IIM Bodh Gaya Hosts Global Sustainability Conference, Bringing Together Experts and Academics

Bodh Gaya: IIM Bodh Gaya hosted the International Conference on Sustainable Goals 2.0 (ICSG 2.0) on 1-2 February 2025, in collaboration with the University of Groningen, Netherlands, and the University of Gothenburg, Sweden. The event, the largest of its kind in Bihar, brought together scholars, industry leaders, and policymakers to discuss pressing sustainability challenges and solutions.

Dr Aviral Kumar Tiwari, convener of ICSG 2.0, welcomed attendees and provided an overview of the conference, highlighting the significance of sustainability in today’s world. This was followed by an address from Dr Vinita S Sahay, director of IIM Bodh Gaya, who reiterated the institute’s commitment to integrating sustainable practices into research and innovation.

The conference featured Dr Binde Kumar, director of the Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (IGIMS), as the chief guest. He discussed the role of sustainability in healthcare and governance, calling for an integrated approach to tackling global challenges. Dr Rajesh Tiwari, professor and head of urology at IGIMS, further explored sustainability in the medical sector, focusing on its long-term impact on healthcare systems and society.

A high-profile panel discussion included insights from Mr Alok Vijayvargiya, group chief sustainability officer at Hinduja Group, who spoke about corporate sustainability and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices. Ms Namita Asnani, global sustainability head for transformers business at Hitachi Energy, discussed the integration of sustainability into global business models. Mr Ritesh Kumar Barnwal, director (finance) at the Bureau of Indian Standards, addressed sustainable finance and the role of standards in environmental governance.

Over 114 research papers were presented in both online and offline modes, covering topics such as sustainable finance, green human resource management, circular economies, and the role of artificial intelligence in sustainability. These papers were reviewed by an esteemed panel of professors.

A keynote address by Dr Jennifer Castle, fellow in economics at Magdalen College, University of Oxford, and director of Climate Econometrics at Nuffield College, provided key insights into climate change forecasting. The first day concluded with a cultural festival showcasing India’s rich heritage.

The second day featured paper presentations and keynote addresses, starting with Dr Cecilia Soler, associate professor at the University of Gothenburg, who explored sustainable consumption and the role of consumer behaviour in shaping sustainable practices. Dr Prajal Pradhan, assistant professor of science and engineering at the University of Groningen and lead author of the IPCC Special Report on Climate Change and Land, followed with a discussion on the intersection of climate change, food systems, and sustainable development.

The day continued with research presentations on topics such as ethical fashion, carbon footprint reduction, and sustainable healthcare, sparking engaging discussions. The valedictory session was graced by Mrs JC Paul, chief general manager of the ESG & Climate Finance Unit at SBI Mumbai, who spoke on the role of financial institutions in promoting sustainability and climate finance.

Dr Amit Patra, director of IIT BHU and interim director of IIT Kharagpur, was the guest of honour. He shared insights from his academic experience, emphasising the importance of sustainability in research and technological advancements. The final lecture was delivered by Mr K.V. Bangaraju, chief general manager of SBI (Patna Circle), who highlighted community-driven sustainability initiatives and shared examples of SBI’s work in the sector.

The Best Paper Award was presented to Dr Supreet Kaur from the Department of Commerce, University of Delhi. Second place was shared by Vishal Yadav from Pondicherry University, while third place was jointly awarded to Nenu Chalissery from Farook College (Autonomous), University of Calicut, and Dr Paul V Mathew from Xavier Institute of Management and Entrepreneurship (XIME), Kochi. Their research contributions focused on sustainability, governance, and economic innovation.

The conference concluded with a vote of thanks by co-convener Dr Anup Soren, who underscored the event’s role as a catalyst for change and its potential to shape policies and sustainable practices in the future.

The two-day event brought together scholars, practitioners, and industry leaders to discuss key sustainability challenges, reinforcing IIM Bodh Gaya’s position as a hub for sustainable development research and dialogue.