent and welcoming platform where relationships can develop across sectors and national borders.
The organisation believes that sustainable business relationships are built on mutual respect, cultural understanding and personal trust. Trade agreements, economic policies and investment frameworks are important, but people ultimately transform those frameworks into practical outcomes by recognising opportunities, making introductions and turning ideas into action.
The Council also publishes EKONOMOS, an international business affairs magazine featuring contributions from ambassadors, high commissioners, business executives, academics and thought leaders. It provides a platform for informed discussion about international trade, investment, economics, diplomacy, innovation and the changing global environment.
Through EKONOMOS and its events, the Council aims to share international perspectives with Australian audiences, while showcasing the achievements and capabilities of Australian businesses to diplomatic and international communities.
Australia’s cultural diversity was described as one of the nation’s greatest economic and diplomatic strengths. The languages, cultural knowledge, professional expertise and international relationships represented within Australian society provide the country with an exceptional capacity to engage with the world.
Connect & Cheers 3 also took place during a period of economic uncertainty, technological transformation, changing supply chains and evolving geopolitical conditions. In this environment, trusted relationships are increasingly valuable.
Trust, however, cannot be created overnight. It develops gradually through conversations, shared experiences, reliability and mutual respect. Some introductions made during the evening might lead to immediate opportunities, while others could develop into future partnerships.
Dr. Alafaci thanked the diplomatic representatives, business leaders, government officials, emergency services representatives, community leaders, Council members and supporters who contributed to the success of the event, especially Councillor Sylvia Alafaci, the Secretary of the Australian Business Summit Council Inc., whose dedication, energy and attention to detail were instrumental in organising the evening.
Looking ahead, the Council intends to continue developing Connect & Cheers as a trusted platform through which diplomacy, business and community leadership can come together.
As the ABSC Inc. President summed up: “Let us continue to build bridges between nations. Let us transform conversations into collaboration. Let us turn introductions into opportunities. And let us ensure that the connections made tonight become the partnerships of tomorrow.”
