5 things that happened at #ies19

The World Economic Forum's India Economic Summit is over for this year. In the 35th year of the Forum's engagement with India, these are some of the key takeaways from the discussions and sessions of the 2019 meeting.

1. The Deputy Prime Minister of Singapore on globalization

In his opening remarks, Heng Swee Keat highlighted the significant changes taking place in the global economy today. Some parts of the world are retreating from globalization, while others are looking to increase collaboration and integration, he explained.

He asked how countries in South Asia could better come together to support global integration and a multilateral trading system.

And he reminded people of the challenge - and extent - of global inequality:

2. Sania Mirza on women’s rights

Tennis player and UN Women Goodwill Ambassador for South Asia Sania Mirza highlighted the progress that's been made, but also the challenges that remain, for gender equality - both in the region and across the globe.

She used her own experience of taking up sport to make a powerful point about cultural obstacles to women's rights that persist:

It's not just at the grassroots level either. When she won the Wimbledon doubles' title in 2015, she was asked in the press conference afterwards about her plans for motherhood.

You can also watch all of the Inspiring LeadHers, Aspiring Outcomes session.

3. US Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross on US-India trade

The prospect of a trade deal between the US and India dominated discussions during the Trading Against the Tide panel.

US Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross summarised the situation:

"Neither government said there would be a trade deal in five minutes," he said. But, he added: "We do think there's no structural issue why there can't be one very quickly."

You can also watch our social video on the conversation.

4. A new type of diplomacy

Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, India's Minister of External Affairs, sat down with World Economic Forum President Børge Brende to discuss the country's economic, political and social outlook.

He emphaisesed India's desire to be a global player:

And he explained how he was trying to pursue a new type of diplomacy, one which was "softer, more collaborative, more co-owned."

You can watch the whole of India and the World: A Conversation with Subrahmanyam Jaishankar on the event page.

5. And to end: peace and harmony

In the final session of the summit, Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina outlined a clear vision:

She also explained how her own country maintains a policy of "friendship to all, malice to none."

You can watch the whole Innovating for India: Strengthening South Asia, Impacting the World session on the event page.