Building Cities of Tomorrow: The Leadership and Innovation Imperative

Social capital is a necessary precondition for successful development, but a strong rule of law and basic political institutions are necessary to build social capital. This is the foundation for a strong democracy and sustainable economic growth. Bridging societal gaps is essential for strong social capital because a broader radius of trust will enable connections across borders of all sorts and serve as a basis for institutions. Leaders have the opportunity, authority and the responsibility to build communities, states and nations that coexist, collaborate and concrete their future. This session will invite leaders to share their thoughts on approaches to strengthen social capital and build the fabric of a collaborative society.

Speakers:

• Hon. Mr. Armin Laschet, Deputy Chairman of Christian Democratic Union of Germany (CDU), Germany
• Hon. Mr. Devendra Fadnavis, Chief Minister of Maharashtra, India
• Hon. Mr. Chandra Babu Naidu, Chief Minister, Andhra Pradesh, India
• Dr. Arvind Panagariya, Vice Chairman of Niti Aayog, India
• Hon. Mr. Hakubun Shimomura, Former Minister of Education, Science & Technology, Sports and Culture, Japan

Deep Dive I: Steady and Adaptive

In the current turbulent and ever changing times, stoic calm, perseverance and continuity seem to be the key qualities of leadership success. However, exactly because everything is changing so fast, leaders also need to be agile, able to change paradigms and adapt to new strategies. This deep dive asks leaders to share their personal recipes how they have developed these complementary skills.

Speakers:

• Hon. Mr. Jan Creemers, Mayor, City of Maaseik, Belgium
• Hon. Mr. Rabin Baldewsingh, Deputy Mayor of The Hague, Netherlands
• Hon. Mr. Edward Baillieu, Former Premier of Victoria, Australia
• Capt. R. S. Sindhu, Chairman of ACB, India
• Ms. Brigitte van Baren, Founder, Inner Sense, Netherlands

Deep Dive III: Women in Leadership

"The primordial energy or 'Shakti' which is the life force behind the entire creation is feminine" - Gurudev.

Women are our first teachers or Gurus. They teach us our first behavior. They have a great role to play in the education and development of their children and this contribution is crucial in the creation of a society of happy, dynamic and effective individuals. She can balance the inner peace, beauty and ethical values with external challenges. These qualities are inherent in her. This session will address how women can recognize these inherent strengths by focusing on what they have rather than what they do not. It will highlight the need for women to come together unite and rise above their differences to make a positive social transformation. It will emphasize the role of spirituality and spiritual practices in strengthening the mind and building inner confidence; qualities of a successful as well as contented leader.

Speakers:

• Ms. Bhanumathi Narsimhan, Director, Women Empowerment and Child Welfare Programs, The Art of Living, India
• Hon. Ms. Smriti Irani, Minister of Human Resource Development, India
• Hon. Ms. Meenakshi Lekhi, Member of Parliament, India
• Hon. Ms. Bariza Khiari, Member of Senate, France
• Hon. Ms. Yvonne Feri, Member of Parliament, Switzerland
• Dr. Kiran Bedi, Politician and Social Activist, India

Deep Dive V: Inner peace for societal peace

Society cannot be peaceful unless the people comprising it are. Even a few stressed, unhappy people in a community can become the reason for breakdown of communication and conflicts. On the other hand, a few happy and inspired individuals can be the fountain heads of change and positive societal transformation. How then, can we as individuals tap into our reservoir of inner peace, tranquility and happiness to spread the waves of positivity in our environments? What can we learn from the different faiths of the world to enrich our own lives and those of people around us? In this session we will have an opportunity to get a glimpse into how the approach of non-violent communication has helped in resolving conflicts in the world and how nurturing inner peace can truly be a key to global peace.

Speakers:

• Hon. Mr. Hernán Penagos Giraldo, Member of Colombian Parliament, Colombia
• Mr. Franscico Occampo, Director, Leadership and Youth Program, Mexico
• Swami Sadyojatah, International Director, The Art of Living Peace Programs
• Ms. Mawahib Shaibani, CEO, The Art of Living - Middle East
• Mr. Sanjay Kumar, Director, Youth Leadership Training Programs, India