Sri Lanka's Professional Coaching Conference returns with focus on 'Humanity 5.0'

IN an effort to unlock a humanfirst future, Sri Lanka's Professional Coaching Conference was held recently for the second time, with a focus on keeping people at the centre of progress in a technology-driven world.

- BY DIVYA THOTAWATTE

The conference, hosted by the International Coaching Federation (ICF), was themed 'Humanity 5.0 – Unlocking a Human-First Future'. It was a two-day event of transformative conversations, interactive experiences, and global perspectives, with a curated lineup of local and international speakers who shared insight into emerging industry trends and opportunities.

Speaking virtually at the event, ICF CEO and Forbes Coaches Council Member Magdalena Mook said, "Humanity is what makes technology useful, not the other way around. As we embrace technology and other AIs, we must remember that the purpose of existence is to support human connection and development."

She highlighted that against the rapid and incomprehensible state of the world, coaching brought clarity, measurable results, and a human-first approach to navigating complexity. The conference was therefore aimed at exploring how coaching could further empower teams and strengthen communities, while staying grounded in empathy, purpose, and connection.

The sessions were designed around three key impact areas:

■ The evolution of "Me" – Coaching for personal growth.

■ Fostering excellence in others – Coaching for collaborative, high-impact teams.

■ Shaping stronger communities – Coaching for local and global change.