Chief Minister Inaugurates ‘Global Impact Forum 2026’
Mumbai, Sept 2026 : Although countries across the world have different cultures, traditions, ideologies and ways of life, there are universal values that connect humanity. It is important today to identify these shared values and expand the scope of cultural exchange, mutual respect and dialogue. A more balanced, peaceful and prosperous world can be created not merely through economic cooperation, but through human values, cultural heritage and meaningful interaction, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said on Saturday.
Fadnavis was speaking at the inauguration of the second edition of the Global Impact Forum 2026 (GIF). Brazil’s Consul General in Mumbai Jose Mauro Fonseca Costa Couto, Russia’s Consul General Ivan Fetisov, China’s Consul General Qin Ti and South Africa’s Consul General Gideon Labane, along with diplomatic representatives of the BRICS nations — India, Brazil, Russia, China and South Africa — industrialists, scholars and prominent personalities from the cultural sector attended the event.
While extending greetings on the occasion of Shri Krishna Janmashtami, the Chief Minister referred to Lord Krishna’s message of inclusiveness, righteousness and the ultimate triumph of truth.
Fadnavis said the world today appears fragmented at several levels, while the global order has become imbalanced in many ways. Against this backdrop, he said, it is the right time for countries to explore opportunities to come together. Despite differences in culture, opinions and ideologies, greater mutual understanding can be developed through dialogue based on shared human values.
The Chief Minister stressed that economic relations and trade alone cannot make the world a better place. Human-centred dialogue, cultural exchanges and learning from one another’s experiences are equally important. Citizens, political leaders, diplomats, intellectuals and business leaders from different countries should come together on platforms such as the Global Impact Forum to exchange ideas and explore areas of cooperation, he said.
India’s Philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’
Fadnavis highlighted India’s ancient civilisational heritage and said the foundation of Indian thought lies in the philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’, which views the entire world as one family.
He said India’s historical engagement with the world was not limited to the exchange of goods and trade. Along with commerce, India also shared knowledge, ideas and values with different parts of the world.
Referring to India’s historic role in global trade, Fadnavis said Indian ideas and values also influenced societies across various countries. Buddhism, he noted, is an important example. The philosophy travelled from India to several parts of the world centuries ago and had a significant influence. Importantly, this spread did not take place through war, conflict or violence, but through the power of ideas and values, he said.
New Avenues of Cooperation Among BRICS Nations
Director Jhanvi Pawar outlined the broader objectives of the Global Impact Forum. She said the platform would seek to create new opportunities for partnerships among BRICS nations through cultural similarities and mutual cooperation, while contributing to positive and long-term global impact.
A special audio-visual presentation showcasing the cultural similarities and strong partnership between India and Brazil was also presented during the programme. Music, dance, sports and festivals have historically served as powerful forms of cultural identity and expression, and the presentation highlighted the shared cultural traditions of the two countries.
Fadnavis congratulated Jhanvi Pawar and AP Global Impact Forum for organising the event. Diplomats from various countries, senior industry representatives, scholars, community representatives, political leaders, intellectuals and prominent members of the business and professional sectors were present on the occasion.
