SUSCON XII

12^th International Conference on Sustainability

Theme: Decarbonizing Development

Date: November 20 – 22, 2025

Hosted by

Indian Institute of Management Shillong

Introductory note on SUSCON

In the last eighteen years since inception, IIM Shillong has kept alive and strengthened its intellectual and moral commitment to the overarching cause of integrating Sustainability into every aspect of its academic programmes and initiatives covering all aspects of human endeavour. SUSCON, the flagship event of the Institute, is not just a Conference or another academic activity, it is a movement that has created a platform for dialogues and deliberations at a local, national as well as global level. It aspires towards creating a value-based, humane and sustainable future for business, academia, Government, civil society groups, NGOs and thinkers and practitioners covering all disciplines of management and beyond to include all other domains of pursuit of knowledge and practice. It dreams of leaving behind for posterity ethically driven business organizations, a sane and happy society, and a sustainable planet earth to be created by visionary, conscientious and inspired leaders of thought and action from enlightened academic and research institutions.

Over the years, many eminent personalities from the world over have shared their valuable insights on various aspects of Sustainability. SUSCON has been blessed by the presence of Bharat Ratna Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam, former President of India, Padma Bhushan Dr. Sundarlal Bahuguna, Jadab Payeng, the Forest Man of India, Dasho Karma Ura, the President of Centre for Bhutan Studies and Gross National Happiness (GNH), and Padma Shri Shyam Sundar Paliwal as our Chief Guests among many others.

Introduction to SUSCON XI

SUSCON-XII at IIM Shillong continues its unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability by focusing on the critical and timely theme of "Decarbonizing Development." Building on the momentum of SUSCON-XI, which envisioned a climate positive world through carbon removal and restorative strategies, this edition turns the lens towards transforming development pathways to radically reduce carbon emissions at their source.

Decarbonizing Development  

The theme of SUSCON-XII, "Decarbonizing Development," invites reflection on how economic progress can be uncoupled from carbon emissions without compromising human well-being, equity, and prosperity. It challenges conventional growth models and calls for reimagining development in a way that internalizes environmental costs, prioritizes low-carbon innovation, and aligns with planetary boundaries.

Where SUSCON-X set the stage with “Revisit, Revive, Restore” and SUSCON-XI carried forward the vision of a “Climate Positive World,” SUSCON-XII represents a strategic evolution—focusing not just on carbon removal, but on systemic decarbonization. This involves reshaping energy systems, industries, urban infrastructures, finance, and lifestyles to reduce carbon dependency fundamentally.

The call to decarbonize development arises from the escalating climate crisis marked by global warming, resource depletion, and growing socio-environmental inequities. Decarburizing development goes beyond mitigation; it integrates sustainability into the core of economic planning, policymaking, and business models—turning environmental responsibility into a driver of innovation and inclusive growth.

SUSCON-XII aspires to be a confluence of thought leaders, practitioners, academicians, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and youth—coming together to share knowledge, co-create solutions, and forge alliances for decarbonized futures. By enabling dialogue across domains and disciplines, the conference will highlight best practices, research insights, innovative technologies, and policy frameworks that can enable low-carbon, high-impact development.

Decarburizing development is not an option—it is a necessity. At SUSCON-XII, we reaffirm our collective responsibility to build pathways that are not only economically viable and socially inclusive but also ecologically sustainable. Through this shared commitment, we move closer to a world where development does not cost the planet.

Sub-themes

The conference provides a global platform for engaging in dialogues and deliberations to address the issues and challenges around the following indicative sub-themes:

1. Low-Carbon Pathways for Economic Growth: Exploring models and strategies for decoupling economic development from carbon emissions across sectors.
2. Clean Energy Transitions and Electrification: Innovations, policies, and investments driving the shift from fossil fuels to renewable and sustainable energy systems.
3. Green Industry, Infrastructure, and Mobility: Decarbonizing manufacturing, urban development, transport, and supply chains through technology and design.
4. Nature-Based and Circular Solutions: Leveraging ecosystems, regenerative practices, and circular economy principles to reduce carbon footprints.
5. Climate Finance and Policy for Just Transition: Enabling decarbonization through equitable policies, green investments, carbon pricing, and inclusive financial mechanisms.
6. Behavioral Change, Education, and Community Action: The role of individuals, institutions, and civil society in promoting low-carbon lifestyles and sustainability mindsets.

** Topics from management domains not explicitly covered above but linked to the conference theme are also welcomed**

Keynote speakers: To be announced

Call for papers, posters, and working projects/prototypes

• Submission type

SUSCON XII invites academicians, research scholars, and corporate/industry executives to submit:

• Research Paper
• Literature Review
• Case Study
• Conceptual Paper
• Poster
• Working Project/Prototypes

On one or more of the sub-themes mentioned above.

• Submission process

Authors can submit their extended abstracts up to 1000 words in the given format; the word limit is not applicable to the tables and figures. Authors wishing to submit multiple papers will have to submit them separately.

Prescribed format for the submission of the extended abstract is attached here: SUSCON XII - Abstract Submission Template

Authors can also submit their posters and videos of working projects/prototypes using the given submission portal.

Abstract submission portal: https://conf.iimshillong.ac.in/suscon25/

All papers must be original and not previously submitted for any other conference or journal. Authors must follow the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (APA), Seventh Edition (2020), while preparing their manuscript. The similarity of the text must not exceed 15%.

 

• Mode of presentation

SUSCON XII will be conducted in hybrid mode. Indian participants will present papers physically at the IIM Shillong campus. International participants may present their papers virtually (Optional). Virtual option is also available for the project/prototype presentations from Indian participants.

Important dates

Last date for abstract/project/poster submission	16.08.2025
Decision on the submissions	15.09.2025
Registration Begins	16.09.2025
Registration Closes	19.10.2025
Conference Dates	20.11.2025 to 22.11.2025

Registration details

Participants	Registration fee
Corporate/Academicians	Rs. 8000 per participant + 18% GST
Research Scholars/Students	Rs. 5000 per participant + 18% GST
International Participants	$115 + 18% GST

The registration fee encompasses all conference materials, and full catering services—including lunch, morning and afternoon tea, and dinner—across the two-day event. The third day is reserved for the trip to tourist attractions in Meghalaya. Please note that accommodation is not included in the registration package. Participants are responsible for securing their own lodging arrangements.

Publication partners:

Publication of Conference Proceedings

The selected papers will be published in the IIMS Journal of Management Science.

Contact details:

Conference Email: sus-con@iimshillong.ac.in

Conference Website: https://www.iimshillong.ac.in/events-and-conferences/conferences/suscon

Phone no: 0364-2308000

Address: Indian Institute of Management Shillong, Umsawli, Shillong, 793018, Meghalaya, India

Advisory board

• Conference Patron: Prof. Naliniprava Tripathy, Director-in-charge, Indian Institute of Management Shillong
• Organizing Committee
  • Conference Chair

Prof. Kailash Choudhary

• • Committee Members

Prof. Achinta Kr. Sarmah

Prof. Pradeep Rathore

Prof. Sharad Nath Bhattacharya

Prof. Subhadip Mukherjee

Prof. Varnita Srivastava

Information to Participants

About IIM Shillong

IIM Shillong, the seventh IIM in India, has been set up with a vision to become an internationally recog­nized Management Institute with a Global outlook grounded in Indian values. From its inception, it has been constantly working towards a lofty mission to generate and disseminate knowledge in all aspects of management education with a focus on Sustainability and building innovative leadership.

Travelling to Shillong

Surrounded by verdant hills, Shillong offers a beautiful panoramic view of the graceful scenic countryside. Shillong can be reached by taxi from Guwahati airport/railway station, which is about 120 km away. Guwahati Airport is well-connected to many major cities in India, including Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata. Helicopter services are also available between Guwahati and Shillong. Shillong is connected to Assam, Manipur, Tripura, West Bengal, and New Delhi by direct flights.