The forum was attended by a number of leading business figures, government officials and researchers in Dubai.

At the forum, Dr. Tharoor spoke about India's relevance and its impact on global developments in the twenty-first century. He elaborated on the role played by India on the political, economic and social scene.

Dr. Tharoor stressed India's role in providing funds to support the dissemination of the principles of democracy and governance in the world. He also highlighted India's active participation in campaigns addressing humanitarian crises and projects of economic and social significance.

Nabil Alyousuf, Executive President of the Dubai School of Government said: 'India is currently one of the prominent players in the global arena. The recent visit by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, to India was aimed at consolidating cooperation, and promoting the principles and foundations of peace and justice in various regions especially in the Gulf and the Middle East. The visit helped to encourage joint investment and increase two-way trade.

'The forum shed further light on the reality of India and its prospects. It offered leaders in the government and private sector a chance to understand the decision-making process and ways to deal with strategic investors and Indian business leaders. The forum also helped to identify India's role in regional and global peace, stability and prosperity.'

Dr. Tharoor began his career with the United Nations in 1978, as the High Commissioner for Refugees in Geneva. He was India's official candidate to succeed UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan last year. He ranked second among seven contenders after voting. He is the author of a number of political books about India, including 'Nehru: The Invention of India' and 'Bookless Baghdad'. He has also written a number of novels that have been filmed, such as 'Bollywood'.

Dr. Tharoor's works include nine novels and hundreds of newspaper and magazine articles worldwide. His articles have appeared in Newsweek, New York Times, the Washington Post and the International Herald Tribune. His writing focuses on the history of India and the political realities and conflicts surrounding it. He has also written many opinion articles about the role of the UN in finding solutions to global crises.