Global Leaders Gather at Royal Global University for the 12th Eastern Himalayan Naturenomics Forum 2024

The Eastern Himalayan Naturenomics Forum 2024, which was co-hosted by the Assam Royal Global University and the Balipara Foundation, organized this two-day event under the theme, "Acting for the Third Pole."This was a gathering of top global thinkers, policymakers, and environmental advocates committed to interchanging visions for viable futures for both the Eastern Himalayas and the greater Third Pole ecosystems in this landscape; climate-biodiversity of pivotal concern. That is arguably one of the world's best-known forums calling for the interface between ecology and economy-the business expected to solve immediate environmental and developmental problems. Ideated by Ranjit Barthakur, Founder and President of the Balipara Foundation-visionary behind the Naturenomics and Third Pole concepts.

The event started with an engaging inaugural session on November 26, which featured several luminary figures including S. Ramadorai, Former CEO and MD of Tata Consultancy Services;  Ranjit Barthakur-the Founder of the Balipara Foundation and the visionary of the Naturenomics, Sourav Roy, CEO of Tata Steel Foundation; Dr. Richard Milburn MBE, Lecturer in Environmental Security at King's College London; Lobsang Sangay, Senior Visiting Fellow at Harvard Law School; and Himal Tiwari, Chief Human Resources Officer and Chief CSR and Sustainability Officer at Tata Power. Their discussions focused on seeking novel ways to confront the environmental challenges related to the region and their larger implications at global sustainability.

Inaugurating the session, Dr. A.K. Pansari, Chancellor of the Royal Global University, spoke of the critical importance of the Himalayas as the Third Pole to maintain the freshwater resources of the planet and to regulate the world's climatic patterns. He said that there is an urgent need to align development models with sustainability and termed it as an imperative for the future of humankind.

The second session, held on November 27 and moderated by Rituraj Phukan, Founder of the Indigenous People's Climate Justice Forum, featured distinguished speakers including Her Royal Highness Queen Diambi Kabatusuila of the Democratic Republic of Congo; Ruma Devi, renowned social worker and entrepreneur; Anil Chaudhury, Advisor and Former MD and CEO of Schneider Electric; Dr. Ashok Khosla, Chairman of Development Alternatives; and Himal Tiwari. Titled "Evangelising the Third Pole and the Eastern Himalayas," the session explored actionable strategies for mobilizing global efforts to safeguard this fragile ecosystem.

The eastern Himalayan frontiers have become arenas of quite lively discussions in the forums that have emphasized indigenous knowledge, corporate social responsibility, and policy innovation for the protection of a biodiversity hotspot and freshwater lifeline for billions which is increasingly threatened by climate change. Speakers at the forum called for urgent collective action to reduce the impact of climate change.

Ranjit Barthakur stressed the significance of collaborations between governments, academia, and the private sector. He remarked, "Sustainability requires collaboration, and the Eastern Himalayas offer a unique opportunity to showcase the power of collective action”.

Dr. Richard Milburn MBE stressed the importance of incorporating environmental security into global policies, while Lobsang Sangay called for prioritizing the Himalayan region in international climate agreements. Anil Chaudhury and Dr. Ashok Khosla offered valuable insights on renewable energy solutions and development alternatives that could help build resilient communities in the Himalayas.

Concluding the forum, Dr. A.K. Pansari reiterated Royal Global University's unwavering commitment to education, research, and global partnerships aimed at sustainable development. He stated, "At Royal Global University, we strive to nurture a generation of leaders who are both skilled and deeply conscious of their responsibility toward the planet. The Eastern Himalayas and the Third Pole are ecological treasures that demand our utmost attention to ensure a sustainable future."

Utpal Kanta, Director, Growth & Strategy, RGU, commented on the occasion, "Royal Global University is getting into a campus that should be carbon-neutral within three years, a pledge that really embodies his commitment across all operations to sustain the environment with a meaningful impact-going." 

This was the twelfth Eastern Himalayan Naturenomics Forum and it was quite a success, outlining very concrete strategies on how to safeguard one of the most delicate ecosystems in the world. The scholarship and cultural exchange program of Royal Global University with Congo, coupled with the activities at the forum, go a long way in showing that this commitment has been made toward creating a global community that values sustainability and inclusiveness.