Amity Institute of Environmental Toxicology, Safety and Management (AIETSM), Amity University Noida, organized a Conference on “Global Sustainability Summit for A Secure Future”, from 24 to 26 September 2024, on the occasion of ‘UN World Environment Day’. The objectives of the Conference were to promote the protection of the environment and to develop transformative knowledge that will pave the way towards sustainable societies.

Delivering a Talk on “Air and Water Pollution” during the Inaugural Session, Dr. Ved Prakash Mishra, Director, Hazardous Substance Management Division, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, New Delhi, averred, “The government and policy makers are already doing their work, but sustainability is the responsibility of every person. Development should not harm the environment, and we have to adopt a balanced approach between development and environment. Under the “Mission LiFE Environment campaign”, we are trying to reduce pollution on the earth and protect the environment. We are going through a transformative phase and therefore, all stakeholders, especially the youth have an important role to play in ensuring a sustainable environment.”

Emphasizing upon the need for sustainability, Dr. Mithilesh Kumar, Head Sustainability, Ph.D. Chamber, stated, “Sustainability is the need of the hour and the three pillars of sustainability are environmental sustainability which includes conservation of natural resources, reduction of pollution, and protection of ecosystems, social sustainability which implies promotion of social justice, human rights, and community well-being and economic sustainability which includes economic growth, poverty reduction, and equitable resource distribution.”

Deliberating upon “Promotion of Sustainable products for Local Artisans”, Dr. Shyam Prandey, Secretary and Managing Trustee, Sewa International, opined, “Sustainability is ingrained in our culture as in ancient times, people used all sustainable products such as earthen pots and utensils, wooden products and other sustainable materials. Indian handicrafts are world famous and are known for their high quality and craftsmanship, made from environment- friendly materials, ensuring minimal harm to the environment, thereby promoting social responsibility. We must support the handicraft industry, as they help in conservation of natural resources, minimize waste and pollution, preserve our cultural heritage, empower the local artisans economically, and support local communities.”

Addressing the gathering during the Valedictory Session, Mr. Rishi Kumar, Founder, Council of Royal Roots, averred, “Optimum utilization of resources without harming the environment must be ensured. Being positive and spreading peace and happiness helps in creating a sustainable society. When we help others, our own lives are also uplifted, which creates a harmonious and healthy environment around us.”

Highlighting the significance of the Conference, Prof. (Dr.) Tanu Jindal, Director, Amity Institute of Environmental Toxicology, Safety and Management, said, “The Conference provided important outcomes from the deliberations leading to future course of action for sustainable planet, environment and life. Sustainable practices will help in eliminating the effects caused by various anthropogenic activities and it is high time that we all come together to solve the problems of pollution and environmental damage, otherwise the time is not far when we will have to bear the precarious consequences of deteriorating environment, threatening the existence of life on planet earth.”

During the three-day Conference Technical Sessions on topics such as “Mitigating Air Pollution for Sustainable Climate Change Solutions”, “Sustainable Green Technology and Socio-Economic Development”, “Sustainable Solutions and Startups” and “Mitigating Air Pollution is key for sustainability”, were also held along with Poster Presentations.