The inaugural Indiaspora Forum for Good, bringing together influential figures from over 30 countries to transform ideas into reality and drive positive international change, kicked off at the Grand Hyatt in Abu Dhabi on Feb. 23.
Speakers at the inaugural Plenary Session of the three-day groundbreaking event, organized by Indiaspora, a nonprofit organization uniting global leaders of Indian origin, included Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahyan, United Arab Emirates Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence.
The event in Abu Dhabi and Dubai unites visionary leaders across sectors from tech entrepreneurs and healthcare innovators to financial executives, government officials, and philanthropists, making it a truly global gathering of changemakers that leverages the shared expertise and power of Indian communities worldwide to drive positive international change.
“At a time when India stands tall as one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing economies, our 30 million-strong diaspora is emerging as the most impactful global force,” said MR Rangaswami, Founder of Indiaspora. “This is our moment: by uniting 500 visionary Indian and global leaders, we can tackle challenges—from healthcare and climate change to the frontiers of AI—and build new models for a better world.”
“It’s great to be here, especially since I was at the 1st Indiaspora retreat in 2012,” said Arun Kumar, former assistant secretary of state and former KPMG Country Head, India. “It was somewhere outside New York. It was a small group, maybe a hundred people. It’s amazing to see the growth.”
“I think we have several hundred attending the session here in Abu Dhabi. It’s a great place for people of different interests to come together from 31 countries, which is again quite amazing,” he said. “And the topics that are covered — inclusion, women’s empowerment, AI —these are the very key issues that company managements are facing. There’s a CEO track also. The third day is going to be focused on AI, for example, at the Museum of the Future in Dubai.”
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“It is certainly one of the most large scale ones,” Kumar told the American Bazaar. “I’m sure there will be many think tanks etcetera, but this is very large scale. It also puts together very different disciplines artists sports diplomats political figures journalists, entrepreneurs, business leaders, CEOs.”
“So it’s quite unusual for an event to be curated that pulls in all these different streams of talent and leadership from the Indian diaspora. It’s personally satisfying to see the progress and to be associated with Indiaspora for 13 years,” he said. “I’m sure that few years from now it’s going to be at an even higher level of of interaction, pulling in more select people from around the world,”
“100 Ways to Change the World” segment of the forum showcases the remarkable achievements and global impact of Indian Diaspora community, highlighting innovations and breakthroughs that have resonated worldwide.
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“DNA of the Diaspora” explores the unique cultural heritage, innovative mindset, and remarkable resilience that have propelled Indian communities to excellence across the globe. It examines the fundamental characteristics that have shaped their success story.
“What Will India Do?” analyzes India’s evolving role on the world stage, where the nation has transcended its traditional position to become an architect of global policy and a leader in addressing pressing international challenges.
“The Sky is the Limit” challenges participants to envision new possibilities: How can we leverage our unprecedented global network of talent and influence to create sustainable, positive change for future generations?
In addition to the plenary sessions, the Forum For Good features specialized breakout discussions exploring cutting-edge topics including Artificial Intelligence, investments, strategic philanthropy, art and culture along with the Diaspora’s transformative impact in nations around the world.
Over the course of three days, more than 100 distinguished speakers will share their insights and experiences. Beyond the formal sessions, participants will have unique opportunities to engage with renowned personalities in intimate settings.