THE CII PARTNERSHIP SUMMIT 2023
The 28th edition of The CII Partnership Summit is being held in partnership with Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India from 13 -15 March 2023. The event is expected to further the agenda of strengthening partnerships and shaping new economic collaborations between countries, as well as among businesses. It would be a vibrant forum for discussions on matters of global interest, under the theme “Partnerships for Responsible, Accelerated, Innovative, Sustainable and Equitable Businesses”.
 
 
 
 
KEY SPEAKERS
 
 
TRACKS
 
Inclusive Global Value Chains for Resilient Global Trade and Investment

 

Financing Global Economic Recovery

 

G20

 

Future of Work, Skilling and Mobility

 

Energy, Climate Change and Resource Efficiency

 

Financial Inclusion

 

Digital Transformation

 

Technology, Innovation and R&D

 

Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) in Business

 

 
African Economic Integration

 

 
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Inclusive Global Value Chains for Resilient Global Trade and Investment
  • Creating supply chain resilience against geopolitical disruptions
The global geopolitical landscape has undergone remarkable changes over the last few years. Notable developments such as the Russia-Ukraine war, the emergence of the Indo-Pacific as a strategic area of importance, among others, coupled with the Covid-19 pandemic are imparting new shades to the global alliance architecture.

Going forward, it will be imperative for businesses to deal with the challenges of such geopolitical disruptions and realign global supply chains, thus changing global trade dynamics. Economic efficiency alone no longer drives supply chains, and geopolitical imperatives have become significant factors in the organisation of such networks. What are the next steps for global value chains, converging the new geopolitics with Trade 4.0 and Trade Facilitation 2.0? Can multilateral platforms such as B20 help to reorganise supply chains with economic efficiency?
  • Future of multilateralism
Multilateralism has been a pillar of global peace and prosperity, yet today the concept is under risk. G20 nations can develop a set of principles that can be built on to create a new pact on multilateralism, with an eye toward accepting institutional diversity while ensuring the provision of global public goods.

While the new multilateralism may need to build on the existing framework of plurilateral, multi-level coalitions and alliances designed to address specific overlapping interests, how can the G20 with its economic and geopolitical weight better serve as a platform for multi-stakeholder solutions? How must existing institutions evolve and adjust, and will new institutions be required on emerging trends such as digitalistion and technology?



 
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Financing Global Economic Recovery
  • Rates and Recession: How to Insulate the World from Shocks?
The geopolitical disruptions across the globe have created a series of economic shocks, that have affected both lives and livelihoods across the world. Recessionary conditions are looming in major economies while others are on a downward trajectory, as inflation curtails consumption and interest rates are hiked. Strong international cooperation could help avert potential crises and boost growth and productivity in a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable manner.

This session will deliberate on the inter-balance of inflation and interest rates and the impact of monetary actions in one part of the world on development paths of emerging economies. How can low-income countries traverse the development trajectory in a stable and sustained manner and how can the world come together to safeguard this journey?
  • Financing Growth in Emerging Markets
For the sustained growth of any economy, the financial sector plays a key role. With acceleration in economic growth, rapidly emerging new markets, and imperative of public goods to finance growth, the financial sector must be geared up to provide adequate resources. Key areas of emerging economies such as small enterprises, infrastructure development, net-zero achievements, and innovation can only expand with robust and dynamic financial markets. India’s financial sector has seen major achievements in recent times with notable progress in its banking and insurance sectors.

This session will explore the role of various actors in the financial system in providing resources for long-term growth requirements. How can countries like India build deep and responsive financial markets that cater effectively to the diverse nature of the development trajectories?



 
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G20
  • G20 and the State of the World: How to play a more constructive role?
The G20’s work encompasses action on key global social and environmental challenges, contributing to the provision of global public goods and supporting the integration of low-income and developing countries. As the G20 accounts for 80 percent of world trade, international trade and investment becomes an important part of its agenda.

What would the G20 under India’s Presidency look like and what are the priorities that it is discussing for global economic stability and recovery? How will G20 India ensure that SDGs are achieved and work towards a cleaner, greener, inclusive future? The session will discuss some of these emerging themes under G20 and how its role can be strengthened in facilitating effective strategies for building global resilience.
  • Competitiveness of Nations: Can the G20 play a role?
National competitiveness extends to a wide variety of economy sectors including infrastructure, innovation, talent, and governance. G20 economies as leaders in the world have the potential to catalyse competitiveness across the world through powerful collaborative actions, just as they have done in stabilising global financial markets. India has recently attained the 37th position in the World Competitiveness Index and is an attractive destination for businesses.

Which areas should the G20 focus on and what reforms and investments can countries adopt to boost their productivity levels and raise competitiveness? What can be the global economic agenda for tangible impacts on day-to-day lives, and how can we reconnect policy making with people?



 
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Future of Work, Skilling and Mobility
  • Future of Work: Building Resilient & Sustainable workforce
Technology led adoption to new ways of working & flexibility has become the cornerstone of work. Powered by technology, the world, including B20 countries are entering a new era, defined by changing ways of working and how we enable skilling, reskilling/upskilling.

Thus, there is a need for B20 countries to adopt a skill ontology driven approach and build a standardized skill framework. Furthermore, it is equally critical to create heat map of economic activities across geographies, enabling targeted approach to build skilling capacities and skilling on a mission mode.
  • Harmonization of Skill Standards: Key Enabler for Mobility of Skilled Talent
In recent years, international migration of skilled persons has assumed increased importance, reflecting accelerating industrial productivity and economic growth globally. Shortage of skilled workforce for many of the skills today (high, medium, and low) in G20 nations has been observed. Additionally, a number of G20 countries have established themselves as recipients and/or sources of skilled talent.

To enable mobility across borders it is imperative that employees are graded/trained basis a standard set of rules/framework which will serve as a signalling mechanism to potential employers. Thus, one of the enablers to ensure global mobility would also be mutual recognition of certifications, harmonization of Skill Standards & co-creating frameworks for skill development. This can be ensured by multilateral agreement between countries to standardize training certificates, create skill taxonomy and skill frameworks.



 
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Energy, Climate Change and Resource Efficiency
  • Enhancing Global Cooperation in Accelerating Net-Zero Transitions
Accelerating the pace of net zero transitions is crucial for combating climate change and achieving the green transition. A range of innovative approaches and solutions is required for creating significant impact for a sustainable future, free of fossil fuels. While the number of countries announcing pledges to achieve net zero emissions in the coming years continue to grow, achieving net zero transmissions by 2050 would require real, on ground action and concerted efforts from all stakeholders from around the world.

There is a strong growth in momentum for new and emerging clean energy technologies indicated clearly by strengthened international and national climate ambitions. Likewise, an increasing and urgent need for improved access to capital, holistic and synergistic regulatory frameworks and enhanced international cooperation will help to overcome the barriers to large-scale deployment and to accelerate the pathway to Net Zero. The Session will focus on enhancing global cooperation and the priorities on which focus must be placed in the near-term and mid-term to be able to deliver a net-zero future.
  • Building resource-efficient and resilient green supply chains
The Covid-19 pandemic exposed the vulnerability and fragility of global supply chains. In the face of increasing uncertainties and other global challenges, greater supply chain resilience and a focus on maximizing quick recovery from future shocks and disruptions have become critical priorities for companies and businesses today. Global challenges such as climate change have necessitated a move towards green supply chain management for minimizing the negative impacts on the environment. At the same time, greater adoption of circular economy principles requires a shift in focus towards building resource-efficient supply chains which can create quality products at a lower cost through efficient allocation of resources.

The session will bring together experts in the field to discuss and deliberate on some of these issues and the challenges and opportunities in building greener and resource efficient supply chains.



 
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Financial Inclusion
  • Inclusion on the Back of Technology: Best Practises
The use and deployment of cost-saving digital mechanisms can be an effective way of reaching the weaker and vulnerable sections of society. Leveraging the use of innovative technology and data systems for reducing transaction costs can become useful mechanisms for improving access of financial services and products. At the same time, it is critical to protect financial consumers, through the adoption of best practices and processes.

What are the most effective strategies to accelerate digital financial inclusion today? In what ways can financial institutions help enhance the process of financial inclusion? What best practices are imperative for protecting financial consumers, especially the poor? The session will deliberate on some of these pertinent questions, among others.
  • Learnings from the JAM Trinity
The Jan Dhan, Aadhar and Mobile (JAM) trinity, or the integration of the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) with the universal identity card Aadhar was a landmark innovation in India, as well as globally. It was one of the biggest reforms undertaken in India for accelerating financial inclusion, that enabled the beneficiaries to get funds directly, in a transparent and efficient manner, and with minimal leakages. The scheme proved to be a boon, as it provided relief to millions of citizens adversely impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. More than 462 million beneficiaries have been banked in India since the inception of the scheme, with a deposit balance of INR 1.74 trillion.

Given this backdrop, the session will deliberate on the different learnings from the JAM trinity, building successful and innovative financial business models and the future gaps that need to be addressed for accelerating financial inclusion.



 
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Digital Transformation
  • Bridging the Digital Divide
While digital platforms and technology helped keep life and societies functional during the pandemic, it also brought to the forefront the digital divide in many societies, as billions around the world lacked access and connectivity to digital infrastructure and technologies. Digital divide continues to be a global problem and bridging the digital divide is a critical imperative for fostering inclusive growth and development.

As technology becomes increasingly ingrained in our lives, it is essential that everyone has equal access to its benefits. Digital technologies have the potential to build a world that is more connected, integrated, and resilient and the discussion will explore ways to ensure that everyone, regardless of their socio-economic background, has access to the tools and resources necessary to succeed in the digital age. The session would witness panelists deliberate upon: What ways can be adopted to ensure the benefits of digital transformation reach the people at the bottom of the pyramid? How can private and public sectors work together in closing the digital divide? How can international partnerships and global action help in closing the global digital divide?
  • Digital Transformation: The Opportunity for SMBs
With technology evolving at an unprecedented rate, we are nearing the inflection point where economies become fully digital. Digital transformation is an imperative for an SMB, to build bionic capabilities in order to harness the potential of disruptive technologies and integrate them into new processes, organization models, and ways of working to grow further and achieve scale. However, despite the many benefits of digital technology, the SMBs continue to lag in digital adoption.

Given the current digital opportunity and the huge potential of growth it presents for the SMBs, it is critical to step up the digital transition process for these enterprises. As SMBs can significantly help enhance economic prospects and growth opportunities of an economy, it is imperative that Governments and policymakers around the world, come together to devise effective strategies to fasten the process of digital adoption by SMBs and improve their access to digital tools and technologies towards accelerating their growth and progress.



 
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Technology, Innovation and R&D
  • “Innovate or Perish”: The Technology Leap
The Covid-19 pandemic taught the business world an important lesson – ‘innovate or perish’. Leading with technology and innovation today has become a critical tool for organizations to enhance competitiveness and for staying relevant in the current global business environment. At the same time, adapting quickly to the changing business landscape, while embracing the various disruptions, have become essential for moving forward and ensuring business survival. Investments in R&D, encouraging new ideas and approaches, and new business models have become essential responsibilities for every business today.

Given this context, this session will focus on the various challenges facing companies in terms of business model innovation, the need for greater investments in R&D, and how smaller companies can better adapt to new technologies.
  • Technology partnerships: The New Route to Success
Technology partnerships today have become an essential strategy for creating successful businesses. These are efficient routes through which companies share business operations and can obtain greater market access, acquire new skills and technical knowledge, and scale operations. As technology becomes more complex and it becomes increasingly difficult for a single company to keep up with these developments, it is critical for businesses to leverage the many opportunities that these partnerships can offer to create impact and grow further.

This session will delve into diverse topics including the different kinds of technology partnerships at the global and business levels. How can businesses build strong technology partnerships through thoughtful decision making?



 
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Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) in Business
  • Sustainable Finance for Impact
Sustainable finance has significantly changed the current landscape and future of investing, given that a growing number of institutions and investors are increasingly incorporating ESG principles while making business and investment decisions. Sustainable finance has immense potential in powering a movement that entails solutions to development challenges, climate conscious and sustainable decision-making and therefore, holds the key to a sustainable future.

While over time sustainable investment approaches have gained traction, several challenges remain such as barriers to investments and capacity constraints, lack of awareness on ESG principles in the developing world, the unequal adoption of sustainability across the world, varying frameworks for measuring impact, among others. These issues must be tackled in order to unlock more capital to support social and environmental enterprises. Experts in the session will deliberate on some of these issues and discuss ways forward for sustainable finance for creating meaningful impact.
  • Transforming Global Sustainability Reporting Landscape: Harmonization of ESG Standards and Framework
Today, the world is rapidly realizing that sustainability needs to be a fundamental component of its strategy and capital allocation process, but the dilemma arises with how to report on sustainability/ ESG progress in a way that would be credible to investors and stakeholders.

What is required is a uniform set of measuring and reporting criteria, similar to what we have for financial performance. Standards and frameworks which are inclusive towards geographical diversity and which adapt to the size and scale of companies across the globe. The session aims to deliberate on harmonization of ESG standards and frameworks which provide credibility to stakeholders and avoid greenwashing. It will discuss further how this harmonization can be achieved in order to transform the global business landscape around sustainability reporting.
  • Good Corporate Governance - Imperative for ESG Compliance
Global events in the recent past including the Covid-19 pandemic, climate change, technological disruptions etc., have resulted in unprecedented consequences on human lives and societies. This has compelled organizations across the globe to take a broader look at their purpose and mission. ESG relates issues became a critical area of focus for companies, as they shifted their focus beyond business. ESG imperatives cover diverse areas including operations, compliance sustainability, social impact, technology, among others.

As corporate values evolve, changes will be required in corporate governance practises and ownership structures to suit the current global needs. Therefore, adequate governance practices must be in place to ensure companies meet their ESG goals. It is important to consider the ‘G’ in ESG and the role of the Board. What are the expectations of investors in the transition towards Net Zero? What are the perspectives on ESG compliance and reporting? How will the roles of regulators and credit rating agencies accelerate ESG?



 
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African Economic Integration
  • Role of Global Businesses in Facilitating African Economic Integration
With a population of 1.3 billion and a GDP of close to $3 trillion, the African economies are set on a path to development transition. Agenda 2063 established by the African Union is a powerful framework for driving its growth, with the African Continental Free Trade Agreement bearing the potential to transform its participation in global trade and moving beyond commodity trade to generate value-added products.

How can the world’s leading businesses converge to assist African nations in economic integration? What are the partnerships in financial sector, social sector and trade sector that will support Africa’s growth endeavour? This session will bring together global businesses to work on facilitating the contours of regional production networks in Africa.



 
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KEY ELEMENTS
Conference
Country
Sessions
Ministerial
Sessions
Plenary & Special
Addresses
B2B &
B2G Meetings
B20 Taskforce /
Action Council
Meetings
 
Key Stakeholders
Political
Leaders
Global &
Indian CEOs
Policy
Makers
Heads of International Institutions
Academia & Heads of Think Tanks
Media Leaders
PARTNERSHIP SUMMIT 2021
7000+
PARTICIPANTS
100+
COUNTRIES
25+
GLOBAL CEOS
200+
SPEAKERS
 
Visitors Count
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