Janjivan Bureau / Berlin : The Indo-German Young Leaders Forum (IGYLF), an entity supported by the embassy of both the countries, kick-started its first conference from Berlin Chamber of Skilled Crafts here. The IGYLF is a platform for strengthening and nurturing Indo-German ties.Young innovative leaders from India and Germany participated in the conference to discuss a range of topics including vocational training systems, energy collaboration and impact of digital transformation on societies, among others. The three-day event brought together a host of high profile bureaucrats, corporate leaders, academicians and accomplished participants from both the countries on a single platform for invigorating discussions and workshops. The next IGYLF conference will be held in Delhi in 2018.
The Indo-German Young Leaders Forum was initiated by Indian and German professionals in early 2016 and rests on the promotion of common values of mutual respect and cooperation between the two countries. The goal of the forum is to involve young thought-leaders for an exchange of ideas and for implementable solutions that concern fostering of smooth bi-lateral ties.
Speaking on the significance of the conference, Mr. Dirk Augustin, Head of South-Asia Division, Federal Foreign Office, Berlin said,“ The conference, which coincides with the run-up to the 4th Intergovernmental consultations between India and Germany, complements both the governments’ effort to work for more connected, prosperous and open societies, harnessing the youth power.”
Besides the prime theme of skill training, energy alliance and digital transformation, the conference included other stimulating speeches and discussion on challenges related to Indo-German cooperation, future perspective on partnership, on the future of urban mobility and intercultural cooperation. Site visits to Handwerkskammer skills training center, the German Parliament and Audi city were also part of the event.
Mr. Frank Priess, Deputy Head of the Department of European and International Cooperation, Konrad-Adenauer opened the Day Two of the conference that proceeded with panel discussion on the future perspectives of the Indo-German partnership. Mr Ashok Aram discussed on cross-national collaboration in times of globalization and importance of Indo-German ties. Prof Rajeev Gowda, spokesperson of the Congress party thurst on the Indo-German relationship in his speech. He hoped that IGYLF will prove the mile stone for the development of the both countries.
The concluding day of the conference packed stimulating discussion on digital transformation and societal impact at Spielfeld Digital Hub with a tour to Audi city.
The other key participants in the event included: Johannes Strittmatter, Program Director at the Delhi Office of GIZ German Development Agency, Ashok Aram CEO for Europe, Middle- East & Africa at Deutsche Bank, Dr. habil. Christian Wagner Senior Fellow, German Institute for International and Security Affairs and Nidhi Sarin Technical Expert at the Delhi Office of GIZ (German Development Agency among others.
