Chief Economic Advisor V. Anantha Nageswaran and Vice Chairperson, NITI Aayog Suman Berry Emphasise Growth, Stability and Sustainability in Emerging Markets

The Indian Institute of Management Bodh Gaya, in collaboration with Peoples' Friendship University of Russia, inaugurated the second edition of the Contemporary Issues in Emerging Market Conference (CIEMC 2.0). The conference brought together policymakers, academicians, and global experts to discuss the changing role of emerging economies in today's world.

Organised on the theme "Reimagining Emerging Market Economies: Growth with Stability and Sustainability", the conference saw participation from over 25 Indian states, along with international contributions from countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, Italy, Russia, Malaysia, and Bangladesh. The event commenced with a welcome address by Vinita S. Sahay, Director of Indian Institute of Management Bodh Gaya, who highlighted the institute's efforts towards nurturing business leaders.

The inaugural session was addressed by Chief Guest Suman K. Bery, Vice-Chairperson of NITI Aayog, who reflected on the evolving global perception of developing nations. He stated, "Economies once referred to as the 'third world' are now recognised as emerging economies, playing a key role in global trade and growth." He further highlighted that these economies are increasingly contributing to global demand, production, and value chains.

Speaking about India's future, he added, "The vision of Viksit Bharat will be shaped by the youth and for the youth, driven by innovation, skills, and enterprise." He also appreciated the collaboration between IIM Bodh Gaya and RUDN University, noting that such partnerships strengthen global academic dialogue.

Manoj Kumar Singh, CEO of the State Transformation Commission, Government of Uttar Pradesh, highlighted the strengths of emerging economies. He said, "India's demographic advantage, strong agricultural base, and growing services sector provide a solid foundation for future growth." Emphasising the role of technology, he noted, "The next phase of growth will depend on leveraging AI, strong institutions, and data-driven governance as emerging economies move towards becoming consumption-driven engines of global growth."

A key highlight of the conference was a panel discussion on "Navigating Geopolitical Uncertainties in Emerging Markets". The session featured Abhishek Anand, Managing Director, Insignia Policy Research, and Himanshu Joshi, Program Lead at Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog. The discussion was moderated by columnist and author Tamal Bandyopadhyay. The discussion focused on how emerging economies can respond to global uncertainties, with insights drawn from philosophy, including references to balance and adaptability.

The conference also featured keynote addresses by international scholars. Bruno S. Sergi from the University of Messina spoke on the green economy, cautioning against greenwashing and emphasising the need for transparency and accountability. Marina Khramova from RUDN University highlighted the impact of demographic transitions and population ageing on labour markets and long-term economic growth.

On the second day of the conference, Chief Economic Advisor to the Govt of India, V. Anantha Nageswaran, highlighted the importance of reducing regulatory complexity to support the growth of emerging economies. He noted, "Regulation often impacts micro, small and medium enterprises more than large firms, and therefore simplifying these frameworks must remain a key policy priority."

Dr Rashmi Singh, Secretary, Dept of Women and Child Development, Govt of NCT of Delhi, talked about gender equality and the govt's focus on women's development issues.

The Indian Institute of Management Bodh Gaya, in collaboration with Peoples' Friendship University of Russia, inaugurated the second edition of the Contemporary Issues in Emerging Market Conference (CIEMC 2.0). The conference brought together policymakers, academicians, and global experts to discuss the changing role of emerging economies in today's world.

Organised on the theme "Reimagining Emerging Market Economies: Growth with Stability and Sustainability", the conference saw participation from over 25 Indian states, along with international contributions from countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, Italy, Russia, Malaysia, and Bangladesh. The event commenced with a welcome address by Vinita S. Sahay, Director of Indian Institute of Management Bodh Gaya, who highlighted the institute's efforts towards nurturing business leaders.

The inaugural session was addressed by Chief Guest Suman K. Bery, Vice-Chairperson of NITI Aayog, who reflected on the evolving global perception of developing nations. He stated, "Economies once referred to as the 'third world' are now recognised as emerging economies, playing a key role in global trade and growth." He further highlighted that these economies are increasingly contributing to global demand, production, and value chains.

Speaking about India's future, he added, "The vision of Viksit Bharat will be shaped by the youth and for the youth, driven by innovation, skills, and enterprise." He also appreciated the collaboration between IIM Bodh Gaya and RUDN University, noting that such partnerships strengthen global academic dialogue.

Manoj Kumar Singh, CEO of the State Transformation Commission, Government of Uttar Pradesh, highlighted the strengths of emerging economies. He said, "India's demographic advantage, strong agricultural base, and growing services sector provide a solid foundation for future growth." Emphasising the role of technology, he noted, "The next phase of growth will depend on leveraging AI, strong institutions, and data-driven governance as emerging economies move towards becoming consumption-driven engines of global growth."

A key highlight of the conference was a panel discussion on "Navigating Geopolitical Uncertainties in Emerging Markets". The session featured Abhishek Anand, Managing Director, Insignia Policy Research, and Himanshu Joshi, Program Lead at Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog. The discussion was moderated by columnist and author Tamal Bandyopadhyay. The discussion focused on how emerging economies can respond to global uncertainties, with insights drawn from philosophy, including references to balance and adaptability.

The conference also featured keynote addresses by international scholars. Bruno S. Sergi from the University of Messina spoke on the green economy, cautioning against greenwashing and emphasising the need for transparency and accountability. Marina Khramova from RUDN University highlighted the impact of demographic transitions and population ageing on labour markets and long-term economic growth.

On the second day of the conference, Chief Economic Advisor to the Govt of India, V. Anantha Nageswaran, highlighted the importance of reducing regulatory complexity to support the growth of emerging economies. He noted, "Regulation often impacts micro, small and medium enterprises more than large firms, and therefore simplifying these frameworks must remain a key policy priority."

Dr Rashmi Singh, Secretary, Dept of Women and Child Development, Govt of NCT of Delhi, talked about gender equality and the govt's focus on women's development issues.