Indiaspora Forum 2025: Driving Global Change in UAE

Abu Dhabi and Dubai recently hosted the inaugural Indiaspora Forum for Good 2025, a groundbreaking event that united global leaders of Indian origin to tackle pressing global challenges. The four-day summit, held from February 23 to 26, 2025, highlighted the diaspora’s role in fostering innovation, collaboration, and impactful solutions across various sectors.

A Gathering of Global Leaders

The forum brought together over 100 distinguished figures from more than 30 countries, including Fortune 500 CEOs, political leaders, social entrepreneurs, philanthropists, academics, healthcare experts, climate advocates, artists, and young innovators. This diverse group underscored the power of collective action in addressing global issues.

Key Focus Areas

The discussions and sessions at the event revolved around critical global concerns:

• Ethical AI Development: Leveraging artificial intelligence responsibly while addressing potential risks.
• Climate Resilience: Implementing sustainable solutions to combat climate change.
• Global Public Infrastructure: Strengthening connectivity and equitable development.
• Philanthropy & Social Entrepreneurship: Exploring new partnerships to drive social impact.
• Diaspora Trade & Investment: Unlocking economic collaboration within the Indian global community.
• Cultural Heritage & Identity: Promoting Indian heritage worldwide through cultural exchanges.

Insights from Industry Pioneers

The event opened in Abu Dhabi with cultural tours of landmarks like the Grand Mosque, BAPS Temple, and the Louvre Museum, offering attendees a glimpse into the region’s rich heritage. Official proceedings kicked off with a welcome dinner at the Pearl Lounge, Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi, followed by high-impact discussions at the Al Bateen Ballroom.

Notable speakers included Nobel laureate Kailash Satyarthi, Ola CEO Bhavish Aggarwal, FedEx CEO Raj Subramaniam, Infosys Co-Founder Kris Gopalakrishnan, and former tennis star Vijay Amritraj. Their insights covered topics from social justice and technological disruption to global commerce and cultural diplomacy.

Cultural & Networking Experiences

The forum blended high-level discussions with immersive experiences, fostering deeper connections among attendees. A grand dinner at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental Hotel provided a luxurious networking space, while a desert safari allowed participants to bond over regional traditions under the stars.

The Grand Finale: Global AI Summit in Dubai

The event concluded in Dubai with the Global AI Summit at the Museum of the Future, in collaboration with the Dubai Future Foundation. This summit examined AI’s rapid evolution, its impact on industries, and future opportunities.

A fireside chat between Indiaspora Founder MR Rangaswami and Mayfield Fund’s Managing Partner Navin Chaddha was a key highlight. Chaddha emphasized AI’s transformative role, stating, “Machines and humans will collaborate, elevating human potential to new heights.” He stressed the importance of investing in people, as technology evolves through human-driven innovation.

Other distinguished speakers included:

• Anurag Banerjee (Founder & CEO, Quilt.AI) – Discussed AI’s role in analyzing human behavior.
• Radha Ramaswami Basu (Founder & CEO, iMerit) – Highlighted AI’s applications in data enrichment.
• Anurag Jain (Co-founder, Perot Jain) – Explored investment opportunities in emerging technologies.
• Sindhu Gangadharan (SVP & MD, SAP Labs India) – Shared insights on AI integration in business.

A Vision for the Future

The Indiaspora Forum 2025 showcased the power of the Indian diaspora in shaping global progress. By fostering meaningful dialogue, strategic partnerships, and cultural exchanges, the event laid the foundation for future initiatives that drive positive change. As leaders return to their respective fields, the spirit of collaboration continues, reinforcing the belief that the world is one family.