Shillong, Dec 13: The Conference (SUSCON-XI), a three-day event that brought together renowned global experts, researchers, and practitioners to address the critical challenges of sustainability and climate change.
The conference began with an Introduction to the conference by Dr. Kailash Choudhary, Conference Chair SUSCON-XI,and Introduction to the theme by Prof Basav Roychoudhury, Dean Research, IIM Shillongand an inaugural ceremony featuring addresses from our Chief Guest, Shri Shyam Sundar Paliwal (Padma Shri), andGuest of HonourMr. Prabodha Acharya, Chief Sustainability Officer, JSW Group. Their perspectives on sustainability set the tone for the discussions to follow.
The opening day featured keynote addresses from Prof. Tiina Onkila, Associate Professor, Jyväskylä University School of Business and Economics (JBSE), University of Jyväskylä, Finland who presented pathways to sustainable business practices.
Prof. Ugur Soytas, Professor, Economics, Climate Economics and Risk Management and Section Head at DTU – Technical University of Denmark, who emphasized the importance of prioritizing societal well-being in climate policy decisions.
Prof. Michael Zwicky Hauschild, Professor, Department of Environmental & Resource Engineering, Co-founder & Director of the DTU Centre for Absolute Sustainability, Technical University of Denmark, concluded the day with a discussion on integrating absolute perspectives in sustainability assessments.
The second day continued with rich discussions and impactful insights. Prof. Christoph Herrmann, Professor, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Germany & Director, Fraunhofer IST, provided an in-depth analysis of positive-impact factories and sustainable urban solutions.
Prof. Kuldip Singh Sangwan, Shri B.K. Birla & Shrimati Sarala Birla, Chair Professor, Mechanical Engineering, BITS Pilani, shared his expertise on the life cycle assessment of products and systems, followed by Mr. Harsh Choudhry, Co-founder & CEO at sentra.
World, who addressed industrial decarbonization and the transformative roles of AI and blockchain technologies in achieving sustainable goals. Mr. Somdeb Banerjee, MD and Founder of Dark Star Group, Ex. CEO & MD Tata Steel Minerals (Southern Africa) (Pty)Ltd explored the economic complexities of sustainability, emphasizing how the rich-poor divide influences environmental challenges.
Prof. Gerard (Gerry) Farias presented a compelling critique of common myths surrounding corporate sustainability, and Dr.Bibhab Kumar Talukdar, Wildlife Biologist, Secretary General and CEO, Aaranyak, concluded the day with insights into shaping human attitudes for effective climate change mitigation.
On the final day, the conference shifted focus toward actionable solutions and inspirational leadership. Mr. Flo Oberhofer, COO at PyroCCS – Industrial Biochar CDR in the Global South, delivered a keynote address on the potential of carbon removal technologies and the mindset shifts needed to combat the climate crisis effectively.
The conference concluded with a powerful valedictory address by Mr. Pradeep Sangwan, founder of the Healing Himalayas Foundation, who shared his experiences in environmental conservation and engaging communities to preserve natural ecosystems.
