Global Think Tank Powered by Business & Strategy Consulting

WDC delivers premium consulting through our expert Special Interest Groups (SIGs) partners, positioning India's SEZ ecosystem as a leader in development-focused, technology-enabled zone governance and operations.

We provide integrated consulting on:

  • Core Infrastructure — Location strategy, master planning, policy & incentive design, commercial structuring
  • Technology — Digital-twin architecture, AI analytics & operations, tokenization platforms
  • Skilling & Education — Skill ecosystem design, university partnerships, CSR-linked programs
  • PPP & Capital — End-to-end PPP advisory, asset monetization & REITs, tokenized real-asset design

Three Pillars

Infrastructure for Prosperity

Policy-driven development

Skills for Dignity

People-centered growth

Technology for Sustainability

Power through innovation

Four Founding Principles

1. Execution-First Philosophy

Ideas must move beyond papers. Execution must be structured. Access must be earned. Policy insights gain value only through implementation. Strategy without execution is aspiration. Rigorous delivery is the measure of credibility.

2. Institutional Neutrality

WDC maintains complete political, ideological, and commercial neutrality through independent governance structure, no partisan alignment, no single-sponsor dependency, and a transparent funding model with clear separation of money and policy.

3. Outcome-Oriented Operations

Every mandate must define clear success metrics (quantifiable, time-bound), execution accountability frameworks, stakeholder value creation, and learning capture with knowledge codification.

4. Access Through Credibility

Access to WDC's networks, mandates, and insights is earned through demonstrated competence, track record of delivery, institutional reputation, and alignment with WDC's values and mission.

Unique Value Proposition

WDC brings differentiated capabilities that position us as the partner of choice for governments, developers, and investors.

India-Based Deep Relationships

Deep relationships with state governments, local authorities, and development practitioners across India's zone ecosystem.

Development-First Positioning

Zones as development instruments, not just export platforms—aligns with India's reform direction and SEZ Amendment 2024.

Proven Capability

Governance, membership management, events, research, certifications—proven capability to deliver World FZO member value.

Integrated Advisory

Integrated strategy, technology, and PPP advisory for logistics, SEZs, and infrastructure—differentiates WDC in market.

What WDC Is NOT

WDC deliberately distinguishes itself from other institutional models to maintain focus and integrity.

Not a Lobbying Firm

No advocacy for private commercial interests; no policy capture

Not Traditional Consulting

Not transactional hourly-billing model; outcomes-focused engagement

Not Purely Academic

Ideas serve implementation, not publication cycles

Not a Development Bank

Does not deploy capital; facilitates capital alignment with execution programs

Governance & Leadership

WDC is governed by a distinguished board representing government, corporate, international, and NGO backgrounds.

Board Chair

Senior Statesman/Diplomat

Founding board member providing strategic oversight and institutional guidance.

Vice-Chair

Senior Corporate Leader

Government veteran bringing corporate and institutional transformation experience.

CEO/Founder

Ex-Officio Member

Leads day-to-day operations and strategic execution of WDC's mission.

View Full Board

Board Committees

Strategy & Governance Committee

Oversees strategic direction, operating plan oversight, and major institutional decisions. Chaired by a board member with strategic experience.

Frequency: Quarterly (or as needed)

Audit, Risk & Compliance Committee

Manages internal controls, risk management, legal/regulatory compliance, and ethics. Chaired by an independent director.

Frequency: Quarterly + additional meetings as needed

Membership & Advancement Committee

Handles membership admissions, tier transitions, and membership engagement. Chaired by a senior board member.

Frequency: Quarterly (minimum)

Research & Integrity Committee

Oversees research ethics, sponsor independence, publication oversight, and conflicts review. Chaired by a board member or independent academic leader.

Frequency: Quarterly minimum

Ethics & Compliance

Research Ethics

  • Standard ethics protocols (institutional review board for human subjects research)
  • Data privacy compliant with GDPR (Europe) and India data protection law
  • Research sponsors cannot veto conclusions, suppress findings, or control publication timing

Execution Ethics

  • PMU and VMU teams work under conflict-of-interest protocols
  • Team members from sponsor organizations recused from independence-critical decisions
  • All recommendations documented with rationale and evidence

Member Conduct

  • Members expected to uphold WDC values: neutrality, integrity, outcome-orientation
  • Misconduct complaints reviewed by ethics committee
  • Potential sanctions: Warning, membership suspension, membership termination
  • Appeals process available for disputed findings

Whistleblower Protection

  • Confidential whistleblower line (external provider)
  • Protection against retaliation for good-faith reports
  • Quarterly ethics committee review of reports
  • Annual summary report to board

Our Presence

New Delhi, India

World Development Council
Connaught Place
New Delhi 110001, India

Primary office for South Asia operations

London, United Kingdom

World Development Council
Mayfair
London W1K, United Kingdom

Hub for Europe and global operations

Join the Movement

Be part of a global institution dedicated to converting vision into action, policy into outcomes, and capital into impact.