2024 EMI Annual Conference: Innovation and Transformation to Emerge Stronger

Group photo of speakers, organizers, and attendees on stage in front of a red Cornell banner.

Panelists, organizers, and participants gather at the 2024 EMI annual conference at the Cornell Tech Campus. Photo by Michael Graham.

Cornell’s Emerging Markets Institute (EMI) hosted its 14th annual conference October 31–November 1, 2024, at the Cornell Tech Campus in New York City. The conference brought together 37 global leaders and experts with over 500 participants to engage with this year’s theme, “Innovation and Transformation to Emerge Stronger.”

Lourdes Casanova speaking with the conference's banner in the background (left) and Dean Andrew Karolyi speaking on stage with Cornell red banner visible (right).
Lourdes Casanova, Gail and Roberto Cañizares Director of the Emerging Markets Institute, and Andrew Karolyi, Charles Field Knight Dean of the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business, give opening remarks. Photos by Michael Graham.

Andrew Karolyi, Charles Field Knight Dean of the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business, and Lourdes Casanova, Gail and Roberto Cañizares Director of the Emerging Markets Institute, opened the conference, emphasizing collaboration as a key to addressing challenges and seizing opportunities in emerging markets. “We’re not just observing or participating in the global education movement,” Karolyi said. “Our college is actually leading and shaping the way global business education will take place in the future.”

Casanova echoed this focus on action and impact. “This is a movement … to foster the collaboration that is going to transform into action to build a stronger, more resilient, more equitable future for emerging markets and the whole world,” she said.

Insights and Highlights from the Panels

Audience at the conference interacting with the presentations
Audience members listen to the panels at the 2024 EMI annual conference. Photo by Michael Graham.

The event featured four dynamic panels, each delving into critical issues from sustainable investment strategies and technological innovation to public-private partnerships and regional growth drivers.

Conference panels highlighted transformative opportunities in emerging markets. The “Spotlight on India” panel examined India’s rapid economic ascent, driven by advancements in digital payments, renewable energy, and infrastructure.

  • “Capital Insights” explored strategies for financing sustainable growth, emphasizing risk mitigation and impactful investments.
  • “Tech Horizons” showcased AI’s potential to address region-specific challenges and accelerate economic growth through innovation.
  • “Rewriting the Narrative” highlighted collaborative efforts between public and private sectors in Africa to foster resilience and sustainable development amid complex challenges.

Special Events and Competitions

The conference also celebrated and featured key collaborations and insights from partners.

  • The National University of Singapore (NUS) Investment Society emphasized the value of educational and professional exchanges across regions.
  • New York City Councilman Justin Brannan, chair of the committee on finance, shared insights on the intersection of finance and policy, highlighting New York City’s role as a pivotal partner for global emerging markets.
  • Haitham Khoury, director of fellowships and global initiatives at MIT’s Legatum Center for Development and Entrepreneurship, emphasized the transformative power of entrepreneurship in emerging economies.
  • Fridah speaking on stage, with her students and partners seated in the background, listening to the presentation. A red Cornell banner is visible in the background.
    Fridah Mubichi-Kut, executive director of Cornell’s SMART Program, and student panelists.

    Fridah Mubichi-Kut, executive director of Cornell’s Student Multidisciplinary Applied Research Teams (SMART) program, provided a look at student-led projects addressing real-world challenges in emerging markets.

Casanova introduced the 2024 EMI Report, which sheds light on emerging multinationals and market dynamics. The report offers insights into multinational growth strategies and resilience in the face of global shifts.

Winners of the competition posing with the winner's check, alongside organizers and speakers, with a red Cornell banner in the background.

The conference also featured two competitions, Cornell EMI Corning Case Competition and the Cornell EMI Mark Mobius Pitch Competition, where over 705 participants forming 154 teams from 48 universities across 15 countries showcased their innovative solutions. iOptiCrane from Hong Kong Polytechnic University won the Mark Mobius Pitch Competition.

Finalists standing and crouching for a photo, with winners holding the check, surrounded by organizers and speakers. A red Cornell banner is in the background.
Organizers and participants from the Cornell EMI Mark Mobius Pitch Competition (top) and Cornell EMI Corning Case Competition (bottom). Photos by Michael Graham.

Team Vinception from VinUniversity in Vietnam secured 1st place in the Corning Case Competition, followed by OnsenTamaGO from Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University in Japan and Team RedBricks Solutions from the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management.

The conference included a “fireside chat” with Eduardo Padilla Silva, MBA ’81, recipient of the Cañizares Alumni Award. In conversation with Dean Karolyi, Padilla reflected on his journey as the former CEO of Mexican beverage company FEMSA and its retail chain OXXO in Mexico, sharing insights into leadership, resilience, and the impact of sustainable growth practices in Latin America. He highlighted the importance of aligning an organization’s goals. “It’s not about any one of us but the whole system … establishing a team where everybody will do their best,” Padilla said.

Eduardo Padilla and Dean Andrew Karolyi talking on red seats on stage, with a red Cornell banner in the background
Eduardo Padilla Silva, MBA ’81 (left), recipient of the Cañizares Alumni Award, in conversation with Dean Andrew Karolyi. Photo by Michael Graham.

These featured addresses and collaborations exemplified the EMI’s commitment to fostering global dialogue and practical solutions for emerging markets.

Leadership, Teamwork, and Excellence

The conference was a success due to the dedication of many, led by Casanova and Daniel dos Anjos, EMI program coordinator. The conference committee included Andrés Suarez, Rafaela Baldeon, Kaleb Kavuma, Carl Kananda, and Aryaman Thareja; Iris Arguedas, Niyonika Chhabra, Osagie Oigiagbe, and Carlos Bernos led the competitions. Special thanks go to the EMI advisory board, including Nell Cady-Kruse ’84, MBA ’85, Gail and Rob Cañizares ’71, MBA ’74, Henry Renard ’54, MBA ’55, and Mark Mobius. Judges, case developers, and the EMI team, including Dimitrios Nerantzinis and Elnaz Gojayeva, ensured success.

Casanova concluded with reflections and an inspirational outlook. “The future will be defined by our ability to collaborate and be resilient … promote sustainable growth and create a future where everyone has the opportunity to succeed,” she said.

About the author

Image of Carl Kananda

Carl Kananda is an MBA student studying international business and development, focusing on sub-Saharan Africa. He is a seasoned STEM professional with experience supporting social and economic development initiatives across the U.S. and Africa. A member of the Class of 2026, Kananda is an EMI Fellow and co-chaired the Africa panel at the 2024 EMI annual conference.