SUSCON XIII

                                                                                                                                  13^th International Conference on Sustainability

                                                                                                                Theme: “Climate Change, Circular Economy and Social Equity”

                                                                                                                                               Date: November 19 – 21, 2026

                                                                                                                                                              Hosted by

                                                                                                                                      Indian Institute of Management Shillong

Introductory note on SUSCON

In the last nineteenth 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 XII

SUSCON-XII, themed "Decarbonizing Development," focuses on uncoupling economic progress from carbon emissions while maintaining human well-being, equity, and prosperity, representing a strategic evolution from previous conferences toward systemic decarbonization of energy systems, industries, infrastructure, finance, and lifestyles. Arising from the escalating climate crisis of global warming, resource depletion, and socio-environmental inequities, the conference positions decarbonization not as an option but as a necessity that integrates sustainability into economic planning, policymaking, and business models. Bringing together thought leaders, practitioners, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and youth, SUSCON-XII aims to co-create solutions across six sub-themes: low-carbon pathways for economic growth, clean energy transitions, green industry and mobility, nature-based and circular solutions, climate finance for just transition, and behavioural change through education and community action, all in service of building economically viable, socially inclusive, and ecologically sustainable futures where development does not cost the planet.

Climate Change, Circular Economy and Social Equity

The theme of the 13th International Sustainability Conference, "Climate Change, Circular Economy and Social Equity," reflects a growing global consensus that sustainability challenges cannot be addressed in isolation but must be tackled through integrated, systems-oriented, and inclusive approaches. It recognizes that climate action, resource efficiency, and social justice are inseparable pillars of any durable and legitimate transition.

Where previous conferences may have laid foundational groundwork, this 13th edition represents a strategic convergence—focusing not on single issues but on the simultaneous advancement of climate resilience, circular systems, and equitable outcomes. This involves rethinking production and consumption patterns, redesigning economic incentives, and ensuring that no communities are left behind in the transition.

The call for this integrated approach arises from an escalating climate crisis, marked by 2024 as the hottest year on record at 1.55°C above pre-industrial levels, alongside intensifying heatwaves, floods, wildfires, and glacier loss. In response, global policy is evolving, from COP28's first-ever Global Stocktake and the Loss and Damage Fund to the European Union's Right to Repair Directive of 2024, signalling decisive shifts toward climate justice and circular economies. Yet, these advances remain incomplete without a central focus on social equity, as climate impacts and transition costs continue to fall disproportionately on vulnerable communities, workers in carbon-intensive sectors, and developing economies. The concept of a "just transition" has therefore emerged as a critical enabler of inclusive growth, decent work, and social protection.

The 13th International Sustainability Conference at IIM Shillong aspires to be a confluence of thought leaders, practitioners, academicians, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and civil society, coming together to share knowledge, co-create solutions, and forge alliances for sustainable futures. By enabling dialogue across domains and disciplines, the conference will highlight best practices, research insights, innovative technologies, and policy frameworks that simultaneously address climate imperatives, advance circular economic models, and uphold principles of social equity.

Converging climate action, circular economy, and social equity is not an option, it is a necessity. At this conference, we reaffirm our collective responsibility to build pathways that are not only economically viable and environmentally sound but also deeply inclusive. Through this shared commitment, we move closer to a world where resilience, justice, and sustainability are realized together, both in the Global South and beyond.

Sub-Theme
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.
    
7. SDG Integration and Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships: Exploring how climate actions align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), emphasizing cross-sector collaborations between governments, private sector, academia, and communities. Focus on SDG 7, 9, 11, 12, 13, and 17, and mechanisms to localize and measure impact through partnerships.
    
8. Carbon Markets, Climate Finance Metrics, and Impact Accounting: Understanding financial instruments such as carbon credits, ESG metrics, green bonds, and climate risk disclosures. Examining transparency, standardization, and the effectiveness of market-based mechanisms in driving real emissions reductions and sustainable investments.
    
9. Entrepreneurial Innovation and Green Startups: Fostering an entrepreneurial mindset to accelerate climate solutions, including incubation ecosystems, climate tech startups, and scalable business models. Highlighting the role of innovation, venture capital, and policy support in enabling sustainable enterprises.
    
10. Natural Resource Management and Climate Resilience: Sustainable management of water, forests, soil, and biodiversity to mitigate and adapt to climate change. Emphasis on conservation strategies, ecosystem restoration, and indigenous knowledge systems as critical tools for resilience.
     
11. Digitalization, Data, and Climate Intelligence: Leveraging AI, IoT, remote sensing, and big data to monitor emissions, optimize resource use, and inform climate decision-making. Focus on data-driven governance, climate risk modeling, and digital tools for transparency and accountability.
     

** 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 XIII 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-XIII 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/suscon26/openconf.php
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 XIII 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 full paper/extended abstract/project/poster submission	16.08.2026
Decision on the submissions	15.09.2026
Registration Begins	16.09.2026
Registration Closes	19.10.2026
Conference Dates	19.11.2026 - 21.11.2026

 

 

 

Registration Details

 

Corporate/Academicians	Rs. 8000 per participant + 18% GST
Research Scholars	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. Neelam Rani
           Committee Members

               Prof. Achinta Kr. Sarmah

               Prof. Kailash Choudhury

               Prof. Pradeep Rathore

               Prof. Vishakha Bansal

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.