Agenda

Registration

Meeting Room 1; By invite only

Breakfast Roundtable - The Green Growth Paradigm: Pathways for Energy Transition

As the global landscape shifts towards more stringent climate regulations and energy insecurities, island economies find themselves at a critical juncture. Building climate resilience and transitioning to sustainable energy are both environmental imperatives and economic necessities. Yet challenges persist, including high renewable energy costs, fiscal constraints from debt, and insufficient climate finance mechanisms hinder progress. As island economies explore ways to navigate these challenges, unique opportunities are being tapped to lead in climate innovation, and harness offshore wind, marine bioenergy, and tailored renewable grids in order to drive sustainable transformations.

Speakers

Ornela Çuçi, Former Deputy Minister of Tourism and Environment and Chair, Green Climate Fund, Albania

Igor Makarov, Associate Professor, Department of World Economy, National Research University, Russia

Ajith de Alwis, Professor of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka

Vitória González, Research and Project coordinator, Plataforma CIPÓ, Brazil

Moderator

Francois Pretorius, Senior Researcher, South African Institute of International Affairs, South Africa

Sangam Ballroom

Panel Discussion 1 - Island of Ideas: Scripting a post-2030 Agenda

As Agenda 2030 nears its finishing point, the international community needs to devise a strategic game plan to shape the sustainability narrative. Island nations, rich in potential for innovation and sustainability, face heightened vulnerability to economic, environmental, and social challenges. In this sense, the time is ripe for these nations, particularly Sri Lanka, to explore transformative pathways towards a robust post- 2030 agenda that balances sustainable economic diversification with the larger development imperative.

• What should be the key priorities of the island economies post-2030 for tackling the sustainability challenges?
• How can the local communities and philanthropic organizations contribute to building robust collaborations and alliances for sustainable development?
• What possible collaborations can be built amongst the island communities for ensuring just and equitable partnerships in the future?

Speakers:

Juita Mohamad, Resource Person, All Party Parliament Group on SDGs, Malaysia

Uzoamaka Ugochukwu, Chief Operating Officer, Vijona Africa, Nigeria

Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu, Executive Director, Centre for Policy Alternatives, Sri Lanka

Andrej Čuš, Member of Parliament, Slovenian Democratic Party, National Assembly of Republic Slovenia

Moderator:

Karanraj Chaudri, Advisor, Sustainable Finance, United Nations Development Programme

Sangam Ballroom

Panel Discussion 2 - Empowering the Blue: From the Economy and Food to Employment

Over the past decades, blue foods and blue jobs have emerged as game-changers, driving sustainable livelihoods for coastal communities. Harnessing the blue economy as a catalyst of sustainable development for island nations is critical. Globally, the blue economy generates $3 to $6 trillion annually, with fisheries and aquaculture supporting 260 million people. Sri Lanka’s employment landscape is evolving, moving beyond traditional fisheries toward marine ecotourism, aquaculture, and ocean-based industries. Yet, challenges such as overfishing, habitat destruction, and climate change threaten the sustainability of blue jobs and resources. Additionally, vulnerable coastal populations rely disproportionately on coastal and marine ecosystems for provisioning, regulating, and cultural services. International collaborations in technology, sustainable fishing, marine planning, and pollution control will be crucial towards building a prosperous global blue economy.

• How can island nations effectively integrate traditional marine practices with modern technologies to drive the growth of the blue economy?
• What are the key opportunities and challenges for Sri Lanka’s to leverage its blue economy to contribute to food security, economic growth, and employment generation?
• What financing instruments and avenues might be leveraged for developing the blue economy?

Speakers

Teenah Jutton, Former Member of Parliament, Government of Mauritius

Harsha De Silva, Member of Parliament, Sri Lanka

Linda Etta, Senior Blue Economy Adviser, African Union Commission

Nilanjan Ghosh, Vice President, Development Studies, Observer Research Foundation, India

Moderator 

Malshini Senaratne, Founder and Director, Eco-Sol Consulting Seychelles; Lecturer, University of Seychelles

Sangam Ballroom

Speed Talk 1

Dhananath Fernando, Chief Executive Officer, Advocata Institute, Sri Lanka

Sangam Ballroom

Ministerial Address

Vijitha Herath, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka

Sangam Ballroom

Panel Discussion 3 - Changemakers, Disruptors, Innovators: Women Leading from the Front

Global progress in development has stalled in the last decade, with cascading global crises of climate, conflict and economic fragility which disproportionately impact women, who tend to bear the brunt of economic and environmental shocks. As women increasingly occupy leadership positions, they grapple with issues like the disproportionate burden of care work, gender biases and stereotypes, and structural barriers in institutions and workplaces. There is risk of hard-won gains being lost. Women’s participation and leadership is indispensable for long-term sustainable development and prosperity, and to tackle critical issues. Women’s participation and empowerment is essential for creating technologies that serve everyone equitably, for addressing climate change and protecting ecosystems, and for equitable economic growth.

• What actions can be taken to address capacity gaps in women’s leadership, such as access to resources, networks, technology and finance?
• How can women’s participation in technological and sustainable innovation be enhanced to create women-powered development pathways?
• How can local communities, civil society, and regional institutions work together to create new frameworks of cooperation to promote sustainable development and drive inclusive growth for women?

Speakers

Baratang Miya, Chief Operating Officer, Devshired AI, South Africa

Thanuja Jayawardene, Head of Women Go Beyond, MAS Holdings, Sri Lanka

Selma Obarčanin, Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer, SO..Quantum Growth Agency, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Dulciana Somare-Brash, Development Specialist, DevCom Pacific, Papua New Guinea

Moderator 

Grégoire Roos, Head, Political Dialogue & Policy Innovation, BMW Foundation Herbert Quandt, France

Sangam Ballroom

Panel Discussion 4 - The AI Imperative: Towards Smarter Services and Solutions

An AI revolution is sweeping the world, and AI applications are transforming governance and growth. AI models are enabling incisive data-driven decisions, streamlining services, predicting trends and improving efficiency. From disaster response and resource allocation to the delivery of personalized healthcare and education, AI is ensuring faster, smarter and more precise outcomes. But AI also has its attendant challenges, and today there are widespread concerns about data privacy, model bias, innovation without guardrails, and the risk of overregulation.

• Which areas of governance and development are AI impacting the most?
• How should nations aim to regulate AI without stifling innovation?
• How can we build a robust AI talent pool and next- generation tech workforce?

Speakers

Elaine Ford, Founding Director, Democracia Digital, Peru

Deepak Balgobin, Former Honorable Minister of Information Technology, Communication and Innovation, Mauritius

Dulith Herath, Founder, Global Shop; Founder and Chairman, Kapruka Holdings, Sri Lanka

Anirban Sarma, Director, Digital Societies Initiative, Observer Research Foundation, India

Moderator 

Erin Watson, Managing Director, Baker & York, Australia

Sangam Ballroom

Prime Minister’s Address

Honourable Harini Amarasurya, Prime Minister of Sri Lanka

Sangam Ballroom

Speed Talk 2

Umaria Sinhawansa, Singer and Songwriter, Sri Lanka

Sangam Ballroom

Panel Discussion 5 - Champions of Tomorrow: Young Voices for a Resilient Future

Young people will inherit the consequences of today’s policies. They are directly affected by decision-making on education, climate change, employment, technology, and social justice. Their voices and leadership are essential for ensuring inclusive and sustainable development, and for achieving the SDGs. They constitute nearly 25 percent of the global population, and they are also the ones driving technological and cultural change. Though they bring innovative problem- solving, boundless energy, creativity and digital fluency, their voices are often overlooked. The youth must be embedded in decision-making processes which empower them to become active agents of change that contribute to pressing challenges of climate change, technological disruption, and social transformation.

• How can the youth be engaged to provide innovative solutions on the future of climate, inequality and technological transformation?
• How can we cultivate a supportive ecosystem that nurtures young people’s entrepreneurial and innovative spirit to create a new class of social innovators?
• What strategies can governments, educational institutions, and organisations adopt to provide education, skills training, and inclusive opportunities that empower young people?

Speakers

Arjun Singh Kadian, Assistant Professor, Prime Minister's Museum and Library, India

Selyna Peiris, Director, Selyn & Selyn Foundation, Sri Lanka

Vene Seane Aljas, Legislative Staff Officer III, Office of the President, Presidential Legislative Liason Office, Philippines

Isibor Aigbe Oaikhinan, Manager, Legal Services Department, Central Bank of Nigeria, Nigeria

Moderator 

Vidisha Mishra, Director, Global Outreach and Policy, Global Solutions Initiative, Germany

In Conversation 2 - From Crisis to Resurgence: Pathways for Progress

Sri Lanka’s recent journey from a crippling macroeconomic crisis to a gradual recovery offers valuable lessons in resilience and reform. In 2022, the country faced severe economic hardships, a sovereign default forced Sri Lanka to seek a bailout from the International Monetary Fund, and the country has since had to undertake a series of economic reforms. Tourism, remittances, and renewed investor confidence have contributed to stabilizing the economy, though a number of challenges persist. The Sri Lankan experience underscores the importance of political will, international cooperation, and economic diversification in navigating crises.

Speakers

Harshana Suriyapperuma, Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning, Sri Lanka

Eranga Weeraratne, Deputy Minister of Digital Economy, Sri Lanka

Moderator 

Anirban Sarma, Director, Digital Societies Initiative, Observer Research Foundation, India

Sangam Ballroom

In Conversation

Muttiah Muralitharan, Former Cricketer, Sri Lanka National Cricket Team, Sri Lanka

Aravinda De Silva, Former Cricketer, Sri Lanka National Cricket Team, Sri Lanka

Moderators

Thilan Wijesinghe, Chairman, TWC Holdings, Sri Lanka

Vote of Thanks / Closing Remarks

Baila Performance

Closing Dinner

Meeting Room 2

Building Bridges: Enhancing Maritime Connectivity and Development

Maritime connectivity is the lifeline of global trade, innovation, and sustainable development. With 90 percent of the world’s goods moving by sea, strengthening maritime links means unlocking new economic corridors, reducing transport costs, and fostering regional integration. Importantly, improved maritime connectivity and infrastructure can transform coastal communities, open up new opportunities for tourism, and promote cultural exchanges. With the rise of smart ports and innovative green shipping technologies, the maritime sector is also at the forefront of the fight against climate change, pushing for cleaner fuels and sustainable practices.

• What are the critical infrastructure needs for island nations to harness their maritime potential effectively?
• How can technological innovations reshape the future of maritime development?
• How might international development organisations and private stakeholders better support maritime infrastructure projects?

Speakers

Dawoon Jung, Lecturer, Australian National Centre for Ocean Resources & Security (ANCORS), University of Wollongong, Australia

Romesh David, Chief Executive Officer, South Asia Gateway Terminals, Sri Lanka
 
Moderator  

Swati Prabhu, Associate Fellow, Observer Research Foundation, India 

Meeting Room 2

Institutionalising Innovation: Boosting Startup Ecosystems

Robust startup ecosystems are crucial for accelerating innovation, job creation and economic growth. The incubation of new businesses leads not just to the development of next-generation products and services, but also encourages the creation of new industries and the disruption of existing ones, resulting in a more competitive and dynamic economy. Startups in areas such as fintech and cleantech, for example, have a positive ripple effect on other sectors as well. 

• How can island states and other nations enable stronger collaborations between entrepreneurs, investors, government bodies and academia to strengthen startup ecosystems?
• What can be done to further establish advanced skilling programmes, facilitate access to funding, and evolve startup-friendly policies?
• How might startups be incentivised to harness disrupting and emerging technologies to build solutions and applications?

Speakers

Nevindaree Premarathne, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Makers Global, Sri Lanka

Neha, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Femtech Partners, India

Maria del Mar Altamirano, Innovation and Business Development Manager, Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad, Costa Rica

Moderator  

Anit Mukherjee, Senior Fellow, Global Economics and Development, ORF America, United States of America

Meeting Room 2

Amplifying Action: Financing for Sustainable Development

Obtaining finance for sustainable development has emerged as a major barrier for developing economies. With the average annual funding gap pegged at USD 4 trillion, pursuing the SDGs requires a concerted effort towards improving access to finance, overcoming implementation barriers, and scaling up long-term investments for creating resilient societies. This session will explore avenues and actions for unlocking SDG finance to leverage funds for a broad spectrum of development targets. 

• What are the major obstacles for bridging the SDG financing gap in the Global South?
• What kinds of innovative financing instruments and institutions can be evolved to tackle SDG funding challenges for developing economies?
• How can public-private partnerships and international cooperation be leveraged to attract development funding?

Speakers

Nalin Karunatileka, Vice President (Sustainability & Consulting), DFCC Bank

Vanshica Kant, Climate, Human & Social Development Expert, Asian Infrastructure Development Bank

Moderator

Petar Luka Barisic, Corporate Governance Office, European Investment Bank, Croatia

Meeting Room 2

Connected in crisis: International cooperation in a fragmented world

We are living in an era defined by interconnected and overlapping crises—political instability, economic volatility, and escalating geopolitical tensions as the multilateral order of the last century fragments. Amid new conflicts, resurgent wars, and climate change-driven disasters, the urgency to reimagine and strengthen global coordination and forge deeper international partnerships has never been more critical. For island nations, burdened by the weight of climate change and economic volatility, and frequently relegated to the margins of multilateral discourse, it is ever more critical.

• How can international organisations contribute to fostering cooperation in times of political and economic instability?
• How can countries reconcile their national interests with the necessity for collective international cooperation on global issues like climate change, health and sustainable development?
• How can multilateral institutions better accommodate the needs and priorities of developing nations and island nations of the Global South?

Speakers

Grégoire Roos, Director, Political Dialogue & Policy Innovation, BMW Foundation Herbert Quandt, France

Mathisha Arangala, Lead Economist, Verité Research, Sri Lanka

Moderator

Vitória González, Research and Project coordinator, Plataforma CIPÓ, Brazil

Meeting Room 2

Decent Jobs for All: Employment for a Sustainable Future

The global unemployment crisis is becoming more complex, 1.2 billion people from emerging economies are set to enter the global workforce over the next decade, while the job market is expected to create only 420 million new jobs in that period. The impact of unemployment will impact women more than men because of gender disparities in labour force participation. How can innovative strategies in technology, policy, and governance be harnessed to overcome these gaps for promoting decent work and reducing inequalities for all?

• What role can emerging sectors like the blue economy, green economy and digital services play in creating sustainable jobs?
• How can innovations embedded within the SDGs address gender disparities in labour force participation and promote decent work?
• What are the innovative financing mechanisms that can support SDG-aligned job creation?

Speakers

Khalila Mbowe, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Unleashed Africa Company Limited, Tanzania

Sharanya Sekaram, Gender Specialist, Sri Lanka

Moderator

Javier Gonzalez, Director, Ethos Innovation in Public Policy, Mexico

Meeting Room 2

Towards Progress and Prosperity: Navigating Development in the Indo-Pacific

The Indo-Pacific, home to nearly three-quarters of the world's population, is central to efforts to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). A combination of regional cooperation, national economic development, and initiatives on environmental sustainability across this geography could help the Indo-Pacific become an exemplar of innovative development action. Mainstreaming the requirements of island nations into the execution of development policies and programmes will be pivotal for meeting global targets.

• What are the interlinkages between climate action and long-term economic prosperity in the Indo-Pacific?
• How can we strengthen the agency of island states in financial decision-making, agenda-setting, and regional/multilateral processes and institutions?
• How can local communities in the Indo-Pacific be empowered to contribute tangibly towards development agendas?

Speakers

Prasad Kariyawasam, Former Secretary to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Government of Sri Lanka  

Judith Mwaniki, Program Manager, Food Security and Livelihoods, Food Security, Consortium for Economic Research and Development Studies, Kenya

Akosita Drova, Regional Co-ordinator, Pacific Catastrophe Risk Insurance Company, Cook Islands

Moderator

Vene Seane Aljas, Legislative Staff Officer III, Office of the President, Presidential Legislative Liaison Office, Philippines