Guwahati, Nov 28 : The 12th Eastern Himalayan Naturenomics Forum 2024, hosted by Assam Royal Global University in collaboration with the Balipara Foundation, brought together experts, policymakers, and environmental advocates to discuss sustainable solutions for the Eastern Himalayas and the broader Third Pole ecosystem. The two-day event, themed “Acting for the Third Pole,” highlighted the region’s significance as a biodiversity hotspot and vital freshwater source.

Day 1

(Nov 26) featured distinguished speakers including S Ramadorai (former CEO and MD of TCS), Ranjit Barthakur (Founder, Balipara Foundation), Sourav Roy (CEO, Tata Steel Foundation), Dr. Richard Milburn (King’s College London), Lobsang Sangay (Harvard Law School), and Himal Tiwari (Tata Power). Discussions focused on innovative strategies to address environmental challenges and align development with sustainability.

In his opening remarks, Dr. A K Pansari, Chancellor of Royal Global University, stressed the critical role of the Third Pole in regulating global climate and freshwater systems. He called for urgent action to align development models with sustainable practices, terming it vital for humanity’s future.

Day 2

(Nov 27), moderated by Rituraj Phukan (Founder, Indigenous People’s Climate Justice Forum), featured speakers such as Queen Diambi Kabatusuila (Congo), Ruma Devi (social worker and entrepreneur), Anil Chaudhury (former MD, Schneider Electric), Dr. Ashok Khosla (Chairman, Development Alternatives), and Himal Tiwari. The session, titled “Evangelising the Third Pole and the Eastern Himalayas,” emphasized actionable strategies for global efforts to protect this fragile ecosystem.

Speakers highlighted the importance of indigenous knowledge, corporate social responsibility, and renewable energy solutions to foster resilient communities in the Eastern Himalayas. Ranjit Barthakur called for partnerships between governments, academia, and the private sector, stating, “Sustainability thrives on collaboration, and the Eastern Himalayas offer a unique opportunity for collective action.”

Closing the forum, Dr. Pansari reaffirmed Royal Global University’s commitment to fostering sustainability through education, research, and global partnerships. He emphasized the institution’s dedication to nurturing leaders equipped to address environmental challenges.

The event concluded with actionable strategies to safeguard the Third Pole’s ecosystem and underscored the need for global collaboration to ensure a sustainable future. Royal Global University’s scholarship program with Congo further reflected its mission to build an inclusive and sustainable global community.