IIM Shillong’s SUSCON-XI Drives Global Dialogue on Sustainability and Climate Action

The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Shillong successfully concluded the 11th International Sustainability Conference (SUSCON XI), a flagship annual event that has become synonymous with advancing the global dialogue on sustainability. This year's conference, centred on the theme ‘Climate Positive World’, brought together luminaries from academia, industry, and civil society to address pressing environmental challenges and foster actionable solutions.

The event was supported by GAIL India Ltd and Numaligarh Refinery Ltd as Industry Sponsors, while the IIMS Journal of Management Science served as the Publication Partner. Additionally, the Corporate Environmental Management (CEM) Research Group at the University of Jyväskylä's Jyväskylä School of Business and Economics (JSBE), Finland, lent its expertise as the Knowledge Partner.

A Global Platform for Sustainability

Welcoming participants from across India, Hungary, the USA, and Finland, Professor Basav Roychoudhury, Dean-Research, IIM Shillong, inaugurated the conference with an address that underscored the significance of collaborative efforts in creating a sustainable future. Over 301 research submissions were received, of which 118 papers were selected following a rigorous review process, reflecting the high standards and global interest in the field of sustainability.

These diverse research contributions ranged from climate-positive strategies to prototypes aimed at addressing real world challenges, highlighting the expanding role of sustainability in academia, industry, and policymaking.

For over 15 years, SUSCON has grown into an internationally recognised platform that bridges the gap between stakeholders, fostering meaningful dialogue and partnerships. The conference has previously hosted illustrious speakers such as Bharat Ratna Dr A P J Abdul Kalam, Padma Bhushan Dr Sundarlal Bahuguna, and Jadav Payeng, known as the ‘Forest Man of India’.

Inspiring Thought Leadership

This year, the conference was graced by Shyam Sundar Paliwal (Padma Shri) as the Chief Guest. Sharing his remarkable journey of transforming Piplantri village into a model of sustainability, he emphasised the holistic integration of environmental conservation with social empowerment. His initiative of planting 111 trees for every girl child born has not only fostered ecological balance but also advanced girl-child education, eradicated dowry practices, and strengthened community resilience.

The Guest of Honour, Prabodha Acharya, Chief Sustainability Officer of JSW Group, delivered a keynote address highlighting three critical mega-trends in sustainability: nature, inequality, and diversity. Drawing on his corporate expertise, he urged businesses to reimagine their practices and encouraged students to adopt sustainability-focused mindsets as future leaders. He urged the next generation of leaders, particularly the students attending the conference, to think critically about their roles in addressing these issues through their careers and leadership positions.

Advancing IIM Shillong’s Legacy

The success of SUSCON XI reaffirmed IIM Shillong’s standing as a leader in sustainability discourse. Through enriching discussions, innovative collaborations, and transformative ideas, the conference equipped participants to drive impactful changes in their respective fields.

The event not only celebrated academic and research excellence but also provided a platform for actionable strategies to realise a climate-positive future. As the curtains fall on SUSCON XI, its legacy continues to inspire individuals and organisations to champion the cause of sustainability in every sphere of life.