The Summit was unique in many ways, not least that 25 simultaneous roundtables took place on a range of critical issues on India, its economy, and globalisation. In my opening speech, I explained to the packed audience: “we are all speakers as through this (never tried before) format of concurrent roundtable conversations and our technology platform, we all have the ability to contribute to today’s deliberations and give volume to our ideas.”

This format received universal appreciation, bringing together stakeholders from diverse backgrounds, identifying key concerns and challenges, and motivating the development of outcome- based strategies under the larger ambits of Trade and Investment, Technology and Innovation, Climate Action and Sustainability, Diversity and Inclusion, and Governance and Social Impact. Across the board, our roundtables were able to develop actionable takeaways on amplifying necessary platforms, increasing investment, and leveraging India’s vast potential for innovation.

Particular attention was paid to two aspects of India's recent growth story which I believe have not yet received the global recognition they deserve – climate action and diversity & inclusion. I am therefore extremely pleased that India Global Forum has made these areas a priority for our work ahead, both through the roundtables, as well as our WomenIN and Climate & Business (ClimB) programmes.

Over the course of the Summit, we heard from some of the most experienced and energised minds, including the Hon. Ashwini Vaishnav, one of India’s most dynamic ministers, who gave a much- commended presentation on India’s growth in the railways and technology sectors. Indian cabinet ministers, Hon. Smriti Irani and Hon. Bhupender Yadav also made significant interventions on how India’s commitment to rapid gender empowerment and rapid climate action respectively are critical for its success and the future of global conversations about social impact and sustainability.

I am deeply grateful to all our diverse and wonderful host organisations for being such great partners in our collective effort to map out the blueprint of India’s future growth.

I am especially grateful to Standard Chartered Bank & VFS Global - our sponsors for the Annual Summit, Deloitte - our Knowledge Partners, our Founders Circle, and our Global Corporate Members, who continue to actively support and inform our work in India, the UK, the UAE, and across the world.

So, friends, I very much hope you find the summary of our Annual Summit insightful and actionable. India Global Forum has recently opened up its membership to individuals and I would invite and encourage you all to Join the Conversation, to join India Global Forum, and to join our journey.

Thank you!