Berlin, 11–15 September 2024
The 5th Indo-German Young Leaders Forum, held in Berlin, gathered 40 young leaders from India and Germany across business, trade, diplomacy, science, and civil society. Co-hosted with Global Bridges and supported by the Indian Embassy and Konrad Adenauer Foundation, it coincided with notable diplomatic events, including India’s Minister of External Affairs visit and the Ambassadors' Conference in Berlin, reflecting the robust momentum in Indo-German relations.
Key Highlights:
1. IGYLF Idea Competition:
Participants presented solutions to Indo-German challenges, with the winning idea focusing on an Indo-German MSME-SME collaboration platform. The platform would enhance transparency and compliance in Indian regulations, leveraging AI and automated reporting to facilitate business cooperation.
2. Diplomatic Engagements:
Key sessions featured German Ambassador Dr. Philipp Ackermann and the Indo-German Parliamentary Group, emphasizing collaboration in defense, trade, technology, and professional mobility. The importance of people to people relations and the role of IGYLF in fostering them in the Indo-German context was highlighted by all speakers.
3. Workshops on Strategic Issues:
Digital Transformation: Advocated for collaboration on cybersecurity, AI, and digital infrastructure.Sustainable Development: Highlighted Indo-German Green Partnership goals in renewable energy and emissions reduction. Cultural Exchange: Emphasized Track 1-3 diplomacy to deepen cultural understanding.Resilient Supply Chains: Focused on building diversified, resilient supply chains, particularly in high-tech and semiconductor sectors.
4. Networking & Reception Events:
At Berlin’s Rotes Rathaus and the Indian Embassy, discussions underscored Berlin-India ties and youth roles in innovation. Keynote speakers highlighted common democratic values and cultural connections, with calls to enhance Indo-German cooperation in education, innovation, and mobility.
The conference underscored the strength of Indo-German ties, with a focus on bilateral cooperation across sectors. Engaging young leaders remains essential to advancing shared goals in economic growth, cultural exchange, and sustainable development.
