IOD set to host yet another Global Convention in Dubai; Tristar joins as title partner
'Boards in a rapidly changing world' is the theme of the Tristar- IOD - 2025 UAE Global Convention on leadership for business excellence and innovation hosted by Institute of Directors (India).
In its 12th consecutive year in Dubai, Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance & Coexistence, will inaugurate this year's convention.
Over the years, this convention has emerged as a strong bridge between India and the UAE, strengthening relationships and promoting economic growth and sustainable development.
Over 500 distinguished business leaders, industry experts, and government officials from across the globe are expected to join to discuss critical boardroom and global issues at this landmark event in Dubai. Board experts from India, UAE and various geographies will be joining together to debate and deliberate on various board issues and topical interests.
In a world increasingly shaped by volatility and complexity, the future of corporate governance hinges on the choices the boards make today. From the explosive growth of artificial intelligence to the climate crisis and a shifting geopolitical landscape, the global business environment is undergoing a seismic transformation.
In such a setting, boardrooms must move beyond traditional oversight and step boldly into the role of strategic enablers, driving resilience, innovation, and long-term value.
This year's theme underscores a critical need: redefining board strategies to stay ahead of the curve. It calls on corporate leaders to rethink governance models, adopt agile decision-making practices, and embed purpose at the core of their business strategies. The focus will be on how boards can not only manage risk but seize opportunity-while staying aligned with broader goals of equity, climate resilience, and social good.
Held under the distinguished patronage of His Highness Sheikh Nahayan Bin Mabarak Al Nahayan, Cabinet Member and Minister of Tolerance & Coexistence, government of the UAE, the convention reflects the strength of the India-UAE partnership-a bond rooted in shared aspirations for economic growth, cultural exchange, and sustainable development.
Adding to the significance, the Ministry of Economy, government of UAE joins as the official partner, while the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General of India in Dubai lend their valued support. This trilateral collaboration amplifies the convention's relevance as a bridge between east and west, symbolising a deeper synergy between nations, institutions, and industries.
The convention will be presided over by Sunjay Sudhir, Ambassador of India to the UAE and India's Permanent Representative to IRENA. Satish Kumar Sivan, Consul General of India in Dubai, will grace the event as guest of honour. These eminent diplomats will join global business leaders, jurists, economists, and innovators to offer perspectives on how governance must evolve in a fast-changing world.
Setting the tone for the convention will be visionary keynote insights from Eugene Mayne, founder & group CEO Tristar Group-a pioneer in responsible logistics and sustainability and Campbell Wilson, CEO & MD, Air India, who is steering the airline's transformative growth. Their leadership journeys exemplify the courage and clarity needed in today's corporate ecosystem.
Strategic insights will also be shared by Abdulla Ahmed Al Saleh, undersecretary Ministry of Economy, UAE, Justice Uday U. Lalit, chairman, IOD and former Chief Justice of India, Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi, vice-chairman, IOD, and Dr Tayeb Kamali, chairman, IOD UAE & Gulf. Together, they will explore the role of governance in unlocking innovation, navigating legal and regulatory landscapes, and enhancing stakeholder trust.
Throughout the four-day convention, participants will engage in an array of plenary sessions, boardroom roundtables, policy dialogues, and exclusive business networking meets. Topics will span the evolving role of boards in ESG integration, risk governance, digital transformation, ethical Al adoption, cybersecurity, cross-border investments, and leadership diversity
The convention will also feature case studies, panel discussions, and knowledge-sharing sessions that draw upon real-world examples and sectoral insights from manufacturing to energy, tech, finance, and public enterprises.
A major highlight of the convention is the presentation of the famed Golden Peacock Awards set for April 22. These prestigious accolades-regarded globally as a benchmark of excellence-will honour trailblazing achievements in Business Excellence, Innovation, Quality, and Training. This year, recognised organisations include Tata Motors, Indian Oil, Solar Energy Corporation of India Ltd. and Protean eGov Technologies Limited. among others. These champions embody the spirit of excellence, resilience, and transformation.
The Institute of Directors (IOD), India, has been at the forefront of shaping corporate governance for over 35 years, with a steadfast commitment to boardroom excellence, ethical leadership, and sustainable development. With an expanding global footprint, IOD serves as a trusted advisor to companies, governments, and institutions, enabling them to build better boards and future-ready organisations.
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