WEB DESK
Union Minister of State V. Muraleedharan reaffirmed India’s firm resolve in shouldering regional and global responsibilities during the times of crisis. He was delivering a keynote address at as the Guest of Honour at an international conference in Dubai. The event, jointly hosted by IIM Rohtak and the Academy for Global Business Advancement, brought together renowned dignitaries and delegates from various countries.
In his address, the Minister acknowledged the unprecedented challenges faced in recent years, including the global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent geopolitical conflicts. These events have not only disrupted established economic, political, and social systems but have also exposed existing gaps in global frameworks. The Minister stressed that no nation or individual, regardless of wealth, geography, or age, has been untouched by these disruptions. In this context, regional cooperation emerges as a beacon of hope and resilience.
Highlighting India’s potential as a global force, the Minister emphasised the country’s rich civilisational heritage, unity in diversity, and commitment to peace and development. India’s remarkable economic growth, driven by a thriving technology, startup, and innovation ecosystem, positions the nation as a leader in forging strong global partnerships.
The Minister underscored the significance of India’s G20 Presidency, which revolves around the theme of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” – One Earth, One Family, One Future. This theme reflects India’s commitment to unity, inclusivity, and decisive action for the betterment of humanity. The Minister lauded India’s efforts in promoting inclusive progress through initiatives such as the Voice of the Global South Summit, which brought together 125 countries under the theme “Unity of Voice, Unity of Purpose.”
The Minister highlighted the exemplary India-UAE relationship, emphasising the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the two nations. This agreement stands as a testament to the commitment to fostering stronger economic ties and capitalizing on collaborative potential. The Minister also commended the I2U2 group, comprising India, Israel, UAE, and the United States, for establishing a resilient partnership driven by economic pragmatism, multilateral cooperation, and strategic autonomy.
In terms of sustainable development, the Minister emphasised India’s focus on achieving a balance between economic progress and ecological sustainability. India’s ambitious target of 450 GW of renewable energy capacity and its mission to become the world’s largest Green Hydrogen Hub were highlighted as commendable steps towards combating climate change. Initiatives like the International Solar Alliance, led by Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi, demonstrate India’s commitment to collaborative efforts in this domain.
The Minister also underscored India’s dedication to crisis management and disaster resilience. The establishment of a Working Group (WG) on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) during the G20 Presidency and the global Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) exemplify India’s proactive approach to addressing such challenges.
The nineteenth World Congress of the Academy for Global Business Advancement (AGBA) took place in Dubai from May 20-22, 2023. Researchers from over 30 countries gathered at the conference, presenting more than 250 papers under the theme “Business and Entrepreneurship Development in a Globalized and Digitalized Era.” Distinguished delegates from countries such as the USA, India, Indonesia, UAE, Afghanistan, Thailand, Kenya, Taiwan, Sri Lanka, Qatar, Bangladesh, Finland, Vietnam, Pakistan, Malaysia, Jordan, Iraq, Turkey, Lebanon, South Africa, Egypt, New Zealand, Uganda, Kazakhstan, Saudi Arabia, UK, Oman, and Nigeria, among others, were in attendance.
The conference featured renowned speakers, including Shri V Muraleedharan, Hon’ble Minister of State, Ministry of External Affairs, Govt. of India, and H. E. Dr. Aman Puri, Consulate General of India in Dubai. Two major panel discussions were held during the event. The first panel, titled “The role of G20 in creating global economic stability,” was chaired by Prof. Dheeraj Sharma. The panelists included Dr. Manjeev Puri, former ambassador of India to the European Union, Belgium, Luxembourg, and Nepal, Prof. Tatiana Karabchuk, Associate Professor at UAE University, and Dr. Maysaa Banat, Assistant Professor at Rafik Hariri University.
The second panel discussion revolved around the topic “Regional cooperation for strengthening global linkages in the VUCA (Volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity)world.” Prof. Glenn Muschert from Khalifa University of Science & Technology, Prof. Melodena Stephens from Mohammed Bin Rashid School of Government, and Prof. Maxime Jaffre from UAE University participated as panelists, with Prof. Dheeraj Sharma moderating the session.