“India is the Key to Global Peace”: Former Romanian Prime Minister Dr. Petre Roman Speaks on Diplomacy, Sustainability, and Leadership at Great Lakes’ Global Business Dialogues
Chennai : “The world’s eyes are on India like never before,” said Dr. Petre Roman, Former Prime Minister of Romania, as he addressed the audience at the second edition of the Global Business Dialogues hosted by Great Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai. Speaking on the theme “From Romania to India: The Road to Growth, Stability, and Sustainability,” Dr. Roman shared compelling insights into India’s unique role in fostering global peace, the urgency of achieving sustainability, and the future of leadership in a rapidly evolving world.
“If there is one country right now that can facilitate global peace, it is India,” Dr. Roman declared, emphasizing the nation’s growing influence on the world stage. He underscored India’s diplomatic strength, diverse culture, and strategic position, making it an essential player in addressing the challenges of global peace and stability. According to Dr. Roman, the current geopolitical climate presents a historic opportunity for India to lead international efforts for peaceful cooperation.
On sustainability, Dr. Roman highlighted the critical importance of acting before it’s too late: “Sustainability is about achieving net zero before reaching the critical threshold limit of the climate.” He urged the audience to reflect on the fact that climate change is not just a technical challenge but a moral responsibility, pressing nations to commit to action before hitting the tipping point.
Dr. Roman also touched on diplomacy, stressing the need for continuous learning and adaptability: “Diplomacy is about serving your country to the best of your capacity. To achieve positive results, you need to expand your knowledge across different fields.” This philosophy of seeking knowledge across diverse disciplines, he said, is essential for future leaders navigating an increasingly complex global landscape.
Chahat Mishra, Head of International Relations at Great Lakes Institute of Management, spoke on the significance of the dialogue: “Dr. Petre Roman’s insights on the intersections of diplomacy, sustainability, and leadership are incredibly timely. His thoughts on India’s potential as a global peace facilitator and his emphasis on owning one’s destiny resonate deeply with our students and the future business leaders we are shaping here.”
The Global Business Dialogues series, an initiative by Great Lakes, brings together renowned leaders from around the world to share their experiences and perspectives on pressing global issues. The session with Dr. Roman was a unique opportunity for students, faculty, and industry professionals to gain first-hand insights from a former head of state with a wealth of experience in international relations and governance.
With this successful edition, Great Lakes continues to provide a platform for thought leadership and global discourse, equipping future leaders with the knowledge and perspectives needed.