13th Eastern Himalayan Naturenomics™ forum opens at Royal Global University, calls for mountain-centred climate action

Guwahati witnessed a major convergence of global and national thought leaders today as diplomats, entrepreneurs, academics, students, investors and policymakers assembled at The Assam Royal Global University (RGU) for the inauguration of the 13th Eastern Himalayan Naturenomics™ Forum (EHNF) 2025. The two-day event, conceived by Shri Ranjit Barthakur—whose Naturenomics™ and Third Pole frameworks have shaped discourse on the Eastern Himalaya—is being organised by the Balipara Foundation in collaboration with Royal Global University, IIT Guwahati, Gauhati University and Cotton University.

This year’s edition places strong emphasis on harmonising economic growth with ecological restoration across the Eastern Himalayan landscape, one of the most climate-sensitive mountain systems on the planet.

Norway’s Ambassador to India, Her Excellency May-Elin Stener, delivered the keynote Leadership Speech, urging global climate diplomacy to shift its focus toward the world’s mountain ecosystems. Referring to the Himalayas as “water towers for half of humanity,” she warned that weakening mountain systems would jeopardise the future of billions. She also highlighted the growing importance of India–Nordic partnerships in advancing clean energy and climate adaptation technologies.

Assam Chief Secretary Shri Ravi Kota emphasised the State’s commitment to developing a model that pairs infrastructure and industrial growth with ecological integrity. He noted that recent policy changes are aimed at boosting climate resilience while improving livelihood opportunities in rural Northeast India.

Kaziranga National Park Director Dr. Sonali Ghosh stressed that conservation must be treated as a fundamental driver of the economy rather than a barrier to development, pointing to the ecological services and long-term value that protected landscapes offer.

One of the most significant moments of the inaugural event was the introduction of Guardians of Eastern Himalaya, a new youth-led initiative supported by Royal Global University, the Balipara Foundation and the Assam Investment Advisory Society. The network will engage young volunteers in river conservation, forest restoration, biodiversity documentation and grassroots entrepreneurship, placing youth leadership at the centre of climate action in the region.

Throughout the opening day, panels examined nature-based solutions, green entrepreneurship and regenerative corporate practices. Representatives from Google, Coca-Cola, Tata Consumer Products, Tata Power, Tata Electronics, Varun Beverages, Rajasthan Royals, NRL and several civil society organisations shared insights on business-led ecological restoration and climate-smart strategies.

The Forum will continue tomorrow with sessions exploring how cultural knowledge can shape sustainable business models and how local innovations from the Eastern Himalaya can scale up to address global sustainability challenges. Delegates from Bhutan, Nepal and leading conservation groups are expected to contribute to these discussions.