WLC Announces Successful Inaugural W50 Summit in New Delhi

The World Leaders Consortium, in collaboration with the MAWF & ARYI, successfully concluded the inaugural W50 Global Summit in New Delhi. Hosted at Garvi Gujarat, the two-day summit was held under the resonant theme:

“From Local Impact to Global Influence: Celebrating Change.”

The summit convened a distinguished assembly of former heads of state, senior diplomats, business innovators, academicians, and civil society leaders to foster actionable dialogue on pressing global challenges and sustainable development.

The first day of the summit served as a dynamic platform for cross-sector collaboration, focusing on practical pathways to advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Discussions were anchored on key pillars essential for a sustainable future:

• International Cooperation & Diplomacy
• Economic Development, Innovation, and Trade Exchange
• Climate Action & Sustainability
• Arts, Culture, and Tourism in Global Diplomacy
• Ethical Leadership and Governance

Global Leadership Addresses

The summit was graced by Joseph Muscat, Permanent Member of WLC & 13th Prime Minister of Malta, as Chief Guest, who delivered a keynote address emphasizing multilateral cooperation and collaborative problem-solving.

“In an interconnected world, the solutions to our greatest challenges lie in our ability to work beyond borders,” he noted, highlighting the spirit of global partnership embodied by the W50 Summit.

Alongside him, Dr. Rajat Shrivastava, President of WLC, shared strategic insights on international cooperation, ethical leadership, and cross-border trade exchange. He emphasized the role of responsible governance, youth-driven innovation, and sustainable partnerships in achieving the SDGs.

The summit was also addressed by Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, 06th President of the Republic of Mauritius, who highlighted the importance of science, technology, innovation, and artificial intelligence in driving inclusive development.

Paolo Rondelli, former President of the Republic of San Marino, focused on gender equality, social inclusion, and LGBTQ+ rights as essential components of progressive leadership.

Further enriching the discourse, Joseph K Thomas, Ambassador for Education & Skill Development, WLC, shared his perspectives on the future of education, skill enhancement, and global learning ecosystems.

Representatives from the Embassy of Turkmenistan—Ms. Shemshat, Ms. Maya, and Ms. Shume—also shared valuable insights on women empowerment and entrepreneurship, emphasizing cross-cultural collaboration and economic inclusion.

A high-level diplomatic panel was organized to explore the role of soft power in global engagement. The session was moderated by Mayurakshi Verma, Founding Member of WLC and Summit Chair.

Speakers

• Reuben Gauci, High Commissioner of Malta to India

• Cedrick Crowley, Deputy High Commissioner of South Africa to India

• Janis Darbari, Consul General of Montenegro to India

Key Highlights

The panel focused on:

• Strengthening cultural diplomacy for mutual understanding

• Leveraging tourism for sustainable economic growth

• Promoting educational exchanges and academic partnerships

• Preserving heritage and creative industries as drivers of soft power

• Encouraging youth participation in cultural and educational diplomacy

• Building long-term institutional collaborations

The session underscored the importance of integrating culture, education, and tourism into diplomatic strategies for inclusive and sustainable global development.

The dialogue on Day 1 culminated in a collective commitment to move from discussion to tangible action. To maintain momentum, WLC announced the formation of initial Global Working Groups focusing on:

• Gender-Inclusive Economic Growth

• Climate Finance and Green Technology Transfer

• Digital Diplomacy and Youth Engagement

Reflecting on the summit’s achievements, Mayurakshi Verma stated:

“We set out to create more than just a conference; we aimed to ignite a lasting ecosystem for change. The frameworks initiated here mark the beginning of sustained global collaboration.”

The second day of the summit focused on “Leadership Beyond Boundaries”, with special emphasis on youth empowerment and future-ready leadership. Hosted at MPS, New Delhi, the session witnessed the participation of over 600 students, young leaders, and aspiring entrepreneurs.

The interactive forum enabled young participants to engage directly with global leaders and experts on:

• Global diplomacy and peacebuilding

• Ethical and responsible leadership

• Entrepreneurship and innovation

• Social responsibility and sustainable development

• Cross-cultural collaboration

Through open discussions, mentorship interactions, and Q&A sessions, the youth were encouraged to think beyond boundaries and contribute meaningfully to global progress.

Distinguished Leadership Presence on Day 2

Day 2 was further elevated by the presence of eminent dignitaries, including Dr. Rajat Shrivastava, Joseph Muscat, Mayurakshi Verma, Reuben Gauci, and Dr. Joseph K. Thomas, along with other distinguished participants.

The leaders actively interacted with students, offering guidance on global citizenship, innovation-led entrepreneurship, and international cooperation. Their engagement inspired participants to pursue excellence, integrity, and social impact in their professional journeys.

Building on the foundational success of the 2025 summit, the World Leaders Consortium is pleased to announce that preparations for the W50 Global Summit 2026 have commenced.

The next edition will expand on this year’s themes with a reinforced focus on:

• Delivering measurable social and economic impact

• Scaling successful local initiatives globally

• Strengthening international partnerships

• Empowering youth and women leaders

With its successful inaugural edition, the W50 Global Summit has firmly established itself as a premier global platform for dialogue, collaboration, and transformative leadership—bridging local innovation with global influence.