Held on Monday, 20 April 2026 at Aqua Luna Waterfront Dining, the evening brought together nearly 170 diplomats, business leaders, academics, industry representatives and multicultural media, providing a platform for cross-sector exchange. Discussions focused on strengthening international partnerships, advancing trade opportunities and deepening Australia’s engagement in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
The prestigious event attracted a high-level gathering of VIPS and guests, featuring H.E. Ms. Arjaree Sriratanaban (Ambassador of Thailand); H.E. Mr. Diego Felipe Cadena Montenegro (Ambassador of Colombia); H.E. Ms. Doris Adzo Denyo Brese (High Commissioner of Ghana); H.E. Mr. Wang Yu (Consul General of China, ambassadorial rank); along with consuls general and senior representatives from Egypt, Malta, Poland, Romania, Ghana, South Korea, Somalia, Turkey and Pakistan, as well as eminent local business figures, including Dr. Joseph Rizk AM (CEO / Managing Director, Arab Bank Australia Ltd) and entrepreneur Mr. Garry Simonian, plus academics, industry professionals and members of the multicultural media.
Dr. Frank Alafaci PhD, President of ABSC Inc., described the evening as both a celebration and a forward-looking moment — recognising the relationships built through the Council’s ongoing work, while previewing the upcoming seventh edition of EKONOMOS, its flagship business affairs publication.
The annual magazine underscores the organisation's growing role as a platform where diplomacy and enterprise intersect — bringing together ideas, facilitating purposeful exchange, and fostering partnerships shaped by long-term vision.
The centrepiece publication brings together contributions from 28 distinguished voices across diplomacy, business, academia and government — including ambassadors, high commissioners and industry leaders — offering global perspectives on international trade and investment.
The official program for the evening focussed on three keynote addresses that provided valuable insights into global economic engagement. Ambassador Ms. Arjaree Sriratanaban spoke on the importance of deepening trade and investment ties between Thailand and Australia, highlighting opportunities for collaboration across key sectors. Ambassador Mr. Diego Felipe Cadena Montenegro followed with a perspective on Colombia’s expanding international engagement, underscoring the important role of multilateral cooperation and sustainable development in advancing global partnerships. Entrepreneur Mr. Garry Simonian delivered a marvellous speech exploring the transformative impact of digital innovation, artificial intelligence and emerging technologies on international business and trade systems.
The keynote presentations were followed by a one-hour panel discussion moderated by Dr. Frank Alafaci, bringing speakers together to explore key issues in business, trade and investment. The session encouraged active audience participation, fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas that reflected the breadth of perspectives in the room, while maintaining a constructive and non-political tone.
The success of the Media Conference and Dinner was supported by the generous contribution of sponsors, including Alliance Project Group; Arab Bank Australia Ltd; Symphonic Management Consulting; Trade Window; Serenade Leather; Blue River Wines; EZ Marketing Australia; and DRS ABCD First Aid Training, whose involvement reflects their industry confidence in the mission of the Australian Business Summit Council Inc.
In concluding the evening, the ABSC Inc. President Dr.Alafaci extended his sincere appreciation to the Council’s Board of Directors and acknowledged the collective effort required to deliver an occasion of such scale and quality, paying special tribute to the ABSC Inc. Secretary Mrs. Sylvia Alafaci for her leadership in organising the major event, from venue selection and table arrangements to overall coordination, as well as to the Aqua Luna events team led by Ms. Anna Finini for their professionalism and support.
The 2026 ABSC Inc. Media Conference and Dinner demonstrated once again the important role in bringing together leaders from diplomacy, business and the wider community to strengthen international relationships and promote Australia as a globally connected and outward-looking economy.
With strong momentum generated by this unforgettable event, anticipation now turns to the ABSC Inc. Annual Gala Dinner on 29th May 2026, where EKONOMOS, Issue 7, 2026 will be formally launched, continuing the Council’s efforts to connect Australia to the world.