Three-day global conference bringing together diverse stakeholders
All 17 UN SDGs to be addressed through panel discussions, keynote presentations, and masterclasses
Expected participation of academicians, policymakers, NGO leaders, researchers, industry partners, and representatives from the Government
Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), an Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University, is set to host the Manipal Global SDG Convergence – 2026 (MAGSCON-26), a landmark international conference dedicated to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The three-day event, scheduled from March 24-26, 2026, will be held at the Dr. TMA Pai Halls in Manipal.
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A global platform for SDG-focused collaboration at MAGSCON-26
MAGSCON-26 aims to showcase and strengthen collective commitment to the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda by bringing together a diverse spectrum of global stakeholders. The conference is organised by the MAHE Quality Department and will feature academicians, policymakers, NGO leaders, community representatives, students, researchers, media professionals, industry partners, and government officials from India and across the globe.
The conference will include keynote presentations by distinguished leaders in higher education, sustainability and public policy, high-level expert panel discussions, masterclass sessions on global rankings and sustainability frameworks, and interactive forums covering all 17 SDGs. Participants will engage with thought leaders, explore real-world case studies through poster presentations, and develop pathways for impactful, evidence-based action.
The convergence is structured across three thematic tracks:
Day 1 focuses on “Higher Education for a Sustainable Future” – driving climate action, biodiversity conservation, and coastal sustainability through the SDGs.
Day 2 centres on “Higher Education Institutions: Catalysts for Sustainable Health” – advancing health and well-being, inclusive communities, and cultural vitality.
Day 3 addresses “Shaping the Future of Higher Education for Sustainable Policy, Governance, Technology and Innovation” – reimagining policy frameworks, digital transformation, and innovation ecosystems to support long-term sustainable development.
Panel discussions will cover critical areas including reimagining higher education for inclusive, future-ready learning; climate action, biodiversity conservation and food security; health, well-being and community resilience; youth leadership, ethics and social innovation; CSR, sustainable technology, AI and innovation; and global partnerships and knowledge networks for accelerating the SDGs.
The conference has invited researchers, practitioners, policymakers, students, and civil society representatives to submit abstracts on interdisciplinary approaches and policy-relevant insights. The abstract submission deadline is February 16, 2026, with acceptance notifications on February 25, 2026. Early bird registration closes on March 5, 2026, with regular registration available until March 20, 2026.
Commenting on the significance of MAGSCON-26, Lt Gen (Dr) M D Venkatesh, VSM, (Retd), Vice Chancellor, MAHE, stated, “This convergence represents MAHE’s unwavering commitment to being a catalyst for sustainable transformation. As an Institution of Eminence (IoE) with students from over 60 countries, we have both the responsibility and the unique opportunity to convene global minds to co-create solutions that will shape a more equitable and sustainable future. MAGSCON-26 is not just a conference – it is a call to action for higher education institutions worldwide to lead the change we wish to see.”
Dr. Christopher Sudhakar, Director, Quality, MAHE, added, “The Sustainable Development Goals offer a universal framework to address the world’s most pressing challenges, and quality is the common thread that determines their impact. Through MAGSCON-26, we are creating a rigorous and dynamic platform that aligns academic excellence with measurable, real-world action. By convening researchers, policymakers, industry leaders, and community stakeholders, we aim to enable evidence-based dialogue, share quality-driven best practices, and build sustainable collaborations that deliver tangible outcomes. This is a defining moment for higher education to demonstrate its transformative power through quality, accountability, and impact.”
The event will feature networking opportunities during tea breaks, poster sessions, and dedicated interaction slots with partners and experts. A special experiential component includes a local visit to Hasta Shilpa Heritage Village and a gala dinner on Day 2 to foster informal collaboration and cultural exchange. The convergence will conclude with a valedictory session to capture key insights, commitments, and future directions.
MAGSCON-26 aspires to serve as a dynamic platform where higher education institutions and their partners build enduring collaborations and co-create solutions for an inclusive and sustainable future, enhancing MAHE’s visibility as a global leader in sustainability education and action.
Registration for MAGSCON-26 is now open. For more information about the conference, abstract submission, and registration details, please visit: conference.manipal.edu/MAGSCON2026
For detailed information on MAHE’s sustainability initiatives, please visit: sustainability.manipal.edu
Convener Contacts:
Dr. Vivek Pandi: vivek.pandi@manipal.edu | +91 820-29 22658
Mr. Srikant R. Gumaste: srikant.gumaste@manipal.edu | +91 820-29 23653
