Mahabalipuram, Feb 14 – Project Management Associates (PMA India), in collaboration with the International Project Management Association (IPMA), officially inaugurated the IPMA Global Project Profession Forum 2026 at the Radisson Blu Resort, Temple Bay, Mahabalipuram.
The two-day forum, themed “Co-Creating a Global Transformation through Project Management: Embracing AI, Innovation, and Sustainability,” brings together international experts, policymakers, and industry titans to discuss the evolving landscape of global project execution.
The inaugural session commenced with a traditional prayer and the lighting of the lamp, symbolizing the enlightenment and shared purpose of the global project management community.
Key Highlights from the Inaugural Session
The event featured a distinguished lineup of speakers who underscored the critical role of structured project management in achieving national and global goals. Dr. Palanivel Thiaga Rajan, Hon’ble Minister for IT & Digital Services, Govt. of Tamil Nadu, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Prof. Dr. Mladen Vukomanovic, President of IPMA, delivered the Inaugural Address, highlighting global trends in the profession. Dr. A. Sivathanu Pillai, Padma Bhushan Awardee, President of PMA India, and Former CEO & MD of BrahMos Aerospace, delivered the welcome address. Mr. N. Ram, Director, The Hindu Group & Former Managing Director, The HIndu participated as Guest of Honour and delivered a special address.
As a former investment banker and current policymaker, Dr. Palanivel Thiaga Rajan focused on the intersection of governance and execution excellence. He argued that while India is excellent at “envisioning” and policy-making, the primary challenge remains execution. Project management is the bridge needed to close this gap. He emphasized using “100% pure databases” and AI to democratize citizen services. He highlighted that project management principles must be applied to government schemes to ensure “last-mile” delivery. He advocated for a shift from intuitive or political decision-making to evidence-based management, where progress is measured by objective metrics rather than effort alone. He noted that as IT jobs evolve due to AI, the education system must pivot to teach children “how to think and manage” rather than just technical skills that may soon be automated.
Prof. Dr. Mladen Vukomanovic, President, IPMA provided a global perspective on the evolving role of the project professional. He emphasized that success is no longer just about meeting time, budget, and scope. The focus must shift toward value delivery and the long-term social and economic impact of a project. He promoted the IPMA Individual Competence Baseline (ICB), arguing that “competence” involves a mix of technical skills, behavioral traits (leadership, ethics), and contextual awareness. He called for project managers to be socially responsible, viewing projects as “drivers of sustainable social change” rather than isolated engineering tasks.
Human-Centric Leadership: Despite the rise of AI and automation, he maintained that the “human element”—making ethical calls, managing stakeholders, and gut-feeling decision-making—remains the irreplaceable core of the profession.
Known for his leadership in the BrahMos missile program, Dr. A. Sivathanu Pillai, President, PMA India focused on Project Management for National Development. He outlined how professional project management is essential for India to reach its goal of becoming a fully developed nation by the centenary of its independence. Drawing from his experience in aerospace and defense, he advocated for the “mission-oriented” management style to tackle grand challenges like climate change, energy security, and space exploration. He emphasized that India must not just manage projects but own the technologies behind them, moving from being a technology follower to a global leader. He highlighted the role of AI, IoT, and Big Data in modernizing project management lifecycles, making them more predictable and efficient.
Dr. S. Somanath, Former Chairman, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), delivered a keynote address on the profound impact of space missions in fostering a robust national innovation ecosystem. Mr. Roberto Mori, Former Director, Operations & Special Projects, Tenova SpA, and Former President, IPMA, delivered a keynote address focusing on sustainable solutions for the mining and metals industry from a project management perspective.
Awards and Recognition
The session concluded with a prestigious ceremony conferring the IPMA Delta Certificate to NLC India Ltd. for organizational excellence. Additionally, the PMA Lifetime Achievement Award 2025 and PMA Honorary Fellowships were presented to individuals who have made monumental contributions to the field.
The day wrapped up with a Vote of Thanks by Ms. Laura Lasaite, IPMA COO, expressing gratitude to the partners and delegates from around the world.