The Australian Business Summit Council Inc. (ABSC Inc.) hosted its much-anticipated “Connect & Cheers. An Evening of Business and Diplomacy” at The Langham Hotel on August 7, 2025, bringing together over 100 distinguished guests from the worlds of government, business, and community leadership. The gathering was an elegant fusion of cultural exchange, international networking, and economic diplomacy, set against the backdrop of one of Sydney’s most prestigious venues.
The evening was presided over by Dr. Frank Alafaci, President of ABSC Inc., who welcomed the diverse assembly with warmth and humour, describing the occasion as “the most productive excuse to enjoy a cocktail this side of Sydney Harbour.”
Dr. Alafaci highlighted the event’s purpose: to create a more informal yet purposeful space for members of the diplomatic and professional communities to connect meaningfully.
The guest list was a testament to the night’s multicultural significance, with attendees including ambassadors, senior diplomats, trade officials, and business leaders from across the globe.
Among the many VIPs acknowledged were: His Excellency Mr. Ali Saad M.H. Al-Hajri, Ambassador of the State of Qatar; Mr. Saston Machigere, Deputy Ambassador, Embassy of Zimbabwe; Mr. Milan Vagner, Minister/Counsellor, Embassy of the Czech Republic and Dr. Alejandro Rivera Becerra, Counsellor for Economic Affairs, Embassy of Mexico.
Consuls General from countries including the Russian Federation, Italy, Romania, Thailand, and New Zealand also attended, as well as Deputy Consuls General from China, Thailand, and Egypt.
Officials from the United States, France, Argentina, Greece, Malaysia, Turkey, Botswana, Qatar and South Korea brought further international depth to the event.
Honorary Consuls from Uganda, Nepal, and El Salvador were also in attendance, along with local government leaders Councillor Sylvia Alafaci and Councillor Mas Meuross from the City of Canada Bay.
Mr. Michael Azzi, President of the Liverpool Chamber of Commerce, was among the notable business figures present, his attendance underscoring the strong links between Sydney’s multicultural business community and the global diplomatic network.
Other distinguished guests included: Dr. Joseph Rizk AM, CEO/Managing Director, Arab Bank Australia Ltd; Mr. Michael Rizk OAM, Head of Trade Relations, Australian Lebanese Chamber of Commerce; Mr. Richard Yuan, Chairman, Australia China Entrepreneurs Club; Mr. John Jiang, President, Australian Dongbei Chinese Chamber of Commerce; and Dr. Patricia Jenkings, President, United Nations Association of Australia (NSW Division).
In his address, Dr. Alafaci spoke of the vision behind the event — one that emerged from conversations with diplomats and professionals who saw the need for more accessible, relationship-driven gatherings.
“Consuls General often receive formal invitations and headlines,” he said, “but it is the wider diplomatic and professional community that deserves more opportunities to engage informally — thoughtfully, purposefully, and without the weight of protocol.”
The evening was designed as more than a reception; it was, as Dr. Alafaci called it, “a gentle diplomatic revolution” — one where soft jazz, fine canapés, and open conversations laid the groundwork for future collaborations.
Dr. Alafaci also took the opportunity to outline ABSC Inc.’s mission. As Australia’s premier multisector international trade council, ABSC Inc. connects businesses, diplomats, policymakers, investors, and thought leaders, from expos to boardrooms, forums to ballrooms. The council also publishes EKONOMOS, an international business affairs magazine featuring contributions from ambassadors, global executives, and innovators. He expressed gratitude to the business guests who purchased tickets to attend, recognising their commitment to strengthening ties between diplomacy and commerce.
The Langham’s refined atmosphere provided the perfect stage for a night that was equal parts professional networking and cultural celebration. Attendees were encouraged to step outside familiar circles, strike up new conversations, and explore opportunities for collaboration.
The event’s format allowed for both high-level discussions and personal exchanges, reinforcing the value of face-to-face interaction in an increasingly digital world. For many, the evening was a reminder that international partnerships often begin not in formal boardrooms, but in warm, relaxed settings where mutual respect and curiosity take centre stage.
As the evening drew to a close, there was a shared sentiment that “Connect & Cheers” should become a recurring fixture on Sydney’s business and diplomatic calendar. With its blend of cultural diversity, professional ambition, and personal connection, the event successfully demonstrated that diplomacy and business can — and should — intersect in dynamic, human-centred ways.
By uniting such a broad spectrum of leaders — from ambassadors to entrepreneurs, trade officials to community representatives — ABSC Inc. reaffirmed its role as a catalyst for cooperation in an ever-changing global environment.
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