IIM Shillong Inaugurates 12th Edition of SUSCON Focused on “Decarbonizing Development”
IIM Shillong inaugurated the 12th edition of SUSCON, themed “Decarbonizing Development,” focusing on sustainability, climate action, and low-carbon growth.
IIM Shillong proudly inaugurated the 12th edition of SUSCON on November 20, 2025, themed “Decarbonizing Development.” This flagship sustainability conference explores low-carbon pathways for inclusive and equitable growth while respecting planetary boundaries.
Prof. Kailash Choudhary, Conference Chairperson, opened the conference, highlighting SUSCON’s evolution since 2010 as a key platform for sustainability and public policy dialogue. Further, Prof. Basav Roychoudhury, Dean Research, highlighted the profound influence of pioneering environmental movements that have shaped global and local conservation efforts.
In her inaugural address, Prof. Naliniprava Tripathy, Director (I/C), IIM Shillong, emphasized the urgent need for cross-sector collaboration to address climate change. She underscored sustainability as a moral and spiritual obligation deeply embedded in Indian philosophy, citing World Bank data warning of severe poverty risks without urgent action.
Padma Shri awardee Shri Himmat Ram Bhambhu, celebrated for his extensive afforestation initiatives, delivered a powerful message on ecological stewardship, urging stakeholders to prioritize water conservation and adopt sustainable development models.
Renowned economist Dr. Arvind Virmani, Member, NITI Aayog, provided an insightful overview of global demographic and macroeconomic trends shaping India’s growth, highlighting the vision of Viksit Bharat. He emphasized that achieving fast, inclusive, and sustainable development requires coordinated efforts from citizens, institutions, and government, reinforcing SUSCON XII’s commitment to a sustainable future.
Following the inauguration, a panel discussion on “Decarbonizing Development” featured Prof. Sanjeeb Kakoty, Prof. Sanjoy Mukherjee, and Prof. Rohit Dwivedi, who explored multidisciplinary strategies and innovations critical for reducing carbon footprints and advancing sustainable development models. Furthermore, Dr. Stefan Baumeister, Senior Lecturer and Adjunct Professor at the University of Jyväskylä, delivered a compelling keynote on “Decarbonizing the Transportation Sector” at SUSCON XII. His address emphasized the urgent need for sustainable mobility strategies to align with global climate goals.