London/Bhubaneswar: Bali Jatra, one of India’s oldest and most iconic maritime festivals, was today commemorated in the historic House of Lords.
The Odisha Society of United Kingdom (OSUK) and Xpertnest jointly organised ‘Global South Maritime Heritage Summit 2025’ at the House of Lords and celebrated the Bali Yatra festival.
Held against the tranquil setting of the River Thames, this landmark event marked a historic milestone for the global Odia community, bringing the spirit of Odisha’s maritime legacy to one of the world’s most influential seats of democracy.
The day commenced with a mesmerising Odissi dance performance, gracefully capturing the spirit of Odisha’s maritime traditions and cultural depth.
The performance beautifully set the tone for a gathering that blended art, diplomacy, and innovation in one of the world’s most influential seats of democracy.
With more than 115 dignitaries and thought leaders in attendance, the summit was enriched by inspiring addresses from UK parliamentarians, institutional leaders from India, and representatives from across the Global South, who collectively underscored the importance of collaboration in achieving a circular economy and sustainable innovation.
It marked the beginning of a renewed dialogue between nations of the Global South, driven by India’s leadership and the UK’s commitment to innovation and inclusivity.
This landmark event not only honoured Odisha’s glorious maritime past but also lit the path toward a new future — one where heritage meets technology, and where the spirit of the Global South sails forward through sustainability, collaboration, and shared growth.
A special message from the Chief Minister of Odisha Mohan Charan Majhi was shared during the event, in which he congratulated the organizers for their efforts in creating awareness about Odisha’s rich maritime legacy on an international platform. The message was played for the audience during the program.
A key takeaway from the summit was the announcement of plans to establish a “Global South Corridor,” aimed at facilitating and renewing ancient connections between these regions, both economically and culturally.
The event was attended by Honourable MP Louie French, Shadow Minister for Sport and Culture; Lord Rami Ranger; Lord Evans; former Members of Parliament; councillors from both the Conservative and Labour parties; and Members of the London Assembly.
Distinguished delegates also joined from Southeast Asia—including members of Labour Friends of South East Asia and the APPG ( All Party Parliamentary Group) on Indonesia—as well as from Africa, China, the United Kingdom, and Europe.
The Trade Minister of Sri Lanka also graced the occasion and expressed his delight at being part of the summit.
Together, the gathering united diverse regions of the Global South and Global North under a shared purpose: to celebrate, preserve, and revitalise the deep maritime connections that have shaped civilisations for over a thousand years.
Delegates from the Global South expressed strong interest in seeing the corridor come to fruition in the coming year.
The summit also featured a thought-provoking panel discussion on sustainability, with distinguished professors and scientists from Oxford and Cambridge alongside a leading maritime expert. The panel explored how ancient wisdom and modern innovation can jointly drive sustainable progress across the Global South, covering technology, economy, environment, and community development.
The programme included the Bali Jatra Pledge, a collective commitment to advancing sustainability and strengthening global connections, inspired by the enduring spirit of Odisha’s ancient seafarers.
An award ceremony further marked the occasion, celebrating outstanding contributions to sustainability, inclusivity, and shared progress. The awardees’ work strengthens communities, drives meaningful change, and reflects the best of what the Global South contributes to the world.
An e-brochure was also released alongside the summit, providing an overview of the historical significance of Odisha’s maritime legacy, outlining the way forward for collaboration, and offering detailed information about OSUK CIC.
The initiative is brought to you by Xpertnest, led by British-Odia entrepreneur and philanthropist Arun Kar, whose passion for his home state of Odisha has been the driving force behind his visionary and pioneering initiatives.
Another major outcome of the summit was the significant elevation of Brand Odisha on the global stage—one of the primary objectives of organising this event at the UK Parliament. The summit drew international attention to Odisha’s rich heritage and emerging potential, sparking interest in collaborations, investments, and tourism. Professors and scientists from Oxford University expressed eagerness to partner with academic institutions in Odisha for joint work in AI and research innovation. Hospitality leaders and investors showed enthusiasm for exploring opportunities in the state, while several delegates—many of whom had never considered visiting Eastern India—expressed a strong desire to travel to Odisha and experience its culture firsthand.
Additionally, the organisers highlighted that Bali Jatra has already been inscribed in the National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage by the Sangeet Natak Akademi, while the Government of Odisha is actively pursuing UNESCO recognition. They emphasised that this initiative strongly supports that effort by showcasing Odisha’s rich maritime heritage on a global stage.
The summit also served as an inspiration for other diaspora communities, demonstrating how cultural organisations can curate high-impact, globally relevant events that showcase heritage with pride and purpose.
The networking opportunities were immense, forging new partnerships across academia, business, policy, and community leadership.
The Global South Maritime Heritage Summit 2025 stands as a testament to what shared vision and collective action can achieve — a brighter, more connected future for generations to come.
The Bali Jatra pledge :
We, the citizens and friends of the Global South, pledge to honour our ancient maritime links that once connected our civilisations through trade, culture, and shared values.
We commit ourselves to preserving and carrying forward this legacy by pursuing sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation for generations to come.
We pledge to strengthen the bridges between our nations — through respect for diversity, environmental stewardship, and shared prosperity. From ancient maritime glory to sustainable futures, we sail together — united in purpose, guided by history, and anchored in hope.
