ROHTAK: Prof. Dheeraj P. Sharma, Director of the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Rohtak, was awarded the prestigious AGBA 2026 Distinguished Innovative Academic Leader Award at the 22nd Academy for Global Business Advancement (AGBA) World Congress in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.The award, considered one of AGBA’s highest recognitions, was given in recognition of the important contributions of Prof. Sharma in business education, research and academic leadership. The honor was given during the opening ceremony of the three-day global congress, which has brought together delegates from 22 countries, 104 universities and various international organizations.One of the highlights of the event was the international launch of Prof. Sharma’s book, Understanding Indian Youth: The Gen Z Propensities. The book explores the aspirations, values and behavioral characteristics of India’s Generation Z and examines how this emerging demographic is influencing education, business and society.In delivering the keynote address, Prof. Sharma emphasized the importance of understanding younger generations in an increasingly digital and rapidly changing world. He noted that Generation Z is highly informed, digitally connected and driven by experiences, purpose and flexibility rather than traditional career paths and long-term commitments.The AGBA World Congress, which takes place from July 2 to 4, is co-organized by IIM Rohtak in collaboration with leading international universities. The conference focuses on the theme “Business and entrepreneurial development in a globalized and digitized era”.Opening sessions included discussions on the impact of global uncertainty and geopolitical conflicts on business sentiment, while participants also explored opportunities to strengthen entrepreneurship, hospitality and tourism in an increasingly complex global environment.