Bengaluru, 19 August 2026:
AP Globale is set to host the second edition of the Global Impact Forum (GIF II): Civilisational Legacy on September 5–6, 2026, at The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai, bringing together distinguished voices from Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa(BRICS) for a two-day celebration of culture, heritage and civilisational exchange.
Marking the Forum’s first edition in India, GIF II has been conceptualised as an international soft power festival, exploring how culture, knowledge systems, heritage and creative expression can build meaningful connections between nations. At a time when global relationships are often viewed primarily through the lens of politics and economics, the forum will spotlight the role of cultural understanding and civilisational exchange in shaping stronger global relationships.
Spanning across two days, GIF II is expected to host 500 high-profile delegates each day, including ambassadors, diplomats, business leaders, scholars, cultural figures, entrepreneurs, investors and family offices. The programming will feature panel discussions, keynote conversations and immersive workshops exploring the cultural intersections and shared traditions across the participating nations.
The programme will bring together diverse traditions and disciplines from Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine to Kalaripayattu and Kung Fu/Tai Chi, classical dance and Capoeira, Tagore and Tolstoy, cinema, music, sport and indigenous traditions, highlighting how knowledge, art and cultural expression have travelled across borders and continue to influence contemporary societies.
Speaking about the promising association between South Africa and India, H.E.G Labane, Consul General, South Africa said “South Africa and India share a deep civilizational 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 between South Africa & India does not require introduction; it requires acceleration. Having led the Global South agenda through the G20 and BRICS, our focus must now turn our shared voice into actionable supply chains and investments. Platforms like the Global Impact Forum II (GIF II) are vital because they do what traditional consulates cannot: convene capital, culture, and government in a single room. As we head toward GIF II in Mumbai on September 5 & 6, we look forward to accelerating economic diplomacy alongside South African cultural players and over 20 business leaders to build a prosperous future together.”
Beyond the daytime programming, the festival will extend into curated evening experiences celebrating culture, creativity and connections. Day 1 will culminate in Gala Night, featuring live Capoeira and percussion performances, while Day 2 will host Founders’ Night, bringing together entrepreneurs, investors and family offices for a curated pitch-format evening.
An invite-only networking track will further facilitate meaningful conversations and introductions among influential delegates, encouraging cross-border relationships, collaborations and the exchange of ideas.
“The Global Impact Forum II is built on celebrating what BRICS nations have in common, from shared traditional medicine, martial arts, beauty, sports, and culture to encourage collaboration rather than competition. By bringing together 400 to 500 leaders across government, business, academia, and entertainment, we are bridging cultural legacy with future innovation. Ultimately, any successful forum relies on two pillars: strong content and meaningful connections. Our mission is to matchmake the right founders, ministers, and global leaders to drive high-caliber conversations and lasting impact”, said Janhavi Pawar, Director, AP Globale.
Commenting on the strategic association with AP Globale for GIF II, Faizan Munshi, VC Grid & Venture Catalysts, said, “Our partnership with AP Globale reflects our core thesis: connecting capital with strategic connections, which lies at the heart of the Global Impact Forum II. At this event, we are sourcing and evaluating six early-stage and six late-stage startups to present before business leaders, government members, and international industrialists. Our goal in selecting these startups across key sectors including EV, sustainability, logistics, deeptech, and rural finance, is to highlight how Indian innovation can deliver real value globally and firmly place India on the world map. We are excited about what we’ve built so far and look forward to a transformative event”.
With soft power at its core, Global Impact Forum II: Civilisational Legacy seeks to create a distinctive platform where heritage meets contemporary dialogue. By bringing together cultural, intellectual and business voices from across five nations, the festival aims to demonstrate how culture can serve as a powerful bridge between societies, fostering understanding, curiosity and lasting global connections.
