The Annual Interim Meeting of the Junior Round Table
From January 9 to 12, 2003
In Panchgani , India

 Globalisation: Interdependence in a Global Village

Like the tide in the sea, globalisation is with us. If certain conditions are met, countries in Asia , the Pacific and Africa can ride the tide of globalisation for their peoples' benefit. One condition is a realistic dialogue between business leaders, politicians, civil servants, NGOs and the media in each country in the region. Another is dialogue among the countries of this large region.

Embracing Opportunity, Creating Synergy is a conference designed to promote these two dialogues, and the conference organisers see it as the first step in a process that must be ongoing. Within the context of this conference, the Junior Round Table (JRT) will focus on the theme “Interdependence in a Global Village.” Why is it important for everyone that the people in Asia , the Pacific and Africa benefit from globalisation? How can we, young professionals from around the world, contribute to the dialogue within and among countries in these regions? Searching for answers to some of these questions and many others will be our goal in the upcoming JRT meeting.

Programme. The annual Junior Round Table (JRT) Interim Meeting convenes in conjunction with the international conference organised by the Asia Pacific and Africa Regional Group (APARG) of the Caux Initiatives for Business, which attracts business people and leaders from around the world. The Conference Globalisation, Embracing Opportunity , Creating Synergy will start in the afternoon of 9 January and finish around noon on 12 January.

In addition to participating in the APARG/CIB Conference, the JRT will have a preparatory meeting on 9 January in the morning and a concluding meeting in the afternoon of 12 January. The JRT will focus on the theme Interdependence in a Global Village. The intention of these meetings is to come up with some practical conclusions and suggestions to take forward in our own work or in publications and discussions with colleagues at home. For those who are interested, we will organise a visit to nearby Pune on January 13 (after the closing of the conferencer) to meet with local businessmen and students of the prominent Indian Business School . Case studies, role-play and discussion, provide opportunities to work through the issues presented in a very practical way. We plan to attract between 20 and 30 participants. The exchange of ideas and experiences will aim at practical results and be action driven.

The Junior Round Table. The JRT is an informal network of young professionals with members from all over the world, who are active in economic or business life, and have some five to ten years of work experience. The objective of the JRT is to inspire its members through the exchange of ideas, beliefs, and experiences. This includes improving the understanding and collaboration between individuals of different backgrounds and nationalities; broadening the perspective on economic and social issues in small and large businesses; asserting the need for effective business principles and their practical application, and encouraging the members to take initiatives going beyond their day to day employment. The JRT network currently consists of over 130 people in twenty-five countries. You can find more information about the JRT at www.juniorroundtable.org.

Location. The conference will be held at Asia Plateau, a 68-acre campus at an altitude of 4,300 feet on the slopes of the famed tableland of Panchgani. The area offers an ideal ambiance for pleasant walks, quiet reflection, honest conversation and creative planning. Please bring some warm clothing for the evening. To preserve the ethos of the Campus, drinking of alcohol or smoking is not permitted. Panchgani is 100 km from Pune, which can be conveniently reached by air, rail or road, and 248 km from Mumbai. Assume that it takes about a day to get to Panchgani from Delhi or Mumbai. We recommend that you book your international flights timely, as January is a busy time for travel. If you plan to travel through India before or after the Conference, or to find general information about travel in the country it is advisable to get a good travelling guide. As ATMs are not generally available in India , you will need to take sufficient cash to pay for the conference and other things you plan to do.

What you will get out of it? The Junior Round Table conferences combine discussions on topics that typically go beyond your daily work with an opportunity to network with professionals from around the world. Participants place a high value on ethical business principles and the belief that individually we each have a role to play in creating an ethical business environment. The JRT network provides an ongoing opportunity to share ideas and receive support in our own professions and settings.  

Registration. You can register by sending the information requested here and sending it by e-mail to Deepak at deepak.ajwani@timesgroup.com, Dorien at dorien.moret@planet.nl or Hein at hein.bogaard@tiscali.nl. We will forward your registration form to the conference organisation.  The Conference fee will be payable on arrival. Please indicate clearly when you expect to arrive and participate and whether you want to participate in the optional JRT programme on January 9, 12 and 13.

More information can be found on www.cauxinitiativesforbusiness.org

(A .pdf version of this invitation is available (132kb).  Requires Adobe Reader.)