The programme was inaugurated on April 29, 2024, by Prof. Himanshu Rai, Director, IIM Indore. In his welcome address, Prof. Rai emphasized the importance of responsibility as a unifying factor, asserting, “One of the things that bind us globally, is our responsibility towards resolving the challenges our countries face”. He astutely drew attention to the dynamic nature of our world, profoundly impacted by BANI: Brittleness, Anxiety, Non-Linearity, and Incomprehensibility, and underscored its consequential impact. Prof. Rai threw light on India’s remarkable economic trajectory, foreseeing its ascent to become the second-largest economy by 2047. “I am confident about India’s potential to lead in pivotal sectors like healthcare, IT, and space by 2047”, he said, stressing on the imperative for collective effort towards this transformative objective. Addressing the shared challenges confronted by all, including income inequality, rural and urban disparities, and environmental degradation, Prof. Rai fervently advocated for collaborative solutions to tackle these pressing issues head-on. He highlighted the indispensable role of infrastructure development in catalyzing economic growth and societal progress, emphasizing the urgent need for sustainable and inclusive infrastructure solutions to effectively confront the evolving challenges of the 21st century. He concluded by welcoming all the delegates to IIM Indore campus, and shared various sustainable initiatives taken by the institute in the last five years.
Prof. Rajhans Mishra, Program Coordinator, expressed his enthusiasm for the diverse cohort and the wealth of expertise they bring to the table. He stated, “We are honored to host such a distinguished group of participants representing a wide spectrum of countries. This programme reflects IIM Indore’s commitment to fostering global collaborations and knowledge exchange in the field of infrastructure development.” He reiterated the institute’s commitment to delivering top-notch management education and highlighted various initiatives aimed at fostering educational excellence.
Over the course of two weeks, 26 senior officials from 14 countries, including Mozambique, Tanzania, Uganda, Madagascar, Comoros, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Kiribati, Eswatini, Cambodia, Burundi, and Botswana will delve into a diverse range of topics crucial for infrastructure development. These high-ranking officials, representing various governmental bodies and organizations, hold key positions such as Executive Board Directors, Senior Directors, Advisors, Joint Secretaries, and Deputy Directors General across their respective countries.
The participants will delve into a comprehensive array of topics designed to equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the complex landscape of infrastructure development. Through immersive sessions led by renowned experts, participants will explore themes such as financing industrial growth, boosting agricultural technology investment, digital public infrastructure, renewable energy, public transport systems, disaster-resilient infrastructure, geopolitics, and infrastructure and foreign policy integration.
They will gain a multifaceted understanding of the critical issues shaping infrastructure development globally. They will learn about innovative financing mechanisms and strategies to mobilize resources for infrastructure projects, enabling them to navigate the financial complexities inherent in large-scale development initiatives. Furthermore, participants will explore the latest advancements in agricultural technology and digital infrastructure, discovering how these innovations can drive sustainable economic growth and improve quality of life for communities. Sessions on renewable energy and public transport systems will provide participants with insights into the transition towards cleaner and more efficient modes of energy and transportation, essential for mitigating the impacts of climate change and fostering sustainable development. Moreover, discussions on disaster-resilient infrastructure will equip participants with the knowledge and tools to build infrastructure systems that can withstand and recover from natural disasters, enhancing resilience and reducing vulnerability.
Geopolitical considerations and the integration of infrastructure with foreign policy will also be explored, empowering participants to navigate the geopolitical dynamics that influence infrastructure projects and forge strategic partnerships to drive development initiatives forward.
The programme will conclude on May 11, 2024, with a visit to the iconic city of Agra, offering participants a first-hand experience of India’s rich cultural heritage and architectural marvels.
This course will provide participants with a holistic understanding of the multifaceted challenges and opportunities inherent in infrastructure development, arming them with the insights and strategies needed to lead transformative change in their respective countries and beyond.
IIM Indore has a rich history of conducting programmes for senior officials from diverse countries, embodying a global approach to education and collaboration. Previously, the institute has successfully organized programmes for international participants from countries like Mongolia, Cambodia, Iraq, and Ivory Coast. Last year, we also organized a programme focusing on Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for senior officials from 20 countries, furthering our dedication to addressing contemporary challenges through innovative educational initiatives.
