BACKGROUND OF THE SUMMIT

The Summit is a follow-up to the “Global Meet for a Resurgent Bihar” organized by the IHD, in association with ADRI and other institutions during 19-21 January 2007 at Patna. Inaugurated by the then president of India Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, this Meet was attended by more than 700 people from across the world. The event was widely appreciated as a milestone for contributing to an environment for change and progress as well as for forging partnerships to boost development in the state.

Five years later, Bihar has made progress in many respects. There has been rapid economic growth, governance has improved and new and effective social programmes are being applied. But Bihar’s economic structure remains narrowly based, its infrastructure weak and its people excessively dependent on employment outside the state. It is time to follow up the 2007 Meet with a new effort to consolidate the progress that has been made, and to advance beyond it. The 2012 Summit will take up this challenge, with the aim of contributing to and expanding the efforts of government – both State and Central – and of other stakeholders to deepen the process of development in the State.

In recent years the State of Bihar has been in the news for its success in accelerating growth and strengthening institutions to support economic development and public welfare. Yet many challenges remain if the continuing problems of poverty and backwardness are to be overcome. In order to contribute to debate and action in the State, the Institute for Human Development (IHD), The Bihar Foundation and Asian Development Research Institute (ADRI) are organizing a Global Summit for all those committed to the cause of development in Bihar.

The Summit will bring together leading development practitioners, policymakers, scholars, industrialists, investors, representatives from the world of art and culture, donors and members of civil society for forging partnerships to pursue and reinforce social and economic progress in Bihar. About 1000 people from around the world will be participating in the Summit.