At the 52nd Foundation Day of the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB), former Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao shared powerful insights on “Beyond Borders: Preparing for a World in Transition.”
She said the world is entering a phase of re-globalisation—built on resilient supply chains, trusted partnerships, and technology-driven growth.
“The vocabulary of global affairs has changed. Supply chains are the new borders, technology the new territory, data the new diplomacy, climate the new conflict line, and narrative the new battleground,” said Ms. Rao.
According to her, geo-economics now defines corporate destiny. The global system is shifting toward multipolarity, where power and influence no longer rest in one capital or one model.
Rao highlighted India’s key strengths—democracy, demographics, digital inclusion, and manufacturing depth. These, she said, make India central to the new world order. “India is not waiting to be invited to the table. India seeks to co-author the global script,” she noted.
Leadership for a Changing Era
Ms. Rao identified the “capitals of tomorrow”—trust, data, demographic, climate, and cultural capital. India, she said, holds strong potential across all five.
She called for ethical and accountable leadership, especially in technology.
“We must lead not only in AI development but also in AI governance. Technology should serve humanity, not replace it,” she emphasized.
On climate change, Rao said it shapes both economic growth and national security. She urged businesses to make sustainability a strategy, not just a slogan. “The climate debate must move from guilt to responsibility and from pledges to action,” she added.
Education and Future-Building
Rao encouraged IIMB and other universities to go beyond teaching problem-solving. She urged them to focus on future-building—developing leaders who are economically sharp, geopolitically aware, data-driven, and people-focused.
“The age of single-discipline leadership is over. This is the age of integrated leadership,” she said.
The Foundation Day also honoured alumni with the Alumni Service Awards (ASA) 2024. The recipients were Navin Kumar (PGP 1999), Karan Bhagat (PGP 2001), and Michael Sequeira (PGP 2010) for their lasting contributions to the IIMB community.
