THE CHIEF OF DEFENCE STAFF COMMENDS ‘BIG BOLD BRAVE 2024’ ASIA PACIFIC HARVARD REGIONAL CONFERENCE

The Harvard Club of Sri Lanka, together with the Harvard Clubs of the Asia Pacific (APAC) region is hosting the 'Big Bold Brave 2024' APAC Harvard Regional Conference from April 3rd to 5th April 2024 at the Galle Face Hotel in Colombo.

Being an alumnus of the renowned Harvard University, USA, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Shavendra Silva WWV RWP RSP VSV USP ndc psc MPhil graced the conference today (04 April) as a guest of honour at the invitation extended by Mr Kandeban Balendran, the President of the Harvard Club of Sri Lanka.

During the ceremony, General Shavendra Silva spared his time to congratulate the organisers and commended the initiative of the Harvard Club of Sri Lanka with genuine appreciation. He emphasised the importance of such collaborative efforts in fostering intellectual discourse and strategic partnerships for the betterment of the region.

The conference is dedicated to making a significant contribution to the discussion under specifically selected topics such as Human Capital and Jobs, Technology, Modernising Agriculture and Food Security, Energy Infrastructure, and Sustainability and Climate Change Adaptation.

Making the forum more prolific, Mr. Deepak Bagla, former Managing Director & CEO of ‘Invest India’, a globally acclaimed initiative promoting investments in India and recognised as the most awarded investment agency in the world, addressed the gathering on the future developments of regional dynamics, thereby laying a solid foundation for the two-day programme.

Further, in the afternoon, there will be a significant exchange of insights and knowledge shared by His Excellency Udaya Indrarathna, the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the United Arab Emirates. He will articulate his expertise on the topic 'Building Sustainable National Competitive Advantage'.

The summit is pioneered in Sri Lanka through the Harvard Club of Sri Lanka. Established in 2021, the Club is focused on making a difference as a Harvard community for members, for the nation, and Harvard. It aims to promote the interests of Harvard University alumni in Sri Lanka and develop rewarding relationships within the alumni community in Sri Lanka and beyond.

The 'Big Bold Brave 2024' conference serves as a platform to bring together esteemed academics and industry practitioners from across the Asia Pacific region. Through panel discussions, keynote speeches, and interactive sessions, participants will explore innovative solutions and strategies to tackle the challenges and harness the opportunities presented by rapid advancements in education, energy, and climate adaptation.

The programme is being honoured by the presence of numerous distinguished entrepreneurs and a gathering of high-profile individuals.