A digital campaign entitled “International Business is Everyone’s Business” has been launched to coincide with International Business Week.

It promotes scholarships and career opportunities in IB available to young people, and highlights how Bermuda’s global corporations supported the economy and wider community throughout the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The programme will run on social channels throughout the year. Award-winning Bermudian Meredith Andrews is providing photographs, and the success stories of four young and Bermudians who work in the sector – Kimika Jackson, Jevon Swan, Amon Wedderburn and Kaisha Wilson, are highlighted on the website.

Association of Bermuda International Companies scholars Maha Clarke, Chen Foley, Cara Johnston and Teree Tucker are also featured.

In addition, a virtual quiz will be held for the island’s middle schools, in place of hosting school visits to comply with current safety measures, and provides an engaging way to build on Abic’s work with teachers to create international business curricula geared to this age group.

Patrick Tannock, chairman of Abic and chief executive officer of Axa XL’s Bermuda insurance operations, said: “IB Week is not just about putting the spotlight on the sector, which is something Abic has been doing for the past 50 years. It is also about connecting with all stakeholders in the community to build a better understanding of what IB entails and why it is so important to Bermuda’s economic recovery, stability and advancement as a leading business jurisdiction.

“After all, we are all in this together – international business is as critical to Bermuda as Bermuda is to international business. At Abic, we have long recognised the importance of developing our local talent pool and ensuring the participation of Bermudians in the international business sector.

“We are proud to have supported more than 700 Bermuda students with college scholarships, many of whom now hold leadership positions.

“In the last 10 years alone, our members have invested more than $5.5 million in the education of Bermuda’s young people and we plan to continue to do so well into the future.”

This year, IB Week runs from March 29 and is led by Abic in partnership with the Association of Bermuda Insurers and Reinsurers, Bermuda International Long Term Insurers and Reinsurers, and the Bermuda Business Development Agency.

John Huff, president and CEO of Abir, said: “During the first six months of 2020, our member companies contributed $3.1 million of support for Bermuda charities and Bermudians represent over 72 per cent per cent of Abir’s member workforce.

“While Abir member companies serve a global community they remain committed to supporting and investing in the island’s economy and her people. We are here today, and we will be here tomorrow – driving economic growth with the support of our strong Bermuda workforce.”

Shelby Weldon, executive director of Biltir, said: “I’m incredibly proud to say that Biltir and its member companies contributed over $4m in donations to a range of deserving projects across the community in 2020. The life reinsurance sector also supported more than 50 initiatives, including volunteering, fundraising, sponsorships, scholarships, mentoring and donations to local causes and schools.

“Bermuda life insurers play a critical role in the global industry and it is a sector that continues to grow with new companies establishing themselves on island, underscoring the opportunity in this space.”

Roland Andy Burrows, CEO of the BDA, said: “2020 presented enormous challenges for everyone, and while challenges still remain, the international business sector demonstrated its resilience, stability and continued commitment to Bermuda.

“The sector is not only the island’s key economic driver, it is absolutely vital to our economic recovery and future growth. The global corporations, industry associations and individuals involved have given generously, financially and otherwise.

“And importantly they continue to give our young people real opportunities to succeed and realise their aspirations in a number of industries where Bermuda sets the global standard.”

To find out more about IB Week, visit www.bda.bm/ib