Shillong (Meghalaya), Nov 25: The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Shillong recently concluded its 12th International Conference on Sustainability, SUSCON XII, with a call for collective action to decarbonize development and promote sustainable growth. The conference, themed “Decarbonizing Development,” brought together leading scholars, policymakers, industry experts, and sustainability practitioners to deliberate on low-carbon pathways for inclusive and equitable development.
Prof. Naliniprava Tripathy, Director (I/C), IIM Shillong, emphasized the urgency of cross-sector cooperation to address climate change, warning that millions could be pushed into extreme poverty without immediate action. Dr. Arvind Virmani, Member, NITI Aayog, highlighted India’s journey toward Viksit Bharat, stressing the importance of coordinated efforts by government, private sector, and civil society to achieve inclusive and sustainable growth.
The conference featured a keynote address by Dr. Stefan Baumeister, Senior Lecturer and Adjunct Professor at the University of Jyväskylä (Finland), on “Decarbonizing the Transportation Sector,” and a panel discussion on “Decarbonizing Development” that explored multidisciplinary strategies to reduce carbon footprints. Padma Shri awardee Shri Himmat Ram Bhambhu urged stakeholders to prioritize water conservation, expand afforestation efforts, and adopt development models aligned with ecological balance.
The conference saw participation from five countries and 24 Indian states and UTs, with 300 papers received and 122 selected for presentation. IIM Shillong aims to position SUSCON as a vibrant movement shaping leaders who align economic aspirations with climate responsibility.
