IPMA Global Project Profession Forum 2026 Inaugurated at Mahabalipuram; Focus on AI, Innovation & Sustainable Transformation

Chennai / Mahabalipuram, February 13, 2026: 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 scenic Radisson Blu Resort Temple Bay in Mahabalipuram.

The two-day global forum, themed “Co-Creating a Global Transformation through Project Management: Embracing AI, Innovation, and Sustainability,” has brought together international experts, policymakers, industry leaders, and project professionals to deliberate on the future of project execution in an increasingly complex and technology-driven world.

The inaugural ceremony began with a traditional prayer and lighting of the ceremonial lamp, symbolising shared vision, knowledge, and collective purpose within the global project management community. The inaugural session featured an eminent panel of speakers who emphasized the critical importance of structured project management in achieving national development goals and global sustainability targets.

Dr. Palanivel Thiaga Rajan, Hon’ble Minister for IT & Digital Services, Government of Tamil Nadu, attended as Chief Guest. In his address, he underlined the need to bridge the gap between policy vision and execution excellence. He observed that while India excels in conceptualising and drafting policies, the real challenge lies in effective implementation.

He stressed that project management provides the framework necessary to close this gap, especially in public governance. Advocating for “100% pure databases” and the integration of AI in governance systems, he highlighted the importance of evidence-based decision-making and measurable outcomes in government schemes to ensure last-mile service delivery. He also noted that as AI reshapes IT employment, education systems must shift toward teaching critical thinking and management capabilities rather than purely technical skills.

Prof. Dr. Mladen Vukomanovic, President of International Project Management Association, delivered the inaugural address, offering a global perspective on the evolving role of project professionals. He emphasized that modern project success must move beyond the traditional parameters of time, cost, and scope to focus on value creation and long-term socio-economic impact.

Promoting the IPMA Individual Competence Baseline (ICB), he explained that true competence combines technical expertise, behavioural leadership traits, and contextual awareness. Despite rapid technological advances, he reiterated that ethical judgment, stakeholder management, and human-centric leadership remain irreplaceable in project environments.

Dr. A. Sivathanu Pillai, Padma Bhushan awardee, President of PMA India, and former CEO & MD of BrahMos Aerospace, delivered the welcome address. Drawing from his extensive experience in aerospace and defence, he highlighted the importance of mission-oriented project management in driving national development.

He emphasized that India must transition from being a technology follower to a global technology leader, particularly in strategic sectors such as space, energy security, and climate action. He also pointed to the growing role of AI, IoT, and Big Data in enhancing predictability and efficiency across modern project lifecycles.

Dr. S. Somanath, Former Chairman of Indian Space Research Organisation, delivered a keynote address on how space missions have strengthened India’s innovation ecosystem and inspired technological advancement across sectors.

Mr. Roberto Mori, Former Director of Operations & Special Projects at Tenova SpA and Former President of IPMA, addressed the forum on sustainable solutions in the mining and metals industry from a project management perspective.

Mr. N. Ram, Director of The Hindu Group and former Managing Director of The Hindu, participated as Guest of Honour and delivered a special address, reflecting on leadership, accountability, and institutional excellence.

The session concluded with the conferral of the prestigious IPMA Delta Certificate to NLC India Ltd. in recognition of organisational excellence in project management practices.

The PMA Lifetime Achievement Award 2025 and PMA Honorary Fellowships were also presented to distinguished professionals who have made significant contributions to advancing the project management profession.

The inaugural day concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Ms. Laura Lasaite, COO of IPMA, expressing gratitude to partners, speakers, and delegates from across the globe for their participation and commitment to advancing project management as a driver of sustainable global transformation.

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