ULI India Annual Conference 2025 - World’s Best Cities: A Blueprint for Urban Living

When

2025-02-20
2025-02-20T10:00:00 - 2025-02-20T19:00:00
Asia/Kolkata

Choose Your Calendar

    Where

    Jio World Convention Centre 1st Floor, Meeting Room 104 A & B G Block, Bandra Kurla Complex Mumbai 400098 INDIA

    Pricing

    Late Pricing Begins February 21 Members Non-Members
    Private $150.00 $300.00
    Public/Academic/Nonprofit FREE FREE
    Retired FREE N/A
    Student FREE FREE
    Under Age 35 $50.00 $150.00
    Prices are listed in USD. If you are not member yet, sign up here.
    Making Indian Cities Livable
     
    The "live-work-play" model, rooted in the philosophies of urbanist Patrick Geddes, underpins the idea that cities are complex ecosystems where residential, economic, and cultural activities intertwine. In India's rapidly urbanizing landscape, the need to balance these facets has become urgent, as Indian cities grapple with population increase, economic growth, and a critical need for spatial urban planning. Looking past the traditional focus of this theory, we place the emphasis on the intersections: live-work, work-play and live-play offer Indian cities a better framework for creating dynamic and liveable cities.
     
    Programme Schedule
     
    10:00 AM10:30 AM | Registration & Networking
     
    10:30 AM10:45 AM | Welcome Address
     
    Rohan Sikri, ULI India Chair, Senior Partner, The Xander Group 
    Scott Dunn, ULI Asia Pacific Executive Committee Chair, Chief Strategy Officer Asia, AECOM
     
    10:45 AM–11:45 AM | Keynote 1: The International Experience | World’s Best Cities: What Will It Take for India to Compete?
     
    Keynote Address: Chris Fair, CEO and President, Resonance Consultancy
    Fireside Chat with Chris Fair
    Moderator: Supriya Thyagarajan, Principal | Executive Director, Perkins Eastman
     
    11:45 PM–12:45 PM | The Opening Plenary: The Indian experience | Crafting India’s Blueprint for Global Urban Positioning
     
    Chief Guest Address: Amitabh KantG20 Sherpa – India, Government of India
    Fireside Chat with Amitabh Kant
    Bhushan Gagrani, Commissioner, Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai
    Moderator: Anuj Puri, Chairman, ANAROCK
     
    12:45 PM–1:30 PM | Networking Lunch Break
     
    1:30 PM – 2:30 PM | Entertainment Districts: A New Paradigm for Urban Transformation
     
    Andy Lantz, Co-CEO & Creative Director, RIOS
    Nandini Sampat, Principal Architect, Somaya & Kalappa Consultants
    Rohit Bansal, Group Head of Communications, Reliance Industries Limited
    Sushil Kumar Singh, Chairperson, Mumbai Port Authority
    Vivek Narain, Founder and CEO, The Quorum
    Moderator: Amit Grover, CEO – City Side Developments, Adani Airports 
     
    2:30PM – 3:30 PM | Panel Discussion

    Cities in a New Era of Financialization: How Capital Markets Shape Urban Spaces

    Amit Diwan, Senior Managing Director, Country Head, India, Hines
    Gautam Hora, Managing Director Commercial & Real Estate, EAAA Alternatives
    Raj Shah, Senior Vice President Real Estate, GIC
    Sumit Gera, CEO, India Business Parks, CapitaLand Investment
    Moderator: Anshul Jain, Chief Executive - India, SE Asia & APAC Tenant Representation, Cushman & Wakefield

    3:30 PM – 3:45 PM | Networking Tea Break

    3:45 PM – 4:45 PM | Panel Discussion: Financial Inclusion: Expanding Access to Credit for Communities
     
    Ajay Sharma, Managing Director, HSBC India
    Hardeep Sachdeva, Senior Partner, AZB and Partners
    Manmeet Gulati, Head - Real Estate Banking, South Asia, Standard Chartered Bank
    Vipul Roongta, MD and CEO, HDFC Capital
    Moderator: Rohan Sikri, Senior Partner, The Xander Group
     
     
    4:45 PM – 5:15 PM | Plans to Impact: What Will Drive India’s Urban Transformation?
     
    Khoo Teng Chye, Practice Professor, College of Design and Engineering, NUS
    Praveen Pardeshi, CEO, Maharashtra Institution for Transformation (MITRA)
    Moderator: Neel Raheja, Group President K Raheja Corp
      
    5:15 PM – 5:20 PM | Closing Address: Anupam Yog, Managing Partner, XDG Labs
     
    5:20 PM – 7:00 PM | Networking Cocktails 



    Speakers

    Speaker

    Ajay Sharma

    Managing Director and Head Commercial Bank India, HSBC

    With a distinguished career spanning over three decades, Ajay Sharma is a transformative leader in global banking. As the Managing Director and Head of Commercial Banking for HSBC India, he plays a pivotal role in shaping financial strategies and driving economic growth. He previously led Global Trade and Receivables Finance across Asia Pacific, steering key trade initiatives in the region. His expertise spans international banking, corporate finance, and strategic leadership, making him a sought-after voice in the industry. A true visionary, Ajay has consistently pushed boundaries, creating impact on a global scale. Before HSBC, Ajay spent 26 years at Citibank, holding leadership positions across India, London, Tokyo, and Singapore. His journey, from earning a B. Tech in Chemical Engineering from IIT Delhi to an MBA from IIM Ahmedabad, reflects a rare fusion of analytical brilliance and strategic foresight. With a deep understanding of global trade and finance, he has played an instrumental role in strengthening corporate banking frameworks.

    Speaker

    Amitabh Kant

    G20 Sherpa – India, Government of India

    Amitabh Kant is a renowned Indian civil servant and the current G20 Sherpa for India, playing a critical role in steering the nation's diplomatic and economic engagement on the global stage. In this influential position, he represents India in high-stakes negotiations, advocating for solutions to global challenges with a focus on sustainability, digital transformation, and inclusive growth. Kant is widely credited for his visionary leadership in spearheading transformative initiatives like "Make in India" and "Digital India," which have redefined India’s economic landscape, positioning it as a global hub for manufacturing and technology. His work as the former CEO of NITI Aayog, India’s premier think tank, further solidified his reputation as a forward-thinking policy architect driving key reforms in governance and development. Kant’s contributions transcend national borders, with his advocacy for global collaboration on pressing issues like climate change, sustainable development, and digital governance gaining international recognition. His efforts have been instrumental in enhancing India’s global standing, particularly through campaigns such as "Incredible India," which significantly boosted the nation's tourism sector. As a strategic leader and visionary, Amitabh Kant continues to shape India’s future, playing a pivotal role in driving economic growth, fostering innovation, and ensuring India’s leadership in the global community. We are honored and excited to virtually welcome Mr. Amitabh Kant to our annual conference. His unparalleled expertise and visionary leadership will undoubtedly inspire and provide invaluable insights, and we look forward to learning from his vast experience in shaping India’s global presence and driving transformative change.

    Speaker

    Amit Diwan

    Senior Managing Director & Country Head, India, Hines

    Amit is a Senior Managing Director and the Country Head for Hines in India. In his role, Amit is responsible for development, acquisition, and asset management of real estate across the country. Hines currently has offices in 5 cities in India - in Gurgaon, Mumbai, Bangalore, Pune, and Ahmedabad, and currently focused on office and residential projects. Amit has a track record of starting and scaling-up businesses as an intrapreneur. He started GE Real Estate’s operations in Singapore in 2006 and scaled them across Thailand, Philippines, Malaysia, and Vietnam. He started IndiaReit / Piramal Fund Management’s business in North India in 2010. Amit began his career with Marakon, where he was based in Singapore and was part of teams that advised the C-suite of large corporations across 9 countries in the Asia Pacific region. Amit also serves on the executive committee of ULI India.

    Speaker

    Amit Grover

    Chief Executive Officer - City Side Development, Adani Airports

    Amit Grover, CEO of City Side Development at Adani Airport Holdings Ltd, is a dynamic leader in urban infrastructure and commercial real estate. With a career spanning over 28 years, he has been instrumental in revolutionizing India’s office spaces. Before joining Adani, he played a key role at DLF Group as Executive Director, where he drove the expansion of the company’s office portfolio from 1.5 million to 30 million square feet across multiple cities. His deep expertise in real estate strategy, urban integration, and sustainable development fuels his vision at Adani Airport Holdings, where he is shaping the next-generation of airport city developments spanning over 25 million square feet of mixed-use assets including retail, offices, experiential concepts, hotels and convention centers, spanning over 8 cities. Amit holds an MBA from Delhi, a certification in real estate finance and economics, and has completed an Advanced Management Program (AMP) at Harvard Business School.

    Speaker

    Andy Lantz

    Co-CEO, Creative Director & Partner, RIOS

    Andy Lantz is an architect and visionary leader serving as Co-CEO and Creative Director at RIOS, a multidisciplinary design firm based in Los Angeles. He holds a Master of Architecture from Harvard University's Graduate School of Design and a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from The Ohio State University. Throughout his career, Andy has led innovative design solutions across various sectors, including workplace strategy, mixed-use districts, and cultural institutions. Notable projects under his direction include the Vrbo headquarters in Austin, Texas, which utilized a data-driven approach to create thoughtful programming and experiential design, and the GoodRx Headquarters in Santa Monica, emphasizing aesthetics and wellness. In addition to his role at RIOS, Andy has contributed to academia as a lecturer at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), teaching introductory graduate-level design studio courses. Andy is also recognized for his thought leadership on the future of work and corporate urbanism. He has shared insights on these topics at various platforms, including the WRLDCTY event, which brings together global ideas in urban design, real estate, and technology. His work has been featured in publications such as Architectural Record, where he discussed projects like the 1901 master plan to redevelop the area around Chicago's United Center and the Spotify Content Campus.

    Speaker

    Anshul Jain

    Chief Executive - India, South East Asia & APAC Tenant Representation, Cushman & Wakefield (India) Private Limited

    Anshul Jain is the Chief Executive- India, SE Asia and APAC Tenant Representation at Cushman & Wakefield, where he drives growth and transformation across Southeast Asia and India. With over 28 years of real estate expertise across Southeast Asia and Europe, Anshul is known for his comprehensive approach to delivering real estate solutions for developers, corporates, and capital markets. His areas of expertise include: -Mentoring future leaders and influencing the real estate landscape in Asia. -Serving on the board and investment committee of NCW, a $350M commercial real estate fund in India, a joint venture between Cushman & Wakefield and Nuvama. -Leveraging his client-focused approach and operational excellence to drive growth at Cushman & Wakefield. Hear from Anshul in an insightful session on financialization of cities at ULI India's Annual Conference.

    Speaker

    Anuj Puri

    Chairman, ANAROCK Property Consultants Pvt. Ltd.

    Anuj Puri is the Chairman & Founder of ANAROCK, a leading real estate services firm with a strong presence across India and the Middle East. With over 30 years of expertise in real estate, he is a trusted advisor to developers, occupiers, and investors. Before ANAROCK, he served as Chairman & Country Head of JLL India, overseeing a vast team of 9,000 professionals across 11 cities. Since launching ANAROCK in 2017, Anuj has transformed the firm into a powerhouse, offering services across the real estate lifecycle, including residential and commercial advisory, investment banking, hospitality consulting, logistics, and society management. The company leverages proprietary technology to accelerate marketing and sales for its clients, reinforcing its leadership in the sector. Under his leadership, ANAROCK has grown to a 2,200-strong team with 16 offices spanning India and the GCC. His vision continues to shape the future of real estate, making him a key voice in the industry. Join us at ULI India's Annual Conference 2025 to gain insights from his remarkable journey.

    Speaker

    Anupam Yog

    Managing Partner, XDG Labs Pte Ltd

    Anupam is a pragmatic urbanist and creative strategist with over 20 years of experience in research, design, and urban innovation. As the Managing Partner of XDG Labs, a research organization based in Singapore, he collaborates with a community of innovators to advance the purpose of creating healthy habitats. Anupam's long-term mission is to develop a "Conscious Cities Index," which explores the connection between community well-being and a city's urban design. He is passionate about placemaking for healthy habitats and is the initiator of The Big Sit, a social health movement that reimagines the relationship between people and place.

    Speaker

    Bhushan Gagrani

    Commissioner, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation

    Bhushan Gagrani is a distinguished civil servant and the Commissioner of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), India’s largest municipal body. With an extensive career in governance and public administration, he is responsible for overseeing Mumbai’s urban development, civic infrastructure, and public services. Under his leadership, the BMC has driven transformative projects in urban planning, sustainable development, and smart city initiatives, shaping Mumbai’s future as a global metropolis. Gagrani has held key positions in Maharashtra’s state government, playing a crucial role in policy implementation and governance. His expertise in disaster management, urban mobility, and public health has positioned him as a leader in city administration. At ULI India’s Annual Conference 2025, he will share his insights on the evolving urban landscape and the strategies that will define the cities of tomorrow.

    Speaker

    Chris Fair

    President, Resonance Consultancy Ltd

    As President of Resonance, Chris leads a team of leading global advisors on placemaking, branding and marketing for destinations, cities, districts, and developments around the world. Chris holds a Masters degree in Studies of the Future and specializes in trend analysis, visioning, strategic planning and marketing for destinations, cities and communities. Chris designed the World’s Best Cities rankings to define and benchmark the performance of more than 400 cities around the world, and he is a frequent speaker and commentator on global tourism, real estate and urban development trends. Chris is a past Chairman of the Urban Land Institute’s Travel Experience & Trends Council, a member of the Project for Public Spaces Leadership Council, and instructor in Placemaking at New York University.

    Speaker

    Hardeep Sachdeva

    Senior Partner, AZB & Partners

    Hardeep Sachdeva is a Senior Partner at AZB & Partners. With 30 years of experience, he is consistently rated as India’s leading corporate and M&A lawyer. Hardeep is a business lawyer and advises across several sectors and businesses. He has led several landmark M&A, PE investments, structured financing and private credit transactions and has done pioneering work in these areas. He also advises various US and Europe based foundations in India on their impact sector investments, lending and grants in India. He has also been involved on several leading IBC (Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code) matters for resolution applicants and financial institutions. Hardeep is known as most Illustrious real estate lawyer in India. Hardeep has been a member of governmental and other industry committees. He has authored several publications. He is a graduate in economics from Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC) and in law from Campus Law Centre (CLC), Faculty of Law, Delhi University. He was admitted to the Indian Bar in 1995. He is a member of the Bar Council of Delhi and the Delhi High Court Bar Association. In 1995, he joined Ajay Bahl & Co., a Delhi-based corporate law firm and one of the predecessor firms that combined to form AZB & Partners in 2004. He is a key member of the firm since.

    Speaker

    Khoo Teng Chye

    Director, NUS Cities and Practice Professor, College of Design and Engineering, National University of Singapore

    Professor Khoo Teng Chye is Director, NUS Cities and Practice Professor with the College of Design and Engineering, National University of Singapore. Professor Khoo brings decades of experience shaping Singapore’s urban transformation, having led organizations such as - Urban Redevelopment Authority – CEO & Chief Planner - PSA Corporation – Group President - Temasek Holdings – Managing Director (Special Projects) - Centre for Liveable Cities – Former Executive Director, now Fellow Hear Prof. Khoo's insights on what India can learn from Singapore’s approach to city-building at the ULI India Annual Conference 2025.

    Speaker

    Manmeet Gulati

    Head - Real Estate Banking, South Asia, Standard Chartered Bank

    Manmeet Gulati is the Managing Director & Head of Commercial Real Estate, South Asia, at Standard Chartered Bank. With over 20 years of experience spanning real estate, consumer, and healthcare sectors, he has played a crucial role in shaping large-scale real estate financing in India. Having led transactions exceeding USD 19 billion, Manmeet has built deep expertise in equity advisory, private equity fundraising, M&A, structured debt, mezzanine financing, leverage buyouts, and green bonds. His extensive career includes key roles at Macquarie and Citibank, solidifying his position as a trusted advisor to real estate developers, private equity firms, and sovereign wealth funds. His leadership in commercial real estate banking has contributed to transformative deals that have redefined the investment landscape. With a pulse on market trends and innovative financial structures, Manmeet’s insights will be invaluable at ULI India’s Annual Conference 2025.

    Speaker

    Nandini Sampat

    Principal Architect, Somaya & Kalappa Consultants

    Nandini Sampat, Principal Architect at Somaya and Kalappa Consultants (SNK), leads a research-driven practice that blends innovation with tradition. A recognized thought leader, Nandini has contributed to leading publications and served on prestigious juries and panels. As a trustee of The HECAR Foundation, she curated the Women in Design International Conference 2020. Her recent work includes designing The People of Mumbai exhibition at CSMVS, a landmark project celebrating the city's cultural tapestry. Hear Nandini’s insights at the ULI India Annual Conference 2025 on blending architecture and entertainment for sustainable city building.

    Speaker

    Praveen Singh Pardeshi

    CEO, Maharashtra Institution for Transformation 

    Praveen Pardeshi is a seasoned public administration professional with extensive experience in urban management and policy. As the CEO of MITRA, an organization dedicated to advancing sustainable solutions, he has been at the forefront of implementing impactful projects across India. With a background in government services, Pardeshi has held key leadership roles, including serving as the Municipal Commissioner of Mumbai. Internationally, Pardeshi served in senior roles within the United Nations, including as Chief of the Transition Recovery Unit at UNDP Geneva and Senior Coordinator for the United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction. His work has been instrumental in enhancing urban infrastructure, improving governance systems, and addressing complex social challenges. Under his leadership, MITRA has championed initiatives focused on digital transformation, inclusive urban development, and promoting social equity.

    Speaker

    Raj Shah

    Senior Vice President, Real Estate, GIC Real Estate

    Raj Shah is a senior vice president of the real estate investment team at GIC RE India, since January 2020. With over 17 years of experience in the real estate investment management industry, Raj has become a recognized leader in the field. Key highlights of Raj's career include: -Played a pivotal role in investment strategy and portfolio management across various real estate sectors at Kotak Reality Fund. -Expertise with in-depth knowledge of real estate markets in India, Raj has been involved in managing high-value investment transactions, shaping successful investment strategies. Raj's insights into real estate investment and the evolving market trends make him a key figure in the industry.

    Speaker

    Rohan Sikri

    Senior Partner, The Xander Group, Inc.

    Rohan Sikri is Senior Partner at The Xander Group and CEO of Xander Investment Management, the group’s real estate private equity arm with over US$ 2.6 billion in AUM. Based in Singapore, he co-founded Xander’s India investment platform in 2005. In 2010, Rohan co-founded Xander’s credit arm, serving as Chairman of the board for over a decade. In 2014, he spearheaded the group’s Office core-plus strategy, attracting capital from major global institutions and currently US$ 1.3 billion in AUM. In 2019, he established X Industrial Parks, a $250 million pan-India industrial real estate platform. Rohan is actively involved in shaping the future of urban spaces as the Chair of ULI’s National Council in India and is a member of the ULI Asia Pacific Executive Committee. He also serves as a ULI Global Governing Trustee.

    Speaker

    Rohit Bansal

    Group Head of Communications, Reliance Industries

    Rohit Bansal is a visionary leader operating at the intersection of generative AI, media, corporate strategy, and reputation management in India’s most valued company since 2014. Recognized in Provoke (Holmes) World’s Top In-House Communicators List 2024, he is a leading voice in shaping India’s corporate and media narratives. An alumnus of Harvard Business School, IIM Ahmedabad, and St. Stephen’s College, Rohit has consistently been ranked among India’s top professionals, influencing policy, business strategy, and communication. As a mentor at JioGenNext, he focuses on founder storytelling, guiding the next wave of entrepreneurs in India’s evolving startup ecosystem. Beyond his corporate leadership, Rohit has held editorial and executive roles at The Financial Express, India TV, Zee News, TV18, and The Times of India, shaping the country’s media landscape. He serves on multiple national committees and is a Distinguished Fellow at ORF. A TEDx speaker and former Treasurer of The Editors Guild of India, Rohit’s expertise in urban policy, media, and economic strategy makes him an essential voice at ULI India’s Annual Conference 2025.

    Speaker

    Scott Dunn

    Chief Strategy Officer, Asia, AECOM

    Scott Dunn is Vice President for Asia at AECOM (NYSE: ACM), a $13.2 billion global provider of professional design and consulting services. Scott drives strategic growth for Asia and leads strategic initiatives that drive profitable growth for AECOM as a core member of the Asia leadership team. He also leads cross-functional teams in providing integrated services and sustainable solutions for large, complex, and multidisciplinary projects across Asia, including significant municipal and civil infrastructure projects. These projects encompass high-density masterplans for new towns and the regeneration of existing urban landscapes, focusing on sustainable and smart themes. He has been instrumental in building an integrated practice groups across Asia. Scott sits on the AECOM global ESG Sustainable Legacies council and is the Committee Chair for Asia responsible for implementing AECOM’s ESG’s internal and external commitments. Internal workstreams include risk framework and governance, net zero roadmap, supplier engagement, and social value impact. External workstreams include ESG as a service for clients, key account engagement, and Scope X – embedding decarbonization across all of AECOM’s project delivery. Scott is also part of the Urban Land Institute as the Asia Pacific Chairman, Global Governing Trustee, Advisory Board member for the ULI Center for Sustainability and Economic Performance, and sits on the Asia Pacific Executive Committee, Chair of the Nominations Committee, and the Singapore Country Council (founding Chairperson). He is an advocate of sustainable land development and high-density urban environmental design, believing that to create great places, one should be both sensitive to the environment and responsible for society. His books and papers on urban mobility, sustainability, and livability issues are frequently published with local and international media. As a highly regarded thought leader in the planning community, he actively speaks on land development at conferences and events throughout Asia and North America. For Urban Land Institute, he has co-authored four publications with the Singapore Center of Liveable Cities – 10 Principles for Liveable High-Density Cities Lessons from Singapore (2012), Creating Healthy Places through Active Mobility (2014), Creating Liveable Cities Through Car-Lite Urban Mobility(2016), and Urban Mobility: 10 Cities Leading the Way in Asia-Pacific (2017).

    Speaker

    Supriya Thyagarajan

    Principal | Executive Director, Perkins Eastman Design Consultants India Pvt Ltd

    Supriya Thyagarajan is Principal and Executive Director at Perkins Eastman, bringing over 15 years of experience in urban planning and higher education. She is known for -Expertise in managing major projects across Southeast Asia and globally. -Overseeing innovative design solutions that address the complexities of modern urban environments. -Instrumental in the growth and success as Managing Principal of our Mumbai studio.

    Speaker

    Vipul Roongta

    MD & CEO, HDFC Capital Advisors Limited

    Vipul Roongta is the Managing Director & CEO of HDFC Capital Advisors Limited, the real estate private equity arm of HDFC Group. Under his leadership, HDFC Capital has become one of the largest private real estate financing platforms, committed to funding affordable and mid-income housing projects across India. With over two decades of experience, Vipul has managed investments exceeding USD 5 billion, playing a pivotal role in shaping India's real estate landscape. A strong advocate for sustainability and technology in real estate, Vipul is deeply involved in policy-making initiatives with SEBI and various government bodies, driving forward-thinking solutions for housing finance and development. Beyond the boardroom, he is an avid traveler and a true connoisseur of Indian flavors, running a food club dedicated to exploring local Indian cuisine. His expertise, passion, and vision for the future make him an invaluable voice at ULI India’s Annual Conference 2025.

    Speaker

    Vivek Narain

    Designated Partner, Quorum Club Private Limited

    Vivek Narain is the Founder & CEO of The Quorum, India’s pioneering members-only lifestyle club, redefining hospitality by fostering a culture-led community. He is also the Founder & CEO of district150, a hospitality-driven meeting and events space designed to complement the evolving future of work. With a career spanning both banking and hospitality, Vivek has amassed extensive experience in real estate transactions and hospitality ventures, shaping innovative spaces that blend functionality with refined experiences. Previously, Vivek led South Asia’s development efforts for Fairmont Raffles Hotels International and played a key role in structuring India Hospitality Corp (IHC), one of the largest foreign investments in India's hospitality sector. A passionate advocate for urban innovation and design, he is a founding executive committee member of ULI India. When not pioneering new hospitality experiences, Vivek is an avid traveler, a reader of global affairs, an outdoor enthusiast, and a competitive golfer. His deep expertise and unique insights will be a key highlight at ULI India’s Annual Conference 2025.