Advancing the Development Agenda in the Global South
Apr
23
2:00 PM14:00

Advancing the Development Agenda in the Global South

Ahead of the World Bank – IMF Spring Meetings in Washington, D.C., ORF America and the Centre for Social and Economic Progress (CSEP) will host a half-day conference. The conference will bring together thought leaders from the Global South to highlight the need for greater South-South cooperation and explore practical mechanisms for achieving it, especially in the rapidly changing development cooperation landscape. ​​Dr. Montek Singh Ahluwalia, former Finance Secretary of the Government of India and Distinguished Fellow of CSEP, will deliver the keynote address. Other speakers will be announced shortly. 

The discussions will highlight the diversity amongst, and therefore the challenges of defining, the Global South, the existing opportunities and challenges of cooperation among countries of the Global South, and the role of multilateral groupings (both current ones such as G20, ASEAN, IBSA, and BRICS and potential newer ones) to foster greater cooperation going forward. The conference will gather leaders in government, civil society, academia, and the private sector. 

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U.S.-India AI Fellows at the 2025 Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi
Mar
18
to Mar 19

U.S.-India AI Fellows at the 2025 Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi

On March 18-19, the inaugural cohort of the ORF America U.S.-India AI Fellowship Program met in New Delhi for the Raisina Dialogue, co-hosted by the Observer Research Foundation, and the Ministry of External Affairs of the Government of India. This was the second in-person meeting of the AI Fellows to engage in discussions on opportunities and challenges of U.S.-India artificial intelligence (AI) cooperation.

During the conference, the fellows attended plenary sessions focused on emerging technology and geopolitics and discussed their initial findings of their fellowship research projects in breakout sessions. In addition, the U.S.-India AI Fellows participated in dedicated sessions to learn about current developments in India’s AI policy and implementation efforts. This included closed-door meetings with Mr. Abhishek Singh, CEO of the IndiaAI Mission and Additional Secretary at the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) as well as Dr. Avind Gupta, the head and co-founder of the Digital India Foundation.

To conclude their visit to New Delhi, the cohort joined the DPI Enclave the day following the Raisina Dialogue. In his opening remarks, India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri emphasized how India has successfully developed and grown its Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and how DPI has also been adopted by a number of countries in the Global South, a process that is ongoing. The fellows also heard from the United Nations’ Amandeep Gill, Under-Secretary-General and Secretary-General's Envoy for Digital and Emerging Technology, on how DPI can be leveraged to accelerate the U.N Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as well as drive AI adoption, especially in developing digital economies.

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Young Professionals Event: International Space Policy
Mar
13
5:15 PM17:15

Young Professionals Event: International Space Policy

On March 13, ORF America hosted DC-based space policy experts for an engaging discussion on the fast-evolving world of international space policy. With the global space economy projected to be worth $1.8 trillion by 2035, the conversation included insights into the latest policy and regulatory developments from the United States, India, and private sector companies like SpaceX.

Other topics included the significance of India's growing presence in space, the urgent need for a regulatory framework to ensure space sustainability, and the impact of the second Trump administration on U.S. space policy.

This was the 12th convening of ORF America’s Briefings & Beer series, which offers young professionals in D.C. the opportunity to informally engage with distinguished foreign policy experts and network with peers.

Speakers: 

  • Namrata Goswami, Professor of Space Security, Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies

  • Victoria Samson, Chief Director of Space Security and Stability, Secure World Foundation

  • Brian Weeden, Systems Director, Center for Space Policy and Strategy at The Aerospace Corporation

  • Moderator: Ishani Chettri, Communications Assistant, ORF America

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Diversifying and Strengthening Critical Minerals Supply Chains
Feb
27
9:30 AM09:30

Diversifying and Strengthening Critical Minerals Supply Chains

On February 27, ORF America hosted a private roundtable to explore how the United States can cooperate with partners and allies to diversify and strengthen critical mineral supply chains. The discussion sought to address the effectiveness of alternative critical minerals supply solutions, the impact of China’s export controls on clean-tech markets and industries, and whether existing partnerships must be reevaluated to consider long-term goals and potential domestic contradictions.

Critical minerals are key inputs into advanced technology manufacturing and products, including crucial advances in emerging energy technology and electric vehicles. With friction and competition between the United States and China continuing in critical and emerging technologies advancement, export controls (as well as the threat of higher tariffs) have increased tensions. Over the same period, the People’s Republic of China initially implemented several soft licensing controls with an explicit ban on exports to the United States of gallium, germanium, and antimony, as well as restrictions on high-purity graphite exports, with further limits implemented in early 2025. 

The United States, allied governments, U.S. companies, and allied and partner companies, well aware of China’s chokehold over raw mining or processing of certain critical minerals, rare earths, and critical materials, established the Mineral Security Partnership to address these challenges through partners like Japan, Australia, the European Union, India, and many others as well as exploring domestic discovery, mining, and processing options. However, many large economies' medium-term needs for critical minerals in clean energy face supply risks (e.g., import dependence, availability to meet demand) for several minerals. 

The roundtable was attended by officials from the U.S. Department of State, members of the European Commission, representatives from the diplomatic corps, business groups, think tanks, and consultancy firms.

Speakers: 

  • Moderator: Jeffrey D. Bean, Program Manager, ORF America

  • Barbara Glowacka, Member of the Cabinet, Office of the Commissioner for Energy Kadri Simson, European Commission 

  • Dhruva Jaishankar, Executive Director, ORF America

  • Mahnaz Khan, Vice President of Policy, Critical Supply Chains, Silverado Policy Accelerator

  • Eike Klapper, First Secretary - Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs/Trade and Agriculture Section, Delegation of the European Union to the United States 

  • Michael Newbill, Senior Advisor, Critical Mineral Supply Chains, U.S. Department of State

  • Amb. Geoffrey R. Pyatt, Former Assistant Secretary of State, ENR Bureau, U.S. Department of State

  • Aditya Ramji, Director, India ZEV Center at UC Davis 

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A Discussion with Liberty University Students
Feb
26
1:30 PM13:30

A Discussion with Liberty University Students

On February 26, ORF America hosted a group of Liberty University students, mostly from the Helms School of Government, to discuss India’s role in the world. The group met with Executive Director Dhruva Jaishankar, Senior Fellow Anit Mukherjee, and Program Coordinator and Junior Fellow Ammar Nainar.

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Side Event at the 2025 Munich Security Conference
Feb
15
1:30 PM13:30

Side Event at the 2025 Munich Security Conference

On February 15, ORF America, in partnership with the Observer Research Foundation and the Ministry of External Affairs of India, hosted a lunch on the sidelines of the 61st Munich Security Conference. The discussion, “Exception and Exceptionalism: Deciphering the 2025 World Order”, focused on the conditions that can catalyze partnerships and cooperation, and preserve global stability and security, at this moment of global transition for the international order.

Speakers:

  • H.E. Alexander Stubb, President, Finland

  • H.E. S. Jaishankar, Minister of External Affairs, India

  • H.E. Lana Nusseibeh, Assistant Minister for Political Affairs and Envoy of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, United Arab Emirates

  • H.E. Jon Huntsman, Vice Chairman and President, Strategic Growth, Mastercard

  • Dr. Nathalie Tocci, Director, Istituto Affari Internazionali, Italy

  • Moderator: Dr. Samir Saran, President, Observer Research Foundation, India

Photo Credit: MSC/Tobias Koehler

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Young Professionals Event: DC Diplomats on Trump 2.0
Feb
13
5:30 PM17:30

Young Professionals Event: DC Diplomats on Trump 2.0

On February 13, ORF America hosted members of the D.C. diplomatic corps for a discussion on Trump 2.0. The event was part of ORF America’s Briefings & Beer series, which offers young professionals in D.C. the opportunity to informally engage with distinguished foreign policy experts and network with peers.

Speakers: 

  • Tamie Balaga, Political Counsellor, Embassy of Australia in Washington, D.C.

  • Yoav Katz, Minister Counselor for Political Affairs, Israeli Embassy to the

    United States

  • Maria Markowska, Head of the Political Section and First Counselor, Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Washington, D.C.

  • Moderator: Medha Prasanna, Program Coordinator and Junior Fellow, ORF America

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The U.S.-India Partnership under Trump 2.0
Feb
10
3:00 PM15:00

The U.S.-India Partnership under Trump 2.0

Ahead of Prime Minister Modi’s visit to DC, ORF America hosted a series of discussions on the future of the U.S.-India partnership. The program was attended by officials from the U.S. government, embassies, private sector, think tanks, academia, media, and international organizations.

Panel 1: Deepening Strategic Relations

Panel 2: Implications for Trade and Business

  • Amy Hariani, Senior Advisor, U.S.-India Business Council

  • Richard Rossow, Senior Advisor and Chair on India and Emerging Asia Economics, Center for Strategic & International Studies

  • Anand Shah, Partner, The Asia Group

  • Anthony Renzulli, Associate Partner, Albright Stonebridge Group, and Non-Resident Fellow, ORF America (moderator)

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U.S.-India AI Fellows at Raisina Middle East
Jan
28
to Jan 29

U.S.-India AI Fellows at Raisina Middle East

  • Google Calendar ICS

On January 28-29, the inaugural cohort of the ORF America U.S.-India AI Fellowship Program met in Abu Dhabi for Raisina Middle East, co-hosted by Observer Research Foundation, ORF Middle East, the Ministry of External Affairs of the Government of India, and the United Arab Emirates’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This was an opportunity for the AI Fellows to engage in conversations on technology policy issues and challenges in AI affecting the United States, India, the Middle East, and the rest of the world.   

During the conference, the fellows attended plenary sessions focused on deep tech, regional connectivity, and the implications of new developments in AI for the Global South. In addition, ORF America’s U.S.-India AI Fellows huddled with Observer Research Foundation’s U.S.-India AI Taskforce of senior Indian and American experts for roundtable conversations on the substantive aspects of challenges in semiconductor hardware, large language model training and inference, data center deployment, the implications of latest developments in the field, innovation and workforce challenges, and opportunities for U.S.-India collaboration and partnership in AI. The cohort also participated in breakout sessions on their research and networking opportunities. Finally, the fellows visited G42’s offices in Abu Dhabi to learn about the company's broader work and G42-Microsoft’s collaborative efforts on responsible AI.

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Governance Talks: San Francisco
Dec
10
to Dec 12

Governance Talks: San Francisco

From December 10-12, ORF and ORF America hosted a Governance Talks for alumni of the Raisina Young Fellows Program, also known as the Asian Forum on Global Governance (AFGG). The program included networking lunches and dinners, as well as discussions on The United States and the World after 2024, Security, Business, and Tech in a Changing World, Competing Multilateralism, and Cooperative Resilience against the Climate Crisis.

The alumni network of the Raisina Young Fellows Programme and its sister forum, the Bucerius Summer School, Hamburg, is 1600 strong, with representatives from over 100 countries. Alumni engage regularly through the bi-annual Governance Talks, designed as conferences where contemporary questions on economics, politics, and society are discussed.

Speakers:

  • Sara Ahmadian, Founder, AnarVC

  • Peter Aukamp, Senior Advisor at Kingsrock Advisors LLC / OceanSafe AG / Good Carbon GmbH

  • Carl Bildt, Former Prime Minister, Sweden

  • Aleksandra Chmielewska, Program Partnerships Manager, Giga/UNICEF

  • Grant Cuprak, U.S. Department of Defense

  • Kanchi Gupta, Program Manager, Climate Works Foundation

  • Manuel Hartung, CEO and Chairman of the Executive Board, Zeit Stiftung Bucerius

  • Dhruva Jaishankar, Executive Director, ORF America

  • Pavel Luzin, Visiting scholar at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy (Tufts University); Senior non-resident fellow at the Center for European Policy Analysis; Senior fellow at the Jamestown Foundation

  • Tadashi Maeda, Chairman of the Board, Japan Bank of International Cooperation

  • Rajeev Mantri, Founder & Managing Partner, Navam Capital

  • Dhivya Ravikumar, Markets Development Advisory Specialist, Asian Development Bank

  • Eberhard Sandschneider, Partner, Berlin Global Advisors, Dean Bucerius Summer School on Global Governance

  • Samir Saran, President, Observer Research Foundation

  • Marian Vidauri, Doctor of International Affairs

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ORF America Annual Dinner
Dec
10
6:00 PM18:00

ORF America Annual Dinner

On December 10, ORF America hosted its 2024 Annual Dinner in San Francisco with alumni, partners, and friends.

Every year, the ORF America Annual Dinner brings together high-profile leaders from the public and private sector to discuss contemporary global governance issues impacting the current world order. The 2024 edition of the Annual Dinner featured a conversation on the future of American engagement with the world, as well as, the implications of emerging technologies on geopolitics, business and international development priorities. 

Speakers:

  • Ebtesam Al-Ketbi, President, Emirates Policy Center, UAE

  • Carl Bildt, former Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Sweden

  • Eleni Kounalakis, Lieutenant Governor of California

  • Tadashi Maeda, Chairman of the Board, Japan Bank for International

    Cooperation

  • Marise Payne, former Foreign and Defense Minister, Australia

  • Moderator: Dhruva Jaishankar, Executive Director, ORF America

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Global Diaspora Forum: The India-Armenia Edition
Dec
10
4:00 PM16:00

Global Diaspora Forum: The India-Armenia Edition

On December 10, ORF America and ORF launched the Global Diaspora Forum with a gathering between leading diaspora members of India and Armenia. At the inaugural meeting of the Global Diaspora Forum, Indian-American and Armenian-American technology leaders and practitioners discussed the role of emerging technologies as a catalyst for economic growth, shared and emerging geopolitical challenges, and how diaspora networks can be better leveraged for a more innovative and resilient future.

About the Global Diaspora Forum:

India is among many countries to enjoy a large and successful diaspora, including in the United States. Indian-Americans are among the wealthiest and most educated communities in the country, and have risen to leadership positions in business, politics, science, and the arts. Indian-Americans also serve as important bridges between India and the United States. Similar trends can be observed among Indian communities in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and elsewhere. 

Creating a network of prominent members of the Indian diaspora from around the world with counterparts associated with like-minded countries represents a major opportunity. A Global Diaspora Forum - anchored by ORF and its affiliates - will help link members of the Indian diaspora to counterparts from other communities around the world. It will help create networks, identify shared areas of concern, and explore opportunities for business and policy collaboration. 

Speakers:

  • Hakob Arshakyan, Chairman of the Executive Committee for the Science and Technology Development Advisory Council to the Prime Minister of Armenia and Vice President of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia

  • Vinod Dham, Founder and Executive Managing Partner, IndoUS Venture Partners

  • Dhruva Jaishankar, Executive Director, ORF America

  • Khanderao Kand, President, Foundation for India and Indian Diaspora Studies

  • Samir Saran, President, Observer Research Foundation

  • Yervant Zorian, Chairman, APRI Armenia; Vice President, Armenian General Benevolent Union; President, Synopsys Armenia

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Roundtable — Bridging Perspectives: Shaping Development Priorities for the Global South
Dec
6
9:00 AM09:00

Roundtable — Bridging Perspectives: Shaping Development Priorities for the Global South

On December 6, ORF America hosted a private roundtable titled “Bridging Perspectives: Shaping Development Priorities for the Global South”. The event facilitated an insightful conversation on the pressing challenges for economic development in the Global South with a select group of participants from multilateral development banks, think tanks, philanthropies, and the private sector.

The participants reflected on key milestones from 2024 including the IMF and World Bank meetings, the Summit of the Future, and COP29 among others. The discussion identified critical gaps and proposed key action points for Global South collaboration in 2025.

As the collective influence of the Global South grows through the consecutive G20 presidencies of Indonesia, India, Brazil and South Africa, the upcoming Financing for Development conference, and COP30 in Bélem in 2025, the discussion focused on three key priorities:

  1. Examining the outcomes from significant convenings in 2024, such as the UN Pact for the Future, the Global Digital Compact, the World Bank’s enhanced lending capacity, the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty established during Brazil’s G20 presidency, and the financial commitment made during COP29 for climate action.

  2. Exploring whether or not the ongoing global commitments adequately addressed the urgency of the Global South’s needs.

  3. Assessing the available opportunities for the Global South to take action to drive effective and sustainable solutions in 2025.

The participants noted the importance of articulating clear priorities and course of action to sustain the momentum generated in 2024. However, questions were raised about the adequacy and effectiveness of development finance to address the needs of the Global South particularly in climate adaption and clean energy transition. The discussions also called into question whether the current strategy of private sector engagement is appropriate and whether countries of the Global South had the capacity to absorb increased flow of resources effectively.

The conversations emphasized that the Global South needs more institutional capacity to gain credibility and provide leadership in multilateral forums. Countries of the Global South should agree on a set of priorities, develop action plans, and develop coordination mechanisms to strengthen their bargaining power to drive the global development agenda in 2025.

Attendees:

  • Magdi Amin, Managing Partner, African Renaissance Partners

  • Pepukaye Bardouille, Special Advisor to the Prime Minister of Barbados and Director, Bridgetown Initiative

  • Ridhika Batra, Vice President Corporate Affairs, Mahindra Group

  • Udaibir Das, Distinguished Senior Fellow, ORF America, and Visiting Professor, National Council for Applied Economic Research

  • Alan Gelb, Senior Fellow Emeritus, Center for Global Development

  • Hemang Jani, Senior Advisor to Executive Director, World Bank

  • Vikrum Mathur, Senior Director, Tata Sons - North America

  • Anit Mukherjee, Senior Fellow, ORF America

  • Karen Rodriguez, Alternate Executive Director for Brazil, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Haiti, Panama, Philippines, Suriname and Trinidad & Tobago, World Bank

  • Jordan Sandman, Principal, Investments, Co-Develop

  • Sharon Stirling, Chief Operating Officer, ORF America

  • Fabio Veras Soares, Director of International Studies, Institute for Applied Economic Research, Brasilia

  • Brian Webster, Research Associate, Center for Global Development

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Book Launch: "Vishwa Shastra: India and the World"
Dec
5
6:00 PM18:00

Book Launch: "Vishwa Shastra: India and the World"

On December 5, Dhruva Jaishankar, Executive Director of ORF America, launched his new book, "Vishwa Shastra: India and the World", at Teen Murti Bhavan in New Delhi.

Published by Penguin India, "Vishwa Shastra" is meant as an introduction to India in international affairs. It describes a long history of India's interactions with the world, from ancient times to the present day. Speaking to a wide audience that includes policymakers, scholars and especially students, the book offers both rich, historical context and forward-looking strategies for India.

The launch featured remarks by Samir Saran, President of ORF and Manasi Subramaniam, Editor-in-Chief of Penguin Random House India, as well as a panel discussion with Shamika Ravi of the PM's Economic Advisory Council, Indrani Bagchi, CEO of the Ananta Centre; C. Raja Mohan, Columnist with the Indian Express; and Ashok Malik, Partner at The Asia Group.

Watch the launch here.

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India Trilateral Forum 25
Dec
4
to Dec 5

India Trilateral Forum 25

The 25th edition of the India Trilateral Forum (ITF) in New Delhi was attended by over 50 experts and officials from ten countries including Poland, France, Germany, Netherlands, Denmark, and the United Kingdom. Since 2010, ITF has become the leading dialogue connecting top officials, strategic thinkers, journalists, and academics from India, Europe, and the United States. ITF is co-organized by ORF America, the German Marshall Fund of the United States, and the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs.

ITF 25 took place on December 4 and 5. The conference opened with a keynote by Swedish State Secretary for Foreign Trade, Jakan Hevrell, and Secretary (West) of India’s Ministry of External Affairs, Ambassador Tanmaya Lal. Subsequent panels covered the implications of the U.S. elections, recent developments in India-Europe relations, and India-China ties.

Day 2 opened with the launch of the FourSight Task Force joint report and a briefing on the Quad. Other sessions covered trilateral cooperation in technology, with the Middle East, and with African partners. ITF 25 concluded with the launch of “Vishwa Shastra: India and the World” , a new book by Dhruva Jaishankar, at the Teen Murti Bhavan.

All panel discussions touched on various strategic questions. What will the foreign policy priorities be for the second Trump administration? Why is there a resurgence of India-Europe cooperation, particularly with Germany, the European Commission, and Poland? What is the future of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor? What is the future of India-China ties? What are the possibilities for Europe, India, and U.S. cooperation with African partners?

The key takeaways included:

The United States will have a more “Jacksonian” approach to foreign policy under Trump 2.0. It is expected that Trump 2.0 will carry forward the work of Trump’s first term in the Indo-Pacific and Middle East. The United States will remain focused squarely on China and its threats to Indo-Pacific security.

Trade, Ukraine, and regional security remain Europe’s top concerns vis-à-vis Trump 2.0. American conversations with European officials will be less about virtue signaling, and more direct and specific. Trump 2.0 will encourage European countries to make harder choices and assume more responsibility for their security.

U.S. priorities in the Middle East may not change drastically with Trump 2.0. This includes supporting Israel, bringing in Saudi Arabia into the Abraham Accords, and countering Chinese and Russian presence in the region.

The Quad’s purpose may not alter significantly. It will continue to focus on the delivery of public goods in the Indo-Pacific region. Through working groups, the Quad countries are seeking to address challenges in health, Artificial Intelligence, telecommunications, agriculture, and maritime security. Overall, these activities and initiatives by no means preclude the discussion of traditional security and military issues.

The future of India-China relations will be competitive and tense. Due to a lack of trust and worsening security perceptions, there is no change in the fundamental trajectory of the India-China relationship. Despite recent border agreements, trust has completely eroded between the two countries. India will continue taking concrete steps to decrease its economic dependence on China.

India and the United States will remain aligned on defense, technology, and regional security in Asia and the Middle East. Participants broadly agreed that the United States and India have shed “the hesitations of history”. China continues to loom large for both countries. Going forward, burden sharing will be key. India will make a case for how the United States can help India enhance its military capabilities and lessen its burdens in maintaining regional security.

The future trajectory is positive for India-Europe cooperation. India is now the fifth largest trading partner of the EU. In the last 18 months alone, India has had over 100 meetings with European countries at different levels, and is expanding engagement with the Baltic and Nordic regions. In the future, clean energy technologies, economic security, maritime security, and multilateral reforms are areas where India and Europe can enhance strategic cooperation.

India, Europe, and the United States will explore initiatives on trade and technology cooperation. Any scope for trilateral cooperation must focus on the delivery of concrete projects.

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Launch: U.S.-India Emerging Climate Leaders Special Report (Virtual)
Dec
3
8:30 AM08:30

Launch: U.S.-India Emerging Climate Leaders Special Report (Virtual)

On December 3, ORF America virtually launched the U.S.-India Emerging Climate Leaders Special Report, a collaborative project that tackles the pressing challenges and opportunities in U.S.-India climate action.

This special report of short working papers is a culmination of experiences and information gained through ORF America’s U.S.-India Emerging Climate Leaders Program. The cohort participated in a nine-month program, which included virtual briefings and a study trip to India. 

Michael Newbill, Senior Advisor, Critical Mineral Supply chains, U.S Department of State, delivered keynote remarks on the importance of fostering U.S.-India climate cooperation and the active engagement of emerging leaders on climate and energy issues.

Following his remarks, the cohort presented the volume's nine chapters, covering critical topics like capacity building for climate action, green hydrogen, methane emissions, urban planning, electric vehicles, rooftop solar, mineral supply chains, digital public infrastructure, and the intersection of climate and health.

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Global Cyber Policy Dialogues: Western Balkans
Nov
20
to Nov 21

Global Cyber Policy Dialogues: Western Balkans

The National Cyber Security Authority of Albania (NCSA) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, in partnership with ORF America and the Center for the Study of Democracy and Governance, hosted an in-person regional cyber policy dialogue on November 20-21, 2024, in Tirana, Albania. This multistakeholder meeting brought together over 60 participants from the six Western Balkans economies as well as experts and donors active in the region. 

A full summary of the discussions can be found here.

A results report that highlights key takeaways can be found here.

The central goal of the meeting was to continue to foster genuine and open dialogue among stakeholders from different sectors and backgrounds, including from government, civil society, academia, and the private sector on key cyber challenges in the region. The roundtable explored ways to improve regional cooperation on cyber defense, cyber diplomacy, critical infrastructure protection and capacity building, combating cybercrime, ensuring election integrity in the face of disinformation, and coordination among donor countries.

Welcome remarks were provided by Megi Fino, Deputy Minister at the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs of Albania, Reinout Vos, Ambassador of the Netherlands to Albania, Igli Tafa, Director General of the National Cyber Security Authority of Albania, and Maartje Peters, Head of the Digital and Hybrid Threats Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands.

NCSA Director General Igli Tafa said, “Cyber threats to one party in the Western Balkans are threats to all of us in the region. Tangible regional collaboration is essential to the collective safety and security of our communities in cyberspace.”

Maartje Peters, Head of Digital and Hybrid Threats for the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, “Given the range of actors necessary to find solutions and achieve results in cyber, this multistakeholder dialogue promotes whole-of-society cooperation to combat cyber threats in the Western Balkans.”

The dialogue builds on results achieved at previous editions including in-person meetings in Skopje, North Macedonia in June 2022 and September 2023 and a virtual meeting in April 2021. A follow-on discussion is planned for 2025 to review progress.

This event was part of a larger Global Cyber Policy Dialogue Series organized by ORF America and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, which seeks to convene regional dialogues to address key cyber challenges, strengthen multistakeholder networks, and increase coordination of regional capacity building initiatives.

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Strengthening IBSA’s Role in Global Development
Nov
14
9:00 AM09:00

Strengthening IBSA’s Role in Global Development

On November 14, ORF America hosted a roundtable with the Brazilian Center for International Relations (CEBRI), the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA), and the Embassy of India in Brazil in advance of the meeting of the leaders of India, Brazil and South Africa during the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro. The conversation identified common ground among the IBSA troika and recommended action plans reflecting the voice of the Global South in four areas:

(i) Agreeing on the pathway for the reform of global Institutions to achieve SDGs;
(ii) Strengthening the Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty and Mission LiFE;
(iii) Accelerating energy transition with social justice; and
(iv) Promoting Inclusive and equitable digital transformation.

There was wide consensus that IBSA can play an important role to amplify voices of the Global South and focus on the development agenda both within G20 and in other multilateral groupings. The consecutive presidencies of India and Brazil followed by South Africa in 2025 is an opportune moment to delineate common positions on issues such as addressing the debt crisis, financing the energy transition, addressing poverty and inequality, and accelerating progress towards the SDGs. The roundtable participants also emphasized that IBSA is well positioned to guide the post-SDG development agenda and restructure the COP climate negotiation process, especially with Brazil hosting the COP30 in Bélem in 2025. 

Just over two decades after its formation, there is an opportunity to revive IBSA as a force for peace and development in an increasingly turbulent world. However, this would require increased political commitment among the leaders of the three countries than has been the case over the past decade. This needs to be backed by a commitment to invest resources and create concrete programs for collaboration among the three countries, something that has been an impediment to IBSA's influence until now.

Speakers:

  • Marianna Albuquerque, Senior Fellow, CEBRI

  • Pamla Gopaul, Senior Research Fellow, African Union Development Agency

    (AUDA-NEPAD)

  • Feliciano Guimarães, Senior Fellow, CEBRI

  • Dhruva Jaishankar, Executive Director, ORF America

  • Amitabh Kant, G20 Sherpa, India

  • Matsosha Mnguni, G20 Coordinator, Director General of International Relations and

    Cooperation (DIRCO), Government of South Africa

  • Anit Mukherjee, Senior Fellow, ORF America

  • Antonio Patriota, Ambassador of Brazil to the United Kingdom

  • Suresh Reddy, Ambassador of India to Brazil

  • Fabio Veras Soares, Director of International Studies, Instituto de Pesquisa

    Economia Aplicada (IPEA)

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Young Professionals Event: Public Opinion & The U.S. Elections
Nov
12
5:30 PM17:30

Young Professionals Event: Public Opinion & The U.S. Elections

On November 12, ORF America hosted a discussion on the 2024 U.S. elections. The discussion explored the issues and trends that informed the outcome of the 2024 U.S. elections.

This was the tenth convening of the Briefings & Beer series, which is organized by ORF America for young professionals in Washington, D.C. The series offers young professionals the opportunity to informally engage with distinguished foreign policy experts, as well as a platform to network with peers. This discussion was attended by journalists, think tank analysts, and embassy officials.

Speakers: 

  • Clifford Young, President, Ipsos U.S. Public Affairs

  • Kristin Davison, Partner, Axiom Strategies

  • Moderator: Natalie Boyse, Program Manager, Global Programs, ORF America

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Young Professionals Event: The Quad Edition
Oct
23
5:30 PM17:30

Young Professionals Event: The Quad Edition

On October 23, ORF America hosted a discussion on the Quad with members of the FourSight task force. FourSight: A Task Force on China's Strategic Futures works to promote academic and professional cooperation among emerging China scholars from Quad countries, while offering new perspectives and assessments to policymakers.

The speakers shared their experiences from the FourSight workshop so far, including what surprised them the most in their meetings with China experts in the U.S. government and think tank spaces. They also discussed differences between the Quad countries’ perspectives and challenges when dealing with China, as well as how they became interested in China.

This was the ninth convening of the Briefings & Beer series, which is organized by ORF America for young professionals in Washington, D.C. The series offers young professionals the opportunity to informally engage with distinguished foreign policy experts, as well as a platform to network with peers. This discussion was attended by journalists, think tank analysts, and embassy officials.

Speakers: 

  • Shikha Aggarawal, Visiting Fellow, India Foundation

  • Takuya Matsuda, Adjunct Lecturer, Aoyama Gakuin University

  • Philip Rogers, Senior Manager, China, U.S. Chamber of Commerce

  • Neil Thomas, Fellow on Chinese Politics, Center for China Analysis, Asia Society Policy Institute

  • Moderator: Medha Prasanna, Junior Fellow and Program Assistant, ORF America

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FourSight: A Task Force on China's Strategic Future — DC Workshop
Oct
21
to Oct 25

FourSight: A Task Force on China's Strategic Future — DC Workshop

Between October 21-25, the FourSight task force convened in Washington D.C. for a workshop on China’s Strategic Futures. Participants learned about contemporary debates in China policy across the Quad countries, examined the future of Chinese power and perceptions through structured exercises, co-wrote a joint report to be published in November 2024, and presented their findings to U.S. policymakers.

FourSight Wrap Up

Day 1

The task force formally kicked off at the ORF America office with a keynote on the arc of Chinese power, followed by sessions on India-China relations and the United States, Australia, and the Quad.

Speakers: 

  • Greg Brown, Senior Analyst, ASPI DC

  • Dhruva Jaishankar, Executive Director, ORF America

  • Dougal McInnes, Minister-Counselor Political, Embassy of Australia, Washington D.C.

  • Amb. Sripriya Ranganathan, Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of India, Washington D.C.

  • Nadege Rolland, Distinguished Fellow, China Studies, National Bureau of Asian Research

Day 2

The task force was briefed by subject matter experts on China’s domestic politics and leadership, economics and technology, and military power and security. These sessions covered various themes relating to China’s elite decision making, strategies and concepts of internal security, economic policymaking, industrial policy, nuclear modernization, military reforms, and gray-zone tactics. The day concluded with an informal reception at the Embassy of India with officials from the Political and Military wings.

Speakers:

  • Martin Chorzempa, Senior Fellow, Peterson Institute for International Economics

  • Sheena Greitens, Associate Professor, LBJ School of Public Affairs

  • Isaac Kardon, Senior Fellow, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace

  • Liza Tobin, Senior Director for Economy, Special Competitive Studies Project

  • Joseph Torigian, Assistant Professor, American University

  • Philip Saunders, Distinguished Research Fellow, National Defense University

Day 3

The task force convened at ASPI DC’s office for a scenario planning exercise, also known as Alternative Futures exercise. After framing a research question, participants identified and ranked more than 125 variables that may determine China’s strategic outlook in 2030. Following an intensive discussion, participants selected two key variables and constructed a 2x2 matrix with each quadrant depicting a future scenario. They then constructed narratives for each scenario within smaller groups.

The day concluded with a networking reception hosted by ORF America, where participants spoke to young professionals about their experience on China studies and the Quad. More details here.

Speakers:

  • Greg Brown, Senior Analyst, ASPI DC

Day 4

The task force returned to ORF America for a day of writing. By the late afternoon, the task force had completed a 3,500-word joint report examining China’s strategic outlook in 2030, as well as prepared a presentation highlighting key arguments and findings of the joint report.

Day 5

On the final day of the workshop, participants briefed officials from the U.S. Department of Defense, the White House National Security Council staff, and the U.S. Department of State on their findings. During each briefing, participants fielded various questions on U.S.-China comparative military advantages, recent developments in India-China relations, Chinese elite decision making, and cross-straits competition. The day and the workshop ended with an informal reception.

Speakers:

  • Dr. Matthew Daniels, Senior Advisor, Office of Net Assessment, U.S. Department of Defense

  • Ms. Joy Li, Director, White House National Security Council

  • Ms. Nancy Jackson, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for India, U.S. Department of State

  • Ms. Katherine Chin, Global Unit Chief for East Asia, U.S. Department of State

  • Office of China Coordination, U.S. Department of State

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India, Asia and the Business of Tech
Oct
16
12:00 PM12:00

India, Asia and the Business of Tech

On October 16, ORF America hosted a private lunch with Nihal Chauhan, Non-Resident Fellow at ORF America and the Chief Executive Officer of Indo-Pacific Advisory, a Singapore-based strategic consultancy firm. The conversation explored business and commercial perspectives on India’s engagement with Japan, South Korea, and Southeast Asia.

As India attempts to strengthen strategic and economic ties with countries in the Indo-Pacific, a number of trends are emerging — the significance of industrial policy in the aftermath of global financial crises and the Covid-19 pandemic, increasing alignment between government priorities and business interests, and re-alignments of supply chains. Participants discussed the potential implications of U.S.-China competition and the upcoming U.S. presidential election on India’s relations with the Indo-Pacific.

The lunch was attended by U.S. government officials from the White House and Congress, along with representatives from the diplomatic corps, business groups, think tanks, and strategic consultancy firms.

Speakers:

  • Nihal Chauhan, Non-Resident Fellow, ORF America

  • Moderator: Dhruva Jaishankar, Executive Director, ORF America

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Chips for Breakfast: Advanced Compute and AI
Oct
16
9:00 AM09:00

Chips for Breakfast: Advanced Compute and AI

On October 16, ORF America hosted the fifth Chips for Breakfast, a private roundtable to facilitate frank conversations among a select group of U.S. and foreign government officials, industry representatives, and policy experts about the current state of U.S. semiconductor policy,  technology leadership, and collaboration with like-minded partners.

With numerous companies seeking to develop, train, and operationalize large language models and other applied AI uses, the workhorses of artificial intelligence - particularly advanced graphics processing units and advanced compute hyperscalers - are crucial. Yet the bottleneck of data centers and ultimately, hardware, remains a key limitation for AI researchers and the private sector, as parallel processing remains essential. At the same time, the United States and its partners and allies are also wrestling with regulatory and governance considerations on a host of issues tied to AI. Differences in preferred regulatory approaches are starting to become more salient, but are not yet institutionalized.

Against the backdrop of more than two years since the passage of the CHIPS & Science Act, this meeting focused on advanced compute and artificial intelligence. It sought to address key questions along three lines of inquiry. First, what is the current landscape in the United States for advanced compute and applied artificial intelligence research? Second, it analyzed whether there are crucial breakthroughs or challenges in AI that are expected to change the status quo? Third, it assessed how hardware specific issues affect regulatory concerns emerging at the national and multilateral levels. The discussion also assessed differences in sovereign versus private sector advanced compute capacity and the hurdles facing smaller states and middle powers in their efforts to formulate AI-related policies. 

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Climate Week NYC: Achieving Climate Progress through a Pro-Competitive Industrial and Foreign Policy
Sep
25
5:00 PM17:00

Climate Week NYC: Achieving Climate Progress through a Pro-Competitive Industrial and Foreign Policy

During Climate Week NYC, ORF America partnered with Sequoia Climate Foundation and the Council on Foreign Relations to convene experts and practitioners for a dialogue on global decarbonization and its role in advancing a wide range of policy objectives.

Speakers:

  • Ed Miliband, Secretary of State for the United Kingdom’s Department for Energy Security and Net Zero

  • Mari Elka Pangestu, Indonesia’s Special Envoy for Climate Finance

  • John Podesta, Senior Advisor to the President for International Climate Policy and Clean Energy Innovation and Implementation

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India Day @ UNGA
Sep
25
9:00 AM09:00

India Day @ UNGA

During the 2024 edition of India Day @ UNGA, Dhruva Jaishankar, Executive Director, ORF America, moderated a session titled “To the Lighthouse? Promises and Pathways for the Rising South."  The discussion explored how countries in the Global South are helping to craft a collective South-led vision for sustainable development. 

Speakers:

  • Aude Darnal, Research Analyst and Project Manager, Stimson Center 

  • Udaibir Saran Das, Distinguished Fellow, ORF America

  • Gargee Ghosh, President, Global Policy & Advocacy, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

  • Daniel Seymour, Director, Strategic Partnerships, UN Women

  • Moderator: Dhruva Jaishankar, Executive Director, ORF America

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U.S.-India Emerging Climate Leaders: Study Trip to India
Sep
23
to Sep 27

U.S.-India Emerging Climate Leaders: Study Trip to India

The U.S.-India Emerging Climate Leaders Program culminated in a transformative five-day study trip to New Delhi, India, integrating 19 emerging leaders from both countries. Participants engaged in discussions with diverse experts, practitioners, academics, and government officials, addressing pressing climate challenges and highlighting the importance of amplifying diverse voices within the climate dialogue.

Key highlights included visits to renewable energy facilities, interactions with think tanks, and networking opportunities with local organizations, which enhanced participants' understanding of climate policy initiatives. The trip strengthened the connections among the leaders and fostered ongoing U.S.-India cooperation on climate action, empowering them to advocate for sustainable solutions. 

Building on the nine-month professional development program and insights from the New Delhi trip, the Emerging Climate Leaders will publish a co-authored volume of short working papers in December. The papers will outline collaborative ideas for climate action in different sectors and strengthen communication between the United States and India, advancing their joint efforts to tackle climate change.

Study Trip Wrap Up

Day 1

The group visited the Centre for Social and Economic Progress, the Observer Research Foundation (ORF), The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) and met with members of the U.S.-India Business Council (USIBC) and stakeholders. The cohort learned about India’s energy potential and requirements, viewed climate infrastructure such as smart grid and solar panels and earth air tunnels, and discussed how to scale up renewable energy. 

Speakers: 

Centre for Social and Economic Progress (CSEP)

  • Dr. Rajesh Chadha, Senior Fellow

  • Dr. Shreekant Gupta, Visiting Senior Fellow

  • Dr. Renu Kohli, Senior Fellow

  • Janak Raj, Senior Fellow in Growth, Finance and Development

  • Dr. Pooja Ramamurthi, Associate Fellow

  • Dr. Sharath Rao, Research Fellow

  • Dr. Rajat Varma, Associate Fellow

  • Dr. Constantino Xavier, Senior Fellow in Foreign Policy and Security Studies

Observer Research Foundation (ORF)

  • Gopakila Arora, Associate Fellow – Centre for Economy and Growth 

  • Gautam Chikermane, Vice President

  • Mannat Jaspal, Associate Fellow – Geoeconomics Studies Programme

U.S.-India Business Council (USIBC)

  • Jahaanvi Agarwal, Manager, South Asia, U.S.-Bangladesh Business Council

  • Megha Biswas, Senior Associate, Chase India

  • Alak Desai, Manager of Public Policy, Chase India

  • Sidhanta Mehra, Director, U.S.-Bangladesh Business Council, Energy, Environment, and Infrastructure vertical at USIBC

  • Ramit Raunak, Associate, Rocky Mountain Institute

  • Reena Suri, Executive Director, India Smart Grid 

  • Saumya Varma, Director, Albright Stonebridge Group 

Day 2

The group visited the U.S. Embassy in India, the Ananta Aspen Centre, and the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW), participated in a writing workshop with senior climate experts, and attended a young professional networking hour. The cohort learned about the state of U.S.-India climate cooperation and think tanks' contribution to Indian climate policy, explored collaborative opportunities for climate initiatives, and worked on their policy papers. 

Speakers:

U.S. Embassy in New Delhi

  • Damon DuBord, Energy Unit Chief

  • Dylan Jones, Attaché, Department of Energy 

  • Chandini Kumar, Political Section Officer 

  • Anastasia Mukherjee, Commercial Attache, Foreign Commercial Service

  • William O’Connor, Deputy Counselor for Educational and Cultural Affairs 

  • Monali Zeya-Hezra, Regional Energy and Clean Energy Specialist, Indo-Pacific Office, USAID/India

Ananta Aspen Centre

  • Indrani Bagchi, Chief Executive Officer

  • Prerna Bountra, Deputy Director 

  • Richa Kumaria, Programme Executive in International Relations

  • Harshit Sehgal, Senior Director for International Relations

Working Lunch Climate Experts

  • Shuva Raha, Fellow and Lead of the Council for International Cooperation, Council on Energy, Environment, and Water (CEEW)

  • Anirudh Suri, Non-Resident Scholar, Carnegie India

Council on Energy, Environment, and Water (CEEW)

  • Disha Agarwal, Senior Programme Lead, Power Markets Team

  • Richik Bandhyopadhyay, Global South Fellow, Power Markets Team

  • Vishwas Chitale, Senior Programme Lead, Climate Resilience Team

  • Arjun Dutt, Senior Programme Lead, Centre for Energy Finance

  • Sabarish Elango, Programme Associate, Industrial Sustainability 

  • Shuva Raha, Fellow and Lead of the Council for International Cooperation

  • Bhawna Tyagi, Programme Lead, Renewable Energy Team

  • Ardra Venugopal, Member, Sustainable Food Systems Team

Day 3

In Agra, the cohort spent the day touring and learning about the history of the Taj Mahal. Upon their return to Delhi, they continued with more climate talks and meetings. 

Day 4

The group made their last site visits to the Clean Energy International Incubation Centre (CEIIC) and NITI Aayog, participated in meetings with members of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister, and attended a reception with the U.S. Embassy in India Deputy Chief of Mission Jorgan Andrews

The cohort learned about how renewable energy technology can be incorporated into markets as well as how India conducts its economic policymaking. They also discussed the kinds of sustainable and equitable developments that can balance socioeconomic and geopolitical interests in the U.S.-India energy and climate relationship as a whole. 

Speakers: 

NITI Aayog 

  • Suman Bery, Vice Chairperson

Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister 

  • Dr. Shamika Ravi, Member

  • Sanjeev Sanyal, Member

Closing Reception

  • Jorgan Andrews, Deputy Chief of Mission, U.S. Embassy in India

  • Mridu Jhangiani, Founder, Terrarium

  • Dr. Vivek Mishra, Fellow with ORF’s Strategic Studies Programme, Non-Resident Fellow at ORF America

  • Medha Prasanna, Energy and Climate, ORF America

  • Ishan Sharma, Senior Advisor, White House Office of Science and Technology Policy

Day 5

The group concluded the week-long study trip with reflections of their experiences and the knowledge they gained from experts, government officials, and stakeholders. 

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Young Professionals Event: United States, Europe, and the Future of NATO
Sep
18
5:30 PM17:30

Young Professionals Event: United States, Europe, and the Future of NATO

On September 18, ORF America hosted a discussion on U.S. elections and their future implications for transatlantic security with Kori Schake, Max Bergmann, and Constanze Stelzenmuller. The event was part of ORF America’s Briefings & Beer series.

The discussion revolved around three themes: ongoing foreign policy debates within the Democratic and Republican parties, possible changes to the U.S. and Europe’s strategy towards the Ukraine war, and future scenarios of NATO and Europe’s collective defense.

Participants highlighted how party perspectives are changing in both the United States and Europe on issues such as China, Russia, military interventions, and alliances. They also described how these issues are viewed in rural and suburban regions beyond D.C., Berlin, and Brussels. Participants also discussed U.S. strategy towards Ukraine and how policymakers are wrestling with budgetary constraints and other priorities including in the Middle East and the Indo-Pacific regions. Finally, the session concluded with suggestions for different ways in which European countries can take more responsibility within NATO and possible outcomes for U.S.-Europe transatlantic security.

This was the eighth convening of the Briefings & Beer series, which is organized by ORF America for young professionals in Washington, D.C. The series offers young professionals the opportunity to informally engage with distinguished foreign policy experts, as well as a platform to network with peers. This discussion was attended by graduate students, journalists, think tank analysts, embassy officials, and military officers.

Speakers: 

  • Max Bergmann, Director of Europe, Russia, and Eurasia Program, Center for Strategic and International Studies

  • Kori Schake, Senior Fellow & Director of Foreign and Defense Policy Studies, American Enterprise Institute

  • Constanze Stelzenmuller, Director of the Center on the United States and Europe & Fritz Stern Chair on Germany and Trans-Atlantic Relations, Brookings Institution

  • Moderator: Ammar Nainar, Junior Fellow and Program Assistant, ORF America

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Women and Politics in India: A Conversation with Smriti Irani
Sep
16
5:30 PM17:30

Women and Politics in India: A Conversation with Smriti Irani

On September 16, ORF America hosted a conversation with Smriti Zubin Irani, a notable Indian public figure who served as a Cabinet Minister from 2014 to 2024. During this time, she oversaw various portfolios including Women and Child Development; Education; Minority Affairs; Textiles; and Information and Broadcasting. She was the first woman to hold office as Cabinet Minister for Education and as Minister of Textiles.

The conversation revolved around the changing nature of politics in India, focusing on the role of women in India’s economy and society. How are more women integral to India’s political discourse today? How are women participating in India’s competitive democracy after the unanimous passage of the Women’s Reservation Bill in 2023, which required that the Lok Sabha reserve at least 33 percent of seats for women?

Many women working in informal sectors are not recognized for their economic contributions. The 15.5 million women-owned businesses in India generate significant employment, but their impact is often undercounted. Irani, however, mentioned that there is a growing recognition of women's importance in the workforce. Introducing financial inclusion initiatives, such as opening bank accounts for women, has led to significant economic benefits, with women generating 12% higher revenue than men.

Yet challenges remain. Access to technology needs to be more affordable and accessible, especially given language barriers in India, which sometimes make access to innovative payment methods and other technological tools challenging. While the number of women pursuing STEM degrees and PhDs has increased by 100 percent, there needs to be a greater focus on helping them monetize their education, as well as increasing women's leadership roles in academia and beyond.

Speaker:

  • Smriti Irani, former Indian Cabinet Minister for Education; Women & Child Development; Information and Broadcasting; Textiles; and Minority Affairs

  • Moderator: Dhruva Jaishankar, Executive Director, ORF America

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Writer's Workshop: Rebalancing Globalization: Perspectives from the Global South Edited Volume
Sep
9
to Sep 10

Writer's Workshop: Rebalancing Globalization: Perspectives from the Global South Edited Volume

ORF America hosted a two-day writer's workshop for the authors of the edited volume, "Rebalancing Globalization: Perspectives from the Global South." The volume aims to address the multifaceted challenges the world faces in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, including climate change, macroeconomic instability, social disruption, trade barriers, and global inequality. The primary objective is to develop strategies for a more equitable and effective approach to globalization, ensuring that the voices and perspectives of the Global South are adequately represented.

The goal of the workshop was to refine strategies and recommendations within the edited volume, for a more equitable and effective globalization. Feedback from participants aimed to shape a narrative that supports cooperative solutions to global challenges, advocating for a balanced approach that considers both progress and emerging issues.

The workshop commenced with a detailed exploration of the volume's main argument, which emphasizes the need to clearly delineate globalization's objectives and instruments in order to address current imbalances and propose a way forward. The discussion underscored the importance of preserving the progress made over the past decades while addressing the pressing challenges faced by the Global South. Participants examined how globalization has resulted in uneven benefits, creating disparities both within and between countries. While some have been net beneficiaries from trade and market liberalization, others have been left behind. The workshop highlighted the inadequacy of traditional globalization tools in addressing emerging crises such as climate change, debt, and demographic shifts.

A recurring theme of the workshop was the call for enhanced global cooperation, particularly from the Global South, which includes over 6 billion people and contributes more than half of global GDP. Historically marginalized by existing global institutions, the Global South’s collective voice was identified as essential for reforming the current globalization paradigm, which has been predominantly shaped by advanced economies.

The workshop reaffirmed the relevance of globalization’s core objectives, such as promoting economic growth, creating employment with strong social safety nets, maintaining robust trade and investment links, and tackling the climate crisis. However, it was acknowledged that the instruments of globalization must be reformed or replaced to effectively address contemporary challenges. Participants noted the dominance of advanced economies in shaping globalization over the past three decades through global governance institutions and mechanisms like capital flows, foreign direct investment, and digital transformation.

At the conclusion of the workshop, participants engaged in a final reflection on the discussions, leading to several key recommendations for future versions of the volume. Overall, the workshop not only offered insights into the new approaches needed to address crises like climate change, debt, and demographic shifts but also provided valuable guidelines and directions for the subsequent round of edits for the papers in the volume.

Attendees: 

  • Pamla Gopaul, Senior Researcher, AU Development Authority – New Economic Partnership for African Development (AUDA – NEPAD)

  • Alan Gelb, Senior Fellow Emeritus, Center for Global Development

  • Marta Bengoa, Professor, Colin Powell School of Public Policy, City College of New York

  • Aude Darnal, Research Analyst, Stimson Center

  • Elizabeth Sidiropoulous, Executive Director, South Africa Institute of International Affairs, Johannesburg

  • Lorrayne Porciuncula, Executive Director, Datasphere Initiative

  • Dhruva Jaishankar, Executive Director, ORF America

  • Udaibir Das,  Distinguished Senior Fellow, ORF America

  • Shayak Sengupta, Senior Research Associate, Center on Global Energy Policy, Columbia University

  • Anit Mukherjee, Senior Fellow, Global Economics & Development, ORF America

  • Veronica Jijon, Summer Intern 2024, ORF America

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Young Professionals Event: A Discussion on Digital Threats
Jul
17
5:30 PM17:30

Young Professionals Event: A Discussion on Digital Threats

On Wednesday, July 17th, ORF America hosted a group of young professionals for an after-hours discussion with Valentina Namé, Nitansha Bansal, and Shreya Lad. Ms. Namé is a Cybersecurity Program Officer within the Organization of American States’ cybersecurity program, where she co-leads the implementation of the project “Addressing the Gender Gap in the Cybersecurity Agenda in the Americas and the Caribbean Region”. Ms. Bansal is an Assistant Director with the Cyber Statecraft Initiative, part of the Atlantic Council’s Tech Programs. Ms. Lad is a Research Assistant with the Cyber Program at the Stimson Center and recently co-authored the report "Advancing Accountability in Cyberspace: Models, Mechanisms, and Multistakeholder Approaches." 

This edition of Briefings & Beer focused on Digital Threats. Setting aside technical jargon, the discussion explored the various socioeconomic factors that intersect with challenges in the digital world. Questions from the audience covered children's exposure to cyber threats, the impact of cryptocurrencies, and the role of disinformation in elections, among other topics. 

This was the seventh convening of the Briefings & Beer series, which is organized by ORF America for young professionals in Washington, DC. The series offers young professionals an opportunity to informally engage with distinguished foreign policy experts, as well as a platform to network with peers. Participants come from the U.S. Government, Congress, think tanks, graduate programs, and the private sector.

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