By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Nov 25: The Indian Institute of Management Shillong successfully concluded its 12th International Conference on Sustainability (SUSCON XII) from November 20–22, 2025. Focused on the theme, “Decarbonizing Development,” the event gathered scholars, policymakers, and industry leaders to deliberate on low-carbon pathways essential for inclusive, equitable, and future-ready development.
Member, NITI Aayog, Dr Arvind Virmani, delivered the Chief Guest Address, outlining India’s path toward Viksit Bharat. Virmani stressed that coordinated efforts among government, the private sector, and civil society are critical. He stated that leveraging demographic shifts, digital transformation, and innovation will accelerate sustainable growth.
“Achieving fast, inclusive, and sustainable development requires continuous collaboration among citizens, institutions, and government,” Virmani stated, reaffirming NITI Aayog’s commitment to partnering with institutions like IIM Shillong to shape India’s future.
IIM Shillong Director (I/C), Prof Naliniprava Tripathy, opened the conference by stressing the urgency of cross-sector cooperation to address climate change. Citing World Bank estimates, she cautioned that delays in climate action could push millions into extreme poverty.
Conference Chairperson Prof Kailash Choudhary noted the scale of participation, which included 300 paper submissions, 122 selected presentations, and delegates from five countries and 24 Indian states and Union Territories. Environmentalist and Padma Shri Himmat Ram Bhambhu also urged attendees to prioritise water conservation and adopt development models aligned with ecological balance.
Following the inauguration, a panel discussion on ‘Decarbonizing Development’ explored multidisciplinary strategies for reducing carbon footprints through systemic innovation and integrated policy frameworks.
Additionally, Dr Stefan Baumeister, Senior Lecturer at the University of Jyväskylä (Finland), delivered a special keynote providing global insights on sustainable mobility transitions and the decarbonisation of the transportation sector.
The event was supported by State Bank of India as Industry Sponsor and IIMS Journal of Management Science as Publication Partner.
