Global Impact Forum to be held in September ahead of BRICS Summit

Published - August 20, 2026 12:13 am IST - Bengaluru

Evoking the historical relationship India and South Africa have shared, Gideon Labane, Consul General of South Africa, said the relationship was not something that needed introduction, but acceleration. He was speaking at a media roundtable ahead of the second edition of the Global Impact Forum, themed ‘Civilisational Legacy’.

“South Africa has just carried the responsibility of the G20 presidency. India this year holds the chairmanship of BRICS. So between us, we have held the pen on the Global South agenda for two consecutive years. And the question now is not whether our voice is heard or not; it is whether our voice becomes supply chains, investments, and standards,” he said.

“South Africa holds critical minerals that the technologies designed in this city cannot function without. South African companies are increasingly looking at Karnataka for capabilities that no longer need to sit in South Africa to be excellent,” Mr. Labane added.

According to the Consul General, the number of South Africans of Indian origin currently stands at around 1.7 million, constituting about 3% of South Africa’s total population.

Speaking about the Global Impact Forum, he said such platforms mattered because a consulate could convene governments, but could not easily convene capital and culture in a single room at the same time.

“We are hoping to have about 20 business leaders from South Africa during the two days of the event,” Mr. Labane said.

The Global Impact Forum II – ‘Civilisational Legacy’, scheduled to take place from September 5 to 6, 2026, is conceived as an international platform for dialogue, collaboration, and cultural exchange, with participation from diplomats, business leaders, investors, entrepreneurs, innovators, artists, academics, and cultural leaders from across BRICS nations.

Published - August 20, 2026 12:13 am IST

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