BENGALURU, INDIA – August 19, 2026 — AP Globale today announced that it will host the second edition of the Global Impact Forum (GIF II): Civilisational Legacy on September 5–6, 2026, at the iconic Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai. Marking the forum’s debut in India, the landmark two-day international soft power festival will bring together distinguished leaders, cultural figures, and policy experts from the BRICS nations—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—to celebrate shared heritage, knowledge systems, and cross-border creative exchange.
At a time when international relations are predominantly driven by political and economic considerations, GIF II offers a unique platform that places soft power and civilisational ties at the center of global dialogue. The festival will explore how art, culture, and ancient wisdom continue to shape contemporary societies and foster enduring international trust.
Spanning two action-packed days, GIF II is set to convene 500 high-profile delegates daily, including ambassadors, diplomats, business executives, scholars, investors, family offices, and creative icons. The forum’s programming features keynote conversations, panel discussions, and immersive workshops designed to reveal the deep cultural intersections among the participating nations.
The event will highlight cross-cultural dialogues across diverse disciplines, comparing and connecting:
- Traditional Knowledge Systems: Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine
- Martial Arts & Movement: Kalaripayattu, Kung Fu/Tai Chi, Capoeira, and Indian Classical Dance
- Literary & Artistic Masters: The legacy and influence of figures such as Rabindranath Tagore and Leo Tolstoy
- Modern Media & Heritage: Indigenous traditions, cinema, music, and sports as drivers of cultural diplomacy
Commenting on the significance of the forum, H.E. G. Labane, Consul General of South Africa, emphasized the strategic evolution of cultural ties said, South Africa and India share a deep civilisational legacy that naturally evolves into a strategic economic partnership today, combining South Africa’s critical minerals like platinum, manganese, and chrome with India’s advanced tech and pharmaceutical capabilities. Our relationship does not require introduction; it requires acceleration. Platforms like GIF II are vital because they convene capital, culture, and government in a single room. As we head toward GIF II in Mumbai, we look forward to accelerating economic diplomacy alongside South African cultural players and over 20 business leaders to build a prosperous future together.
Ms. Janhavi Pawar, Director of AP Globale, underscored the forum’s overarching mission:
“The Global Impact Forum II is built on celebrating what BRICS nations have in common—from shared traditional medicine and martial arts to sports and culture—to encourage collaboration rather than competition. By bringing together leaders across government, business, academia, and entertainment, we are bridging cultural legacy with future innovation. Our core mission is to matchmake the right founders, ministers, and global leaders to drive high-caliber conversations and lasting impact.”
High-Impact Networking and Entrepreneurial Showcases
Beyond daytime panel sessions, GIF II will feature curated evening experiences to foster deeper, informal connections. Day 1 will close with an energetic Gala Night showcasing live Capoeira and percussion performances. Day 2 will host Founders’ Night, an exclusive pitch event connecting high-growth startups with global investors, entrepreneurs, and family offices.
Partnering with AP Globale to drive the entrepreneurial component, VC Grid and Venture Catalysts will curate a specialized startup showcase. Faizan Munshi of VC Grid & Venture Catalysts shared:
“Our partnership reflects our core thesis of connecting capital with strategic networks. At GIF II, we are sourcing and evaluating six early-stage and six late-stage startups to present before international business leaders, government members, and industrialists. By selecting startups across key sectors—including EV, sustainability, logistics, deeptech, and rural finance—our goal is to highlight how Indian innovation delivers real global value and firmly places India on the world map.”
Through an invite-only networking track, GIF II will facilitate strategic introductions to build sustainable cross-border supply chains, economic investments, and cultural partnerships, proving that heritage can serve as the ultimate bridge to future innovation.
About AP Globale AP Globale is an impact-driven organization committed to creating transformative platforms at the intersection of business, culture, policy, and societal development.
Website: www.globalimpactforum.org
