The Global Dialogue Forum (GDF), in partnership with the Club of Rome – India, successfully hosted its international conclave on AI in Powering Green Energy, Food Security & Cybersecurity at the Galle Face Hotel, Colombo, on 20 September. The full-day event convened global policymakers, academics, industry leaders, and innovators to examine how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be practically deployed to address the most pressing challenges facing societies.
The conference was graced by Sri Lanka’s Hon. Deputy Minister of Digital Economy, Eranga Weeraratne, who outlined his vision for a resilient and green digital future powered by AI. He highlighted the importance of bridging the global AI divide and strengthening cybersecurity as the foundation of a secure digital nation. The strategic overview was delivered by Lt. General Arun Sahni (Retd), Secretary General of Club of Rome – India, while the inaugural address was presented by Air First Marshal Dr. Ir. Arwin Sumari, Special Staff to the Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Air Force and Head of Indonesia’s Cognitive AI Research Group.
“The question before us is how humanity can use Artificial Intelligence to meet its most urgent needs—securing energy, food, and digital systems,” said Chairman of the Global Dialogue Forum, Moses Manoharan,. “This conclave in Colombo was designed to bring together diverse perspectives, and by opening the discussions to a global audience, we aimed to make the exchange of ideas part of a wider movement for sustainable solutions.”
The conclave featured four thematic sessions that explored AI in transitioning from fossil fuels to green energy, AI-enhanced agricultural productivity and water security, AI-driven investment models in green finance, and a panel dialogue on North-South collaboration and governance. Delegates and speakers from India, Indonesia and others from ASEAN, joined local experts, underlining Colombo’s role as a convening ground for regional and global policy dialogue
The conclave also spotlighted Sri Lankan perspectives. Cybersecurity and AI policy leader, Asela Waidyalankara, warned that “sustainability without security is merely an illusion,” stressing the urgency of regulation, ethics, and governance as societies increasingly rely on AI. He urged participants to consider how the technology can be used with care to safeguard systems and reduce risk.
Building on this, Human Capital Consulting, Engineering AI & Data, and Growth Office Leader at Deloitte Sri Lanka, Mayura Malagala, noted that AI is shaped by the quality of human-created data and must be monitored for bias and flawed outcomes. He emphasized transparency, accountability, and data sovereignty, urging organizations to treat AI “as a very smart intern who must be guided responsibly” to ensure its growth supports society’s goals.
With participation from regional and global stakeholders, the Global Dialogue Forum reaffirmed Colombo’s positioning as a hub for international policy discourse. The conclave provided a platform to exchange ideas, build understanding, and explore AI-driven pathways toward sustainable, resilient, and inclusive societies.
