IAS Officer Sonal Goel Sparks Dialogue At House Of Lords In London

The majestic House of Lords, the upper house of the Parliament of the United Kingdom, resonated with thought-provoking discussions during the Global Convention of the Institute of Directors (IOD). The event brought together a distinguished audience of MPs, corporate leaders, academics, bureaucrats, and diplomats.

Among the stellar lineup of speakers was IAS officer Sonal Goel, who captivated the audience with her compelling address on the topic, “Corporate Governance Meets Public Governance: Partnerships for Social Inclusion, Impact, and Sustainable Development.”

Opening her speech with India’s ancient ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—"the world is one family"—she set the tone for a dialogue that underscored the interconnectedness of humanity in addressing global challenges such as climate change, economic disparities, and digital inclusion.

Sonal Goel emphasized India's renewable energy commitments, including the International Solar Alliance and the ambitious target of achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel energy by 2030. These examples illustrated how public governance can effectively collaborate with the private sector to drive initiatives for the greater good.

India’s transformative policies and programs, initiated under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, featured prominently in her address. Initiatives such as the Digital India Mission, PM-Jan Dhan Yojana, and PM-Kaushal Vikas Yojana have significantly impacted over half a billion Indians, paving the way for the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

She also highlighted India’s Clean Ganga Project and Ayushman Bharat healthcare initiatives as exemplary models of how corporate investment can complement government efforts to achieve social and environmental objectives.

Sonal Goel acknowledged the significant contributions of the Indian diaspora in the UK, which numbers over 1.5 million. She praised their role in enriching the UK's social, cultural, and economic landscape while excelling in sectors such as healthcare, technology, and the arts. Their efforts, she noted, strengthen economic and cultural ties between the two nations through organizations like the UK India Business Council (UKIBC).

In her closing remarks, Sonal urged corporate leaders to adopt purpose-driven governance that balances people and the planet with profit. Quoting Mahatma Gandhi’s timeless adage, “The future depends on what we do in the present,” she inspired the audience to envision a legacy of inclusive growth and sustainability.

Following her talk, Sonal engaged with luminaries such as Lord Karan Bilimoria and Baroness Verma, known for their remarkable contributions to public service and leadership. She also shared copies of her book, Nation Calling, with several prominent attendees.

Sonal Goel’s address was part of a series of invited lectures on the theme: “Board’s Strategy for a Secure Future & Turning Disruptions into Opportunities” at the 2024 London Global Convention of the Institute of Directors (IOD), organized under the overarching theme of Corporate Governance & Sustainability.