Pune : Symbiosis International University (SIU) today announced that it would hold a seminar International Relations Conference on December 14th and 15th, 2013, at SIU’s Lavale Campus, Pune. Supported by the Public Diplomacy Division, Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, the two day Conference will provide a platform for Academicians, Researchers, Corporates and Policy Makers to delve into the multi-dimensional aspects of development partnerships.

The conference will be inaugurated by Hon’ble Shri. M. Hamid Ansari, Vice President of India on 14th December 2013 at 10.30 a.m. at SIU, Lavale.

H.E. Mr. Hamid Karzai, GCMG, Hon’ble President, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan will be the Distinguished Chief Guest on 15th December, 2013 and will deliver a special keynote address on Afghanistan- India Partnership for Development at 11.30 am at SIU, Lavale.

Several leaders, senior officials, eminent academicians and experts in the area of development from a number of countries have confirmed their participation for the Conference.

Dr. S.B. Mujumdar, Founder and President, Symbiosis and Chancellor, SIU while addressing the conference said , “When we started on this journey that is recognized far and wide as Symbiosis today, we had one binding thought philosophy – Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam meaning “One World, One Family.”  It started as a mission to bring Indian and foreign students in Pune together to promote international understanding and cultural interchange with the International Cultural Centre. We believe that we have come a long way in achieving that and transformed into the idea of an International University.”

The Symbiosis Institute of International Studies is an important milestone in this journey. Nations will come together for this conference bringing senior, respected policy-makers, academicians, researchers and corporates from across International, National and State levels. We are humbled by the response and have high hopes for a quality interchange of ideas and possible actionable outcomes. The IRC Conference represents a realization of a dream: it is truly a Global Conference of Confluence of thoughts”

Six track papers have been shortlisted and will be presented for discussion at the Conference.

Over the past few decades, global financing for development has undergone a sea change. The growing importance of emerging economies calls for a paradigm shift in development cooperation and the pursuit of new, more inclusive partnerships to maximize the impact of all sources of development finance. New forms of South-South cooperation (among developing countries) are gaining ground by bringing to the table not only additional financial resources to fill critical funding gaps, such as in infrastructure, but also the knowledge and experience within developing countries in addressing development challenges at home.

Dr. Vidya Yeravdekar, Principal Director, Symbiosis says “The recent decision of the Government of India to establish a separate division of Development Partnership Administration within the Ministry of External Affairs reflects the country’s plans for expansion in the area of India’s assistance to developing countries and its firm commitment for timely delivery and effective implementation of its programmes. A new paradigm is clearly discernible in South-South cooperation, for which India’s active role needs to be crystallized. We at Symbiosis are incredibly proud and honoured to host this extremely critical discussion through the Conference and we hope that these constructive dialogues will contribute in shaping the contours of this evolving agenda.”

At the Conference, delegates will get an opportunity to (i) discuss the role of the government, (ii) the different ways in which India’s corporate sector has engaged in Asia and Africa and (iii) ideate on how civil society can be effectively engaged.

Dr. Rajni Gupte, Vice Chancellor of Symbiosis International University says “Development partnerships help nations forge strong relations and if there are no conditionalities, they create the trust and faith that leads to enduring relations. A look at the world around us only emphasizes the need for forging such partnerships that can help developing nations mutually support growth initiatives, when the developed nations are battling their own challenges. In fact, when nations enter such partnerships to enhance trade relations, this can help create alliances that are critical in the global context.”

Ambassador Sudhir T. Devare, Convener, SIU Conference said “The upcoming Conference organized by the Symbiosis International University  is indeed a historic one where the President of Afghanistan and the Vice-President of India will be delivering addresses on Development Partnership, a subject of critical importance not only for India but to the developing countries as a whole. That this dialogue among eminent and key policy makers, corporate executives, academics, media experts and senior diplomats from Africa and Asia is being held in Pune, an educational and industrial hub at the initiative of a leading academic institution, namely, Symbiosis International University, with the support of the Public Diplomacy Division, Ministry of External Affairs, Govt. of India acquires added significance. It is hoped that this interaction will serve as a very useful input in the international efforts which are underway to evolve a Global Development Agenda for the coming years.”

Further commenting on the importance and stature of the Conference, Dileep Padgaonkar, eminent journalist and editor said “The Conference will present an opportunity to understand the evolution of India’s role in the development landscape over the past decade, and as a provider of development assistance, the distinguishing features of India’s development partnership approach. The Conference will facilitate discussion of partnerships for inclusive development, especially with the objective of innovating South-South Cooperation.”

Source : Lokesh Shastri