Barclays sponsors UK-India leadership initiative

Barclays sponsors Dishaa, an initiative encouraging the UK and India to share approaches to political, economic and social challenges.

Forty emerging leaders from the private, public and non-profit sectors in both countries will meet next year in Pune, India to discuss the changes needed in the way society innovates and its mindset, if a goal of reducing the cost of major heart surgery to US$1,000 is to be achieved.

They will explore the context of the challenge and in the middle of next year, present their findings and proposed solutions to experts in the areas of public policy, business and charity work, who form the Dishaa Advisory Group.

After the event in Pune, participants will continue their learning and reflect on their findings and experiences through a series of videoconference calls.

The initiative, launched by UK Prime Minister David Cameron in July 2010, is organised by leadership development charity Common Purpose and the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Sudhakar Rao, Chair, Dishaa Advisory Group, said: "Dishaa is Hindi for direction.

"Dishaa enables future leaders to see how much can be gained through links between the UK and India as they set the direction for their lives and careers."

Julia Middleton, Chief Executive, Common Purpose, said: "This challenge is perfect for Dishaa participants because it frames a specific idea that requires widespread, systematic and social change to make it a reality and would apply to many other widespread social, political and economic issues facing the UK and India today."

Applications to participate in the Dishaa initiative are now open. Those who are interested should visit the website for further information and application details.