Saturday, November 16
09:30 – 10:30 Venue: Grand Ballroom
Inaugural Session
Speakers:
Zillur Rahman, Executive Director, CGS; Chair, Bay of Bengal Conversation, Bangladesh
Jorge Fernando Quiroga Ramírez, Former President of Bolivia; Member, Club de Madrid
Mahathir Mohamad, Former Prime Minister of Malaysia
Md. Touhid Hossain, Adviser, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Interim Government of Bangladesh
Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser of the Interim Government of Bangladesh
Munira Khan, Chair, Centre for Governance Studies, Bangladesh
10:30 – 11:00
Tea/Coffee Break Venue: Oasis
11:00 – 12:20 Venue: Grand Ballroom
Shifting Tides: The Impact of Trump’s America on Asia and the Global South
With Trump back at the helm, U.S. foreign policy is poised for a shift that could reshape alliances and strategic priorities across Asia and the Global South. This panel will explore potential policy reversals, from trade relations to security commitments, and their implications for regional actors. Key examples include the anticipated impact on U.S.-China relations, which could intensify tensions in the South China Sea, and potential shifts in U.S. trade agreements with Southeast Asia. Panelists will discuss how these changes might alter the Indo-Pacific strategy, creating new opportunities and challenges for both allies and emerging economies in a fractured global landscape.
Speakers:
Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry, Chairman, Sanober Institute, Islamabad; Former Foreign Secretary of Pakistan
Ali Riaz, Distinguished Professor, Illinois State University, USA; Head of the Constitutional Reform Commission, Interim Government of Bangladesh
Ashok Sajjanhar, Former Ambassador; President, Institute of Global Studies, India
Christine C. Fair, Professor, Security Studies, Georgetown University, USA
Liping Xia, Professor, Department of Diplomatic Studies, China Foreign Affairs University
Charlie Campbell, Senior Correspondent, TIME Magazine (Moderator)
12:20 - 12:30 Venue: Grand Ballroom
Ministerial Speech
Ali Imam Majumder, Adviser, Ministry of Food, Interim Government of Bangladesh
12:30 - 13:50 Venue: Grand Ballroom
From Crisis to Opportunity: Redefining Climate Leadership in a Changing World
As Asia battles rising sea levels, more intense typhoons, and extreme heat, the urgency of climate action has never been clearer. Bangladesh, a country acutely vulnerable to climate change, is developing innovative solutions to adapt, from floating farms to building more resilient infrastructure. At the same time, countries like China and India must balance industrial growth with aggressive emissions targets. This session will highlight how emerging economies in the Indo-Pacific can turn climate crises into opportunities for leadership. It will focus on how nations can spur economic growth through green energy transitions, build climate-resilient cities, and take a leading role in global climate action while navigating domestic economic pressures.
Speakers:
Arjan De Haan, Senior Program Specialist, International Development Research Centre, Canada
Ghanshyam Bhandari, Ambassador, Embassy of Nepal in Bangladesh
Narayan Adhikari, Co-founder and South Asia Representative, Accountability Lab Nepal
Pyrou Chung, Director of Open Development Initiative, East-West Management Institute
Shanthie Mariet D'Souza, Founder, Mantraya Institute for Strategic Studies (MISS), India
Monzima Haque, Assistant Professor, Department of International Relations, University of Dhaka, Bangladesh (Moderator)
13:50 – 14:00 Venue: Grand Ballroom
Ministerial Speech
M. Sakhawat Hussain, Adviser, Ministry of Shipping; Ministry of Labor and Employment, Interim Government of Bangladesh
14:00 – 15:00
Lunch Venue: Oasis
15:00 – 16:10 Venue: Grand Ballroom
Resilient Banking, Inclusive Growth: Tackling Inequality and Poverty in a Divided World
The gap between rich and poor is widening, making poverty reduction more challenging and financial systems more vulnerable. This panel will examine the potential of resilient banking and inclusive growth strategies, looking at examples such as Pakistan’s Ehsaas Program for social protection and Japan’s regional economic revitalization efforts. Panelists will discuss how these and similar approaches can create pathways out of poverty, emphasizing the importance of equitable financial systems that address the fractures within economies and societies.
Speakers:
Ana Maria Paraschiv, International Business Consultant; Founder of Ubuntu World Consulting, Romania
Karori Singh, Former Director and Emeritus Fellow, South Asia Studies Centre, University of Rajasthan, India
Kyle Inan, CEO, KI Asset Management Company, Turkiye
Mashrur Arefin, Managing Director, City Bank, Bangladesh
Ghulam Mohammed Alomgir, Chairman, Max Group, Bangladesh
Faris Hadrovic, Managing Director, CBD d.o.o. Bosnia and Herzegovina (Moderator)
16:10 – 16:20 Venue: Grand Ballroom
Ministerial Speech
Asif Nazrul, Adviser, Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs; Ministry of Expatriates Welfare and Overseas Employment, Bangladesh
16:20 – 17:30 Venue: Grand Ballroom
Truth in the Crossfire: Navigating Journalism in the Age of Disinformation
In the Indo-Pacific region, disinformation has increasingly become a strategic tool for shaping public opinion and destabilizing political landscapes. The Philippines, for instance, saw waves of disinformation campaigns during its 2022 elections, with fake news targeting candidates and manipulating voter sentiment. Similarly, in Myanmar, disinformation on social media platforms exacerbated ethnic tensions, contributing to the Rohingya crisis. This session will dive into how state and non-state actors in Asia are using disinformation to influence electoral outcomes, stoke unrest, and destabilize societies. Attendees will learn how news organizations and platforms across the region can enhance their resilience, deploy fact-checking mechanisms, and preserve the integrity of information in an increasingly hostile digital environment.
Speakers:
Leo Wigger, Director, South Asia and Eurasia at Candid Foundation; Editor, Zenith Magazine, Germany
Miraj Ahmed Chowdhury. Managing Director, Digitally Right, Bangladesh
Raju Mahajan, Principal & Managing Attorney, Mahajan Law LLC, USA
Sheela Tasneem Haq, Senior Governance Specialist, UNDP-Bangladesh
Siddharth Varadarajan, Founding Editor, The Wire, India
Laura Larocchia, Marketing & Operations Manager, Disal Consulting, Italy (Moderator)
17:30 – 18:30
Tea / Coffee Venue: Oasis
20:00 – 23:00 Venue: Grand Ballroom
Gala Dinner (By Invitation Only)
Special Session, Venue: Padma
15:00 – 17:00
Roundtable (Closed Door - Media Only)
Bridging Divides: Navigating the Complexities of India-Bangladesh Relations
Session Overview: India and Bangladesh share a deep and multifaceted relationship shaped by geography, history, culture, and economics. However, despite common interests and a history of cooperation, the bilateral relationship faces a series of challenges that could strain ties if not carefully managed. This session will bring together diplomats, policy experts, and regional analysts to explore the key issues affecting India-Bangladesh relations, examine their implications for regional stability, and propose pathways for strengthened cooperation.
Key Discussion Points:
- Border Management and Security Concerns:
Despite extensive efforts to manage the India-Bangladesh border, challenges persist in the form of illegal migration, smuggling, and trafficking. This session will examine how both nations can collaborate more effectively on border security while respecting the rights and livelihoods of local communities. - Water Sharing Disputes:
One of the most sensitive issues between the two countries is the sharing of transboundary rivers, particularly the Teesta River. Panelists will explore the dynamics of the water-sharing negotiations, the domestic pressures on both sides and the potential for innovative, equitable solutions to this longstanding issue. - Trade Imbalances and Economic Cooperation:
While economic ties between India and Bangladesh have grown, trade imbalances remain a source of tension. This discussion will focus on opportunities to enhance trade relations, reduce barriers, and foster more balanced economic cooperation, particularly in light of Bangladesh’s emerging economic strength. - The Rohingya Refugee Crisis:
The influx of Rohingya refugees into Bangladesh from Myanmar has created a humanitarian crisis with implications for both Bangladesh and India. This session will analyze the geopolitical ramifications of the crisis and how India and Bangladesh can collaborate to find sustainable solutions while managing their own security and economic concerns. - Cultural and Historical Bonds vs. Contemporary Politics:
India and Bangladesh share deep cultural and historical connections, but contemporary political realities can sometimes overshadow these ties. This session will explore how the two nations can leverage their shared history and culture to foster greater trust and understanding in their political and diplomatic engagements. - Climate Change and Environmental Cooperation:
Both India and Bangladesh are highly vulnerable to climate change, particularly in terms of rising sea levels and extreme weather events. Panelists will discuss opportunities for cross-border environmental cooperation, focusing on disaster management, climate resilience, and sustainable development.
Speakers:
Ali Riaz, Distinguished Professor, Illinois State University, USA; Head of the Constitutional Reform Commission, Interim Government of Bangladesh
Anil Trigunayat, President, Millennial India International Chamber of Commerce, Industry & Agriculture (MIICCIA), India
Arun K Sahni, Former Army Commander, Indian Army, India
Ashok Sajjanhar, Former Ambassador; President, Institute of Global Studies, India
Ataur Rahman, consultant-at large, Booze Allen, Washinton DC, USA
Fahmida Khatun, Executive Director, Centre for Policy Dialogue, Bangladesh
Navine Murshid, Associate Professor of Political Science, Colgate University, USA
Nurul Kabir, Editor, New Age, Bangladesh
Raja Devasish Roy, Chief, Chakma Circle, Bangladesh
Smruti S. Pattanaik, Research Fellow, Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses, India
Sreeradha Datta, Professor, OP Jindal Global University, India
Suhasini Sherene Haidar, Diplomatic Editor, The Hindu, India
Parvez Karim Abbasi, Senior Research Fellow, Centre for Governance Studies, Bangladesh (Facilitator)
Studio Session: Venue: Titas
11:00 to 11:30
Search for Peace in the Middle East
Hadza Min Fadhli Robby, Assistant Professor, Department of International Relations, Islamic University of Indonesia
Muhammad Amir Rana, President, Pak Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS), Pakistan
Javad Heiran-Nia, Director, Persian Gulf Studies Group, Center for Scientific Research and Middle East Strategic Studies, Iran (Moderator)
12:00 to 12:30
Human Development: the importance of ensuring Health, Education, and Prosperity for all
Andrés Chiriboga Zumárraga, Former Vice Minister of State Education, Ecuador
Mariyam Nasir, Director General, Ministry of Education, Maldives
Di Ma, Co-Founder & Secretary-General, 1EarthVillage (Moderator),
13:00 to 13:30
States of Fragility: Charting a Path Through Democratic Crisis
Mohammad Zahidul Islam Khan, Visiting Research Fellow, Dept of Politics & Int'l Relations, University of Reading, UK
Tanyel Bedia Taysi, Country Director-Bangladesh, The International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES)
Imtiaz Gul, Executive Director, Center for Research and Security Studies, Pakistan (Moderator)
15:00 to 15:30
European Escalation and its Asian Fallout
Gregory Simons, Associate Professor, Turiba University in Riga, Latvia
Victoria Panova, Head, BRICS Expert Council, Russia
Petr Topychkanov, Head of the Section for New Challenges in South and Southeast Asia, Institute of World Economy and International Relations, Russia (Moderator)
16:00 to 16:30
Development with Accountability: How to Ensure Development Projects are People-Centric
Abdullah Al Mamun, Associate Professor, Department of Japanese Studies, Dhaka University
Makhethe Makamase, Researcher, University of Pretoria, South Africa.
Fayyaz Yaseen Bhidal, Executive Director, Accountability Lab, Pakistan. (Moderator)
17:00 to 17:30
Pillars of Progress: How to Combine Sustainable Growth, Infrastructure Development, and Cross-Border Collaboration
Kazi Shah Muzakker Ahmadul Hoque, Director, TAS Group, Bangladesh
Madalitso Zililo Phiri, Post Doctoral Fellow, South Africa United Kingdom Bilateral Research Chair in Political Theory, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa
Sabyasachi Dutta, Executive Director, Asian Confluence, India (Moderator)