Global Dialogue Forum to host int’l conclave in Colombo next month

The Global Dialogue Forum (GDF), in partnership with Club of Rome’s India affiliate, will host an international conclave at the Galle Face Hotel, Colombo on September 20, bringing together leading global experts, policy framers, decision makers and innovators to explore the frontiers that Artificial Intelligence (Ai) can breach to overcome green energy, food security and cybersecurity challenges.

Where it differs from the usual recent technology conferences is the firm focus on the practical and sustainable applications of Ai.

The conference will look at Ai’s game changing role in the transitioning from fossil to green energy in all its forms  - from solar to wind to hydrogen, in sharply enhancing agricultural productivity and water management to rid the world of hunger; all these underscored by cyber security which provides protection to  the network systems.

A glittering array of experts from different countries ranging from government to corporate to institutions will be participating and accessible for interaction.Participants include corporate giants in Ai, Cyber Security, Green Energy, & Agriculture. Senior representatives from India, Indonesia, EU and ASEAN will also be participating.

Hon. Deputy Minister of Digital Economy, Eranga Weeraratne, will be the chief guest, and will share a vision for promoting  Ai in national development. Among other distinguished speakers are Indonesia’s Air First Marshal Dr. Ir. Arwin Sumari, Special Staff to the Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Air Force and Head of Indonesia’s Cognitive Artificial Intelligence Research Group and Padma Bhushan S. Ramadorai, former head of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and Chairman of the Club of Rome – India.

Across the day, discussions will explore Ai’s role in the transitioning to a new age ecosystem protected by cybersecurity, deploying precision farming techniques to enhance food security and manage water resources and promote green finance for renewable energy adoption.It aims to contribute to reviving the North-South dialogue in creating societies shaped by clean energy and climate resilience. The conclave will address how hydrogen, solar, and wind power can build sustainable societies, how Ai-led climate forecasting can curb global warming and how big data can optimize green investment and reduce risk.

It aims in alternate years to conduct similar conclaves to help build Sri Lanka as a hub for technological dialogue, showcasing its own considerable achievements in fintech, edutech and agri-tech. This will provide an international platform for the exchange of ideas and strengthen result-oriented partnerships between the Global North and South, focusing on overcoming the adversities of climate change, tackling global hunger and promoting sustainable farming.

“Our objective is to create global partnerships leveraging Ai to address some of humanity’s most pressing challenges” said Moses Manoharan, Chairman of GDF. 

The conclave will be streamed live worldwide, allowing for global participation and knowledge-sharing.

GDF, among think tanks of the Global South has been a nurturer of ideas with international significance. It has been unique in regularly organising major conferences overseas, from China to the UK.