AVPN, Asia’s largest social investor network, is gearing up for the South Asia Summit on December 12 and 13 at Novotel Juhu, Mumbai. With a theme of ‘Bringing Fringes to the Fore,’ the Summit will unravel the dynamics of impact investing and the changing face of philanthropy in South Asia through 27 sessions featuring over 70 speakers.
As the region experiences rapid economic growth led by India and Bangladesh, the Summit aims to address persistent challenges of uneven development and stark inequalities. Focusing on the need for strategic social investment to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the event will also highlight the emerging impact investment ecosystems and contributions from countries like Nepal and Sri Lanka in global giving.
The Summit, drawing together thought leaders and industry experts, seeks to provide a holistic view of the investment ecosystem and giving structures in South Asia. It will emphasize the importance of cross-border learning and collaboration to bridge the social investment gap in the region.
Participants can expect a platform designed for engagement within the South Asian context, exploring giving hotspots and developing innovative partnerships for meaningful societal impact. Discussions and debates will cover diverse themes such as improving health outcomes, scaling climate philanthropy, gender norms, youth mental wellbeing, and innovative financing.
A star-studded speaker lineup includes Cricket Legend and Philanthropist Sunil Gavaskar, Amit Chandra of BAIN Capital, Sadguru Sri Madhusudan Sai, Jahnavi Nilekani, Rucha Nanavati, Anowarul Amin of Coca Cola Beverages, Neena Joshi of Heifer International, Dr. Ruchi Sogarwal of Takeda India, and Ali Ezzatyar from USAID.
Naina Subberwal Batra, CEO, AVPN, expressed the Summit’s significance, envisioning it as a catalyst for change, steering the course towards a more impactful and sustainable future for South Asia. Lavanya Jayaram, Regional Director- South Asia, AVPN, emphasized the compatibility of profit and purpose, stating that the Summit aims to equip delegates with insights into the investment ecosystem and foster meaningful partnerships, celebrating successful models and debating unique regional challenges for philanthropy and impact investing in South Asia.
The AVPN South Asia Summit December 2023 is poised to contribute significantly to redefining the landscape of giving and creating lasting positive change in the region.