The World in 2011 Gala Dinner will coincide with the launch of The Economist's publication of The World in 2011, its annual look at the year ahead. This year, it will build on a quarter of a century of prediction history and will celebrate the silver anniversary with a special feature taking a 25-year view of the future. At the Gala Dinner in Mumbai, an illustrious list of speakers who exemplify human endurance, innovation, creativity and vision will share their thoughts on some of the most compelling topics, emerging issues and challenges that are likely to define global economies and nations in 2011.

The evening will start with welcome cocktails followed by a live performance - Bella Gaia, presented by violinist Kenji Williams - to kick off the dinner programme. Daniel Franklin, the editor of The World in, will host the gala dinner and share his thoughts and predictions for the year ahead. Guest speakers include Rakesh Jhunjhunwala, Partner, Rare Enterprises; Ray Zahab, Founder and Expeditions director, impossible2Possible; Lorraine Heggessey, former TV producer, "Britain's Got Talent", "The Apprentice" and "X-Factor".

Last year, the World In series set the context for looming global issues such as the challenges confronting the Obama administration and the likely pattern of recovery from the economic recession, as well as developments in climate change and health care. Identifying the big trends that will shape the world in 2011 will help provide a road map for the year ahead. In particular, the role of rapid growth in the Asia Pacific region and in emerging markets such as India will attract increasing global attention.