New Delhi: The Department of Management, SMBS, Jamia Hamdard, successfully organised the two-day International Conference on Sustainability and Digitalization (ICSD 2024) at the Hamdard Convention Centre, Jamia Hamdard here Tuesday and Wednesday. The conference brought together distinguished scholars, industry leaders, and experts to discuss pressing issues in sustainability and digital transformation.
Prof. Sana Beg, Head of the Department of Management at Jamia Hamdard, delivered the Welcome Address, highlighting the significance of integrating sustainability and digitalisation in addressing global challenges.
Prof. Ch. Ibohal Meitei, a distinguished academician from Manipur University and Guest of Honour, delivered the Theme Address, offering a thoughtful and comprehensive overview of the core themes of the conference.
The Chief Guest for the inaugural ceremony of the conference Shri Saurabh Bharadwaj, Cabinet Minister, Government of NCT of Delhi, spoke on the critical role of digital innovation in shaping sustainable solutions for the future. Prof. Syed Nadimul Haque, Dean of SMBS, Jamia Hamdard, also addressed the gathering, emphasising the importance of collaborative efforts in achieving sustainable development goals.
The session featured a series of insightful Guest of Honour addresses from leading experts. Dr. Amir Ullah Khan, Member of the Telangana State Public Service Commission, discussed the role of digital tools in enhancing public policy and governance for sustainable development, engaging the audience with thought-provoking questions on digitalisation and sustainability.
Prof. K.K. Upadhyay, Chairperson of the Centre for Sustainability and CSR at BIMTECH, highlighted how businesses can use digital innovations to advance corporate social responsibility (CSR) and contribute to long-term environmental sustainability, also noting the role of NITI Aayog in promoting sustainability in India.
Prof. Baharul Islam, from IIM Kashipur, emphasised the importance of integrating digitalisation into sustainable business strategies, especially in emerging markets, framing both as key drivers of global development.
Prof. M. Akbar, former Professor at IIM Lucknow, delivered the Keynote Address, exploring the evolving role of digital technologies like AI, machine learning, and big data in fostering sustainable business practices. He also stressed the importance of governance in driving technological solutions and suggested empowering communities to address environmental challenges.
The session concluded with the Presidential Address by Prof. (Dr.) M. Afshar Alam, Vice Chancellor of Jamia Hamdard, who underscored the importance of interdisciplinary research and the need for continuous collaboration to address the pressing challenges of sustainability and digital transformation.
Following the inaugural session, the conference continued with the Director’s Talk on “Navigating the Future: Integrating Sustainability with Digital Innovation for Global Impact,” moderated by Dr. Shahnawaz Abdin. The session featured industry leaders, including Mr. Aseem Kumar, Director of Maithri Aquatech Pvt. Ltd., Ms Esha Saxena, Unilever India Pvt. Ltd., Mr. N. Kishor Narang , Director of Narnix Technolabs Pvt. Ltd., and Mr. Mansoor Ali, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer at Hamdard Laboratories India, Mr. Alok K. Brara, CEO India Infrastructure Research and Mr. Junaid Khan, Associate Director, Allanasons Pvt. Ltd.
The discussion focused on how digital innovations are reshaping business practices for sustainability. The speakers highlighted the role of advanced technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and data analytics, in promoting greener and more efficient solutions across various industries. They explored how these innovations are enabling businesses to reduce their environmental footprint, improve resource management, and drive long-term sustainability goals. The session also addressed the importance of aligning digital transformation with global sustainability objectives, and how companies can lead the way by integrating sustainable practices into their core business strategies for broader societal impact.
On Day 2 of ICSD 2024, the HR Conclave, themed “Navigating the Future: Integrating Sustainability with Digital Innovation for Global Impact,” convened top HR leaders to explore human resources’ pivotal role in advancing sustainability through digital transformation. Moderated by Ms. Manpreet Kaur Kohli and Dr. Shikha Gera, the session provided insights from senior HR professionals across diverse industries, each discussing how HR can champion responsible and sustainable business practices through innovative digital solutions.
Key speakers included Haji Kamruddin (Founder & Managing Director of Servokon System Limited), Mr. Farhat Umar (Group CHRO, KIMIA), Mr. Sangit Kumar (Unit Head HRBP, Fortis Healthcare), Mr. Tanuj Shukla (HR- BHEL), and Mr. Faiz Mehmood (Founder & Director, HR Letes). Panelists highlighted how digital tools can streamline and enhance sustainable practices, demonstrating the powerful impact these technologies have across industries. They emphasised that HR departments are central to driving this transformation, guiding organizations toward a future that is both responsible and innovative.
The conference featured 10 presentation tracks on key themes such as Marketing, Finance, Human Resources, Public Policy & Sustainability, Corporate Governance, AI & Technology, Entrepreneurship & Trade.. These sessions were chaired by esteemed academicians from renowned universities. A total of more than 80 research papers were presented, showcasing cutting-edge research on sustainability, digital transformation, and innovation. The conference featured 9 presentation tracks on key themes such as Marketing, Finance, Human Resources, Public Policy & Sustainability, Corporate Governance, AI & Technology, and Entrepreneurship & Trade. For each track, a Best Research Award was presented to recognize the most impactful and innovative contributions.
ICSD-2024 successfully concluded with a series of distinguished addresses from prominent academic leaders. Prof. (Dr.) Sana Beg, Head of the Department of Management, opened the recap session, highlighting key insights from the conference. Prof. (Dr.) Syed Nadimul Haque, Dean, provided an inspiring address on sustainable management practices and future directions.
The Guest of Honour, Prof. Sita Mishra from IMT Ghaziabad, delivered an insightful address on emerging trends in sustainable business education. Further contributions came from Prof. Salma Ahmed, Chairperson, Department of Business Administration, AMU, who emphasized innovative research approaches, and Prof. Azhar Kazmi of King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, who delivered the Valedictory Address, underscoring the global importance of sustainable development. The vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. Noria Farooqui. The programme was convened by Dr. Asad Ahmad and Dr. Mohd. Jamshed from department of Management, Jamia Hamdard.
The valedictory session concluded with the Presidential Address by Dr. M.A. Sikandar, Registrar of Jamia Hamdard.
ICSD 2024 successfully brought together experts and academics to advance meaningful discussions on sustainability, paving the way for impactful research and collaboration in the years to come.
