Infrastructure connects people to opportunities, promotes economic growth and improves quality of life. It also provides a pathway for countries to integrate their climate agenda by investing in projects that reduce carbon footprints. According to World Economic Forum’s (2020) Global Future Council on Infrastructure, leaders in the public and private sector are becoming ever more aware of the importance of building a more economically, socially and environmentally sustainable world. Yet, across much of the developing world, infrastructure remains inadequate. There is a need to identify the pressing issues, closing the growth loops and designing new pathways to ensure a sustainable and equitable future for all.
In the context of pressing national development goals and challenges, global focus on climate change, mainstreaming of sustainable development goals (SDGs) with national policies and programmes, policy makers around the world are grappling with the need for more resources to steer the global economy on to a more sustainable long-term development path. Globally, countries are also embracing the emergence of digital ecosystems and green finance to support the development process. The emerging trends in the world of infrastructure are that of sustainable, equitable, digital, and green finance....
Ensuring sustainability in infrastructure development is challenging due to the competing demands of economic growth and environmental conservation. Actions to mitigate and adapt to the new realities are required to be taken across infrastructure sectors, including energy systems, transport, urban and real estate development, digital strategies, financing and policy ecosystems for development.
New industrialisation model embraces the understanding of circular economy applications to deliver lasting methods of innovations and sustainable solutions. Amidst these developments, countries are committed to the inclusive development agenda. Decision makers often are compelled to prioritize projects with short-term returns, making it challenging to allocate resources to initiatives that may not be commercially lucrative but are crucial for addressing social disparities.
In this digital era, as infrastructure becomes increasingly interconnected and reliant on digital systems, the risk of cyberattacks on critical infrastructure has increased. The complexity and interconnectivity of technologies demands thorough risk assessments to mitigate potential failures and disruptions. Continuous technological advancements present both opportunities and challenges for policy makers, companies and research organisations compelling them to develop new frameworks and models of applications.
While there is growing momentum on all development fronts, the financing landscape is evolving to newer channels and instruments like responsible financing, green financing and sustainable financing. There is still a requirement of standardized metrics and clear definitions for ‘green’ projects helping investors to assess the environmental impact accurately. Green financing often requires higher upfront costs and longer payback periods, deterring potential investors and project developers.
As we navigate to higher growth, new models of development and relatively uncertain path to walk, the convergence of sustainability, technology, equity, and green financing is likely to reshape the landscape of infrastructure development, fostering inclusive and environmentally conscious economic growth.
Green Bonds, Green Borrowing, Public Finance, Private Finance, Public-Private Partnership, Project Finance, Risk Management, Asset Monetization
Upskilling & Reskilling the Workforce, Tapping Into the Hidden Workforce, HR Driving Climate Change Adaption, AI-empowered Workforce Evolution, and Shift From Talent Acquisition to Talent Access, DEIB Approach Agenda and Organisations.
Recommended papers by the Award Review Committee will have opportunity to win following category awards
| Categories | Early Bird | Regular |
|---|---|---|
| International Delegates | 200 USD | 250 USD |
| Academician (South Asia) | 3000 INR | 4000 INR |
| Industry Professional | 6000 INR | 8000 INR |
| Doctoral scholars | 1500 INR | 2000 INR |
| Students | No fees – invitation based on quality of submission only | |
| Deadline for submission of extended abstract | June 15, 2024 |
| Notification of abstract acceptance | July 15, 2024 |
| Submission of full paper | October 15, 2024 |
| Early-bird registration | October 30, 2024 |
| Last date of registration | November 30, 2024 |
| Conference Chair | Organizing Committee |
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