Bay of Bengal Conversation 2024: The Asia Foundation continues its ties

With an incredible turnout of 200 speakers, 300 delegates, and 800 participants from 80 countries, the third edition of the Bay of Bengal Conversation (BoBC) was a resounding success, cementing its status as a premier global forum for addressing today’s most pressing challenges. This year’s event in Dhaka fostered rich debates and candid exchanges that spanned diverse perspectives on freedom of the press and the rising spread of misinformation, green energy and climate change, global trade and economic issues, the landscape of global conflict and geopolitics, and human rights.

The inaugural ceremony was graced by world-renowned figures, including Prof. Muhammad Yunus, chief advisor of the Interim Government of Bangladesh and Nobel Laureate, former Prime Minister of Malaysia Dr. Mahathir bin Mohamad, former President of Serbia Boris Tadić, former Prime Minister of Mali Moussa Mara Yelema, and former President of Bolivia Jorge Quiroga. Their thought-provoking contributions elevated the conversation to unprecedented heights.

The Asia Foundation played a pivotal role in the proceedings, with Country Representative for Bangladesh Kazi Faisal bin Seraj standing out as a panelist in a session titled “Power Shifts: The Geopolitical Chessboard in a Fragmented World.” He also served as moderator of the concluding session with Boris Tadić, Moussa Mara, Ambassador for the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Bangladesh PARK Young-sik, UNDP Resident Representative in Bangladesh Stefan Liller, and Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy of Switzerland in Bangladesh Corinne Henchoz Pignani, at the “Beyond Aid: New Models of Collaboration between the Global North and South” session.

A long-standing Centre for Governance Studies partner, The Asia Foundation has been integral to BoBC’s success across its editions. This collaboration exemplifies shared values of empowering communities, promoting good governance, and fostering sustainable solutions. By supporting platforms like BoBC, The Asia Foundation continues to lead efforts in advancing global understanding and regional cooperation.