The FIMT School of Management, in collaboration with the Aarudit Foundation, successfully organized a two-day Multidisciplinary International Conference on “Sustainability and Global Challenges: An Interdisciplinary Approach to Achieving Goal 9 of SDGs through Inclusive and Sustainable Industrialization and Innovation” on March 10th and 11th, 2025. The conference witnessed participation from approximately 300 students and faculty members from various disciplines, including BBA (H), B Com (H), BCA, BA-JMC, BA Eco, BA Eng, MA-Eng, and B.Ed.
Inauguration Ceremony
The event commenced at 11:00 AM with a welcome address by Chairman Shri V.K.N. Bhardwaj, followed by an insightful theme address by Mr. Manish Jha, Academic Incharge, FIMT. The keynote address was delivered by Prof. Deeksha Katyal from USEM, GGSIPU, who provided valuable insights into environmental research projects.
Key Discussions and Guest Speakers
The conference featured distinguished speakers from academia and industry.
- Dr.Anuradha Chugh, Associate Professor at USICT, GGSIPU, highlighted emerging technologies such as IoT, smart waste management systems, blockchain, 3D printing, and big data in promoting sustainability.
- Mr.Ashish Jain, Director, IPCA, discussed the importance of sustainable waste management and the role of innovation in achieving SDG 9.
- Mr.Pradeep Dadlani, Director, Sycom Projects Consultants Pvt. Ltd., shared his experience in solid waste management since the 1980s and spoke on sustainable tourism and the triple bottom line approach.
- Mr.Srikanta K. Panigrahi, Director General and Research Fellow at IISD-CMI, addressed key environmental concerns, including carbon emissions, plastic pollution, and achieving net-zero targets.
Technical Sessions
Following the inaugural session, technical paper presentations were conducted over two days:
Day 1 Sessions (March 10, 2025):
- Track 1:Challenges to Sustainable Development – Chaired by Dr.Richa Nangia, Co-chaired by Prof. S.P. Singh, featured 10 research papers.
- Track 2:Role of IT and AI in Global Sustainability – Chaired by Dr.Shweta Sinha, Co-chaired by Mr.Shashikant Tiwari, with 11 research paper presentations.
Day 2 Sessions (March 11, 2025):
- Track 3:Strategic Management and Innovation in SDG – Chaired by Dr.Sadaf Siraj, Co-chaired by Mr.Intsar Ali, featuring 14 research papers.
- Track 4:Media and Literature in SDG – Chaired by Dr. Puja Walia Mann, Co-chaired by Ms.Viniti, with 15 research papers presented.
Valedictory Session
The closing session began with a welcome by Chairman Shri V.K.N. Bhardwaj, followed by a detailed conference report by Prof. Dr. S.P. Singh, summarizing key discussions and research contributions.
- Prof. Dr. M. Afzal Wani, Advisor, FIMT, and Former Dean, USLLS, GGSIPU, emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary research in achieving sustainability goals.
- Prof. Dr. R. Rama Kishore from USICT, GGSIPU, delivered the valedictory address, offering insights into technological advancements and sustainability.
- The session concluded with a vote of thanks by Mr. Manish Jha, acknowledging the contributions of all dignitaries, participants, and organizers.
Conclusion
The conference successfully provided a platform for intellectual discussions, fostering knowledge-sharing on sustainability, innovation, and industrialization in alignment with SDG 9. It brought together experts, academicians, and researchers from diverse disciplines to explore solutions to global sustainability challenges. The event marked another milestone for FIMT in promoting research and innovation for a sustainable future.