On Tuesday October 15, 2019, King Willem-Alexander inaugurated the 25th edition of the Tech Summit, New Delhi, India. This year, The Netherlands was partner country of the Tech Summit in which 250 Dutch delegates participated, next to 750 Indian. Women on Wings was amongst the participating organizations.
Trade mission parallel to royal state visit
The largest trade mission ever to India, ran parallel to the state visit of King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima to India from October 14 to 18, 2019. The King and Queen participated in various program components of this mission. The Tech Summit offered a platform to over 140 Dutch -social- enterprises and knowledge institutions to present and explore innovative techniques and technologies for the sectors waste, agriculture and health, and to explore and capitalize on opportunities in this area.
Sharing knowledge and expertise
According to King Willem-Alexander, both India and The Netherlands can work well together because they both have a clear idea of what innovation is. “Innovation is about co-creation. Innovation is about bringing together international knowledge and expertise to help tackle social issues that affect us all. Like climate change, sustainable food production and affordable, good-quality healthcare”, His Majesty said. This matches exactly the Women on Wings approach. Since 2007, Women on Wings shares international business knowledge and expertise with its Indian business partners to support them in their overall growth so more employment opportunities for women in rural India are being co-created.
Waste and agri solutions
Women on Wings participated in this year’s Tech Summit, an initiative of the Indian government, to explore innovative technology solutions in waste and agriculture, since a large number of its partners in India operate in agriculture. Also, the social enterprise is developing a program with PUM Netherlands senior experts (PUM) in the waste sector. During the 2 days’ Tech Summit, Women on Wings and PUM met a number of parties that can contribute to their joint program and / or can support in bringing Women on Wings’ partners to their next level in growth.
King supports Women on Wings philosophy
Another part of King Willem-Alexander’s inauguration speech fits in seamlessly with the philosophy of Women on Wings: “The path to solutions starts with empathy, curiosity and the ability to listen. With respect for each other’s knowledge, traditions and culture. There are no ‘standard’ solutions. Innovation is a product of human effort. That’s why it’s so important to invest in a long-term relationship with partners you can trust. Partners who can add value to your assets. For the Netherlands, India is such a partner. I hope that today and tomorrow you will all have a chance to get to know each other better, and together lay the foundations for many more new innovations that will enhance the lives of people in India and the Netherlands.”
Picture: King and Queen at inauguration Tech Summit
Read King Willem-Alexander’s full speech on the website of The Royal Family
