DU's St Stephen's College holds 2-day summit highlighting India's role in reshaping world order

NEW DELHI : Amid growing global uncertainty and calls for a new international framework, Delhi University's St. Stephen’s College launched the Deenbandhu Andrews Samvaad on Monday, bringing together leading policymakers, diplomats, and scholars to discuss India’s role in a rapidly evolving world order. The two-day summit, inspired by the ethical humanism of Charles Freer Andrews, aims to foster critical dialogue on pressing global issues ranging from climate change and artificial intelligence to multilateralism and economic disruption.

The event began with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp, followed by Principal Prof. John Varghese formally declaring the summit open. In his welcome address, Dean Academics Dr Malay Neerav outlined the key concerns the event aims to address, particularly in the context of shifting power dynamics and the role of youth in global leadership. Delivering the keynote address, G20 Sherpa and former NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant identified four major challenges shaping the international landscape -- the breakdown of post-WWII stability, fractured global trade and supply chains, the unchecked rise of artificial intelligence, and the intensifying climate crisis.

“With major powers stepping back and multilateral institutions losing relevance, India must seize the opportunity to restructure global governance in its favour,” Mr Kant said, calling it a "huge opportunity for India, not a moment of crisis". He stressed aligning Atmanirbhar Bharat with green innovation, developing open-source AI platforms rooted in Indian languages and culture, and positioning India as a global leader in sustainable growth.

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Ambassador Sanjay Bhattacharya, speaking at the plenary session, reflected on the legacy of Rabindranath Tagore, MK Gandhi, and Andrews, calling for renewed emphasis on humanism in international relations. He underlined the growing burden on developing countries and the need for more inclusive multilateral frameworks, citing the expansion of the G7 to the G20 and the growing relevance of BRICS. “These challenges to human values are also opportunities for transformative growth,” Bhattacharya said, adding that the Gen Z holds the potential to lead the way in navigating a fractured and conflicted world.

The two-day event, rooted in Andrews’ legacy of moral courage and cross-cultural solidarity, continues Tuesday with more sessions exploring India’s evolving diplomatic and strategic footprint.