The Indian Institute of Management Bodh Gaya, in collaboration with Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia, successfully inaugurated the second edition of the Contemporary Issues in Emerging Market Conference (CIEMC 2.0). The conference brought together policymakers, academicians, and global experts to discuss the changing role of emerging economies in today’s world.

Organised on the theme “Reimagining Emerging Market Economies: Growth with Stability and Sustainability", the conference received over 470 paper submissions. After a rigorous review process, 342 papers were selected, and 307 authors presented their work across 44 parallel tracks. Participants joined from over 25 Indian states, along with international contributions from countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, Italy, Russia, Malaysia, and Bangladesh. The event began with a welcome address by Vinita S. Sahay, Director of IIM Bodh Gaya, and shared how the institute is building mindful business leaders.

The inaugural session was addressed by Chief Guest Suman K. Bery, Vice-Chairperson of NITI Aayog, who reflected on the evolving global perception of developing nations. He stated, “Economies once referred to as the ‘third world’ are now recognised as emerging economies, playing a key role in global trade and growth.” He further highlighted that these economies are increasingly contributing to global demand, production, and value chains.

Speaking about India’s future, he added, “The vision of Viksit Bharat will be shaped by the youth and for the youth, driven by innovation, skills, and enterprise.” He also appreciated the collaboration between IIM Bodh Gaya and RUDN University, noting that such partnerships strengthen global academic dialogue.

Guest of Honour Manoj Kumar Singh, IAS, and CEO of the State Transformation Commission, Government of Uttar Pradesh, highlighted the strengths of emerging economies. He said, “India’s demographic advantage, strong agricultural base, and growing services sector provide a solid foundation for future growth.” Emphasising the role of technology, he noted, “The next phase of growth will depend on leveraging AI, strong institutions, and data-driven governance as emerging economies move towards becoming consumption-driven engines of global growth.”

A key highlight of the conference was the panel discussion on “Navigating Geopolitical Uncertainties in Emerging Markets". The session featured Mr Abhishek Anand, Managing Director, Insignia Policy Research, and Mr Himanshu Joshi, Program Lead at Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog, and was moderated by noted columnist and author Tamal Bandyopadhyay. The discussion focused on how emerging economies can respond to global uncertainties, with insights drawn from philosophy, including references to balance and adaptability.

The conference also hosted keynote addresses by international scholars. Bruno S. Sergi from the University of Messina spoke on the green economy and cautioned against greenwashing, stressing the need for transparency and accountability. Marina Khramova from RUDN University highlighted the impact of demographic transitions and population ageing on labour markets and long-term economic growth.

On the second day of the conference, Chief Economic Advisor to the Govt of India, Shri V. Anantha Nageswaran, highlighted the importance of reducing regulatory complexity to support the growth of emerging economies. He noted, “Regulation often impacts micro, small and medium enterprises more than large firms, and therefore simplifying these frameworks must remain a key policy priority.” Emphasising the need for independent policy action, he added that such reforms do not depend on global conditions and can be pursued domestically. He further explained that enabling MSMEs to grow without unnecessary compliance burdens would create a strong foundation for smaller enterprises to invest in their technological capabilities and drive long-term economic progress. 

Dr Rashmi Singh, IAS, Secretary, Dept of Women and Child Development, Govt of NCT of Delhi, talked about gender equality and the govt's focus on women's development issues.

CIEMC 2.0, with its strong academic participation and policy relevance, continues to serve as an important platform connecting research, governance, and global economic discussions. The conference reinforced the growing importance of emerging economies and provided valuable insights into building a stable, sustainable, and inclusive global future.