By OUR STAFF REPORTER
Dehradun, 12 Sep: UPES successfully hosted the ‘Himalaya Calling: Global Summit on Challenges and Opportunities in the Himalayan Region’. The summit, held over three days from September 9 to 11, concluded today. The event comprised keynote sessions, exhibitions, and photography displays focused on the fragile Himalayan ecology. The summit witnessed the participation of over 170 eminent speakers, thought leaders and environmentalists across 18 insightful sessions, engaging in vibrant discussions on sustainability, climate action, and the preservation of the Himalayan ecosystem.
The summit kicked off on 9 September with a keynote on ‘Himalayan Environment: A Need for Preservation’ by Padma Shri awardee Dr Shailesh Nayak, Chancellor, TERI, and Former Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India. Key sessions were led by Padma Shri awardee Dr Anup Sah, Threesh Kapoor, and Prof Dr Uwe Truyen, focusing on the importance of sustainability in the Himalayas. The event also witnessed a photography exhibition, across Kandoli and Bidholi campuses of UPES, showcasing the breathtaking beauty of the Himalayan range and raising awareness about its environmental challenges. There was a display-cum-sale of over 200 Himalayan products, ranging from locally-made food items to handicrafts.
On 10 September, Padma Shri awardee Dr VC Thakur, former Research Director, Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology (WIHG), delivered a keynote on ‘Earthquake Hazard in the Himalayan Region and Mitigation for Sustainable Development’. Speaking at the summit, Dr Jitendra K Pandey, Founder Director, Himalayan Institute for Learning and Leadership (HILL) at UPES, commented, “This summit is a major step forward in bringing global attention to the ecological importance of the Himalayas. We facilitate discussions that aim to chart a path forward for sustainable development, ensuring that future generations benefit from the unmatched beauty and resources of this region.”
The summit’s final day featured addresses by Padma Bhushan awardee Dr Anil P Joshi, Dr Durgesh Pant, Director General of the Uttarakhand State Council for Science & Technology (UCOST), Dr Sunil Rai, President, UPES, and Dr Ram Sharma, Vice Chancellor, UPES. The discussions centred around the need for actionable steps to conserve the Himalayan ecosystem.
Dr Sunil Rai said, “The summit has provided a unique platform to unite diverse voices that care deeply about the Himalayas. The enthusiasm and passion shared here are a clear signal that we are collectively committed to conserving this region.”
The summit has been instrumental in raising awareness and encouraging active involvement in addressing the various challenges facing the Himalayan region, from climate change to community resilience.
