Pangkor International Development Dialogue (PIDD) also called as the ‘Davos of Asia” held annually in Pangkor Island, Malaysia is the fourth to be held this year. Jointly organised by Perak’s Institut Darul Ridzuan (IDR), Northern Corridor Implementation Authority of Malaysia and Perak government, PIDD promotes exchange of knowledge and ideas in the areas of global and state development. Among the more than 1000 participants this year is 2006 Nobel Prize winner, the Grameen Bank founder Professor Muhammad Yunus.

Minister Bathiudeen is among the invited foreign dignitaries including Republic of Guinea Minister Professor Datuk Dr Sano Koutoub Moustapha and India’s Nagaland Chief Minister T.R. Zeliang. Minister Bathiudeen, showcased Sri Lanka to the event participants and said “The Pangkor event comes at a time when Sri Lanka enters a period of major economic and social reforms under united joint leadership of President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe.”

Pangkor Dialogue Secretariat’s Raeez Uvais informd Minister Bathiudeen that it is an international knowledge exchange event “aiming to inspire sustainable economic growth in the region in line with the Sustainable Development Goals.” Uvais added: “Captivating the theme “Building Resilience for Inclusive & Sustainable Future”, it will explore the challenges and what it takes to build a resilient society, as well as the connections with an inclusive and sustainable future. With over 2000 delegates and 50 international speakers expected, the dialogue will be focusing on six areas including, Economy, Social Education, Environment, Women & Youth and Technology & Innovation.

The outcome of the dialogue provides actionable and impactful recommendations for the benefits of all stakeholders. Pangkor Dialogue also has been proven to be a venue for forming fruitful collaborations between international stakeholders. The event provides a platform that brings all the stakeholders under one roof. Pangkor Dialogue will also bring together leaders, academicians, researchers, policy makers, industry players and thinkers from around the world to share ideas and to discuss issues related to development and sustainability.”