Eastern Himalayan Forum 2024: Leaders unite for climate action in Guwahati

The 12th Eastern Himalayan Naturenomics™ Forum, organized by the Balipara Foundation, was inaugurated in Guwahati on November 25, 2024. The two-day event, scheduled for November 26-27, brings together 80 leaders from 15 countries to discuss urgent climate action and sustainable development in the Third Pole and Eastern Himalaya.

The forum emphasises the critical role of the Third Pole's glaciers in shaping Asia’s climate systems and impacting billions of lives. The event was launched with a panel discussion at Vivanta Hotel, coinciding with a celebration of The Energy and Resources Institute's 50th anniversary for advancing sustainable practices in the Third Pole region.

Prominent speakers include HRH Queen Diambi Kabatusuila, Ranjit Barthakur (Founder, Balipara Foundation), Lord Nicholas Stern (London School of Economics), and representatives from HDFC, Tata Steel, and Google Asia Pacific. Topics addressed span ESG regulations, renewable energy, water security, and ecosystem valuation, along with the integration of indigenous knowledge into conservation practices.

Highlighting the event, Queen Diambi urged a return to indigenous systems for sustainable development, stating, “We need to move beyond the Western paradigm and embrace cultural respect for all life." Barthakur added, “This is a crucial moment to amplify community voices globally and advocate for the Third Pole’s significance on the world stage.”

The forum also includes sessions at Royal Global University, Gauhati University, and Cotton University to engage students on sustainability and the role of youth in the region’s development.

The event will conclude on November 27 with the Balipara Foundation Awards, honoring 14 grassroots leaders for their contributions to conserving the Eastern Himalaya's biocultural heritage.