International Conference on Youth for Impact: Social Innovation & Inclusive Leadership – Empowering Youth, Transforming Futures Concludes at IIM Indore

International Conference on Youth for Impact: Social Innovation & Inclusive Leadership – Empowering Youth, Transforming Futures Concludes at IIM Indore

The Indian Institute of Management Indore (IIM Indore) commenced the International Conference on Youth for Impact: Social Innovation & Inclusive Leadership – Empowering Youth, Transforming Futures on February 16, 2026, in coordination with the Department of Youth Affairs, Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India.

In the welcome address, Conference Organizer Prof. Shivani Sharma, IIM Indore, emphasized the importance of strengthening entrepreneurial capabilities among young people and creating enabling ecosystems that connect academic learning with real-world impact.

There were three panel discussions on the second day. The first keynote address of the day was delivered by Prof. Andrea Sianesi, Politecnico di Milano, Italy, on “Entrepreneurship in the Fashion Industry,” where he shared global perspectives on the evolving fashion ecosystem and highlighted the importance of sustainability, innovation, and responsible value chains in creating new opportunities for young entrepreneurs. He emphasized the growing role of young founders in driving social innovation, noting that their lived experiences enable them to approach problem-solving with greater authenticity and purpose. He also underlined how their strong alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals, focus on measurable impact metrics, and digital-native skill sets are enabling faster scaling, wider outreach, and the creation of more inclusive and responsive entrepreneurial models.

Prof. Saneesh Edacherian, University of Birmingham, Dubai, on “Cross-National Entrepreneurship, Inclusive Innovation,” in which he spoke about the significance of international collaboration, inclusive business models, and institutional support in building equitable entrepreneurial ecosystems.

The day also witnessed an engaging panel discussion on “Young Social Entrepreneurship,” featuring Ms. Geeta Solanki, Founder, Unipads; Mr. Harsh Neekhra, Novorbis Itus Pvt. Ltd.; and Ms. Pinky Maheshwari, Founder, Surprise Someone, and moderated by Prof. Punyashlok Dwibedy, IIM Indore. The panelists shared their entrepreneurial journeys and reflected on the challenges of building purpose-driven ventures, the importance of resilience, and the need for enabling ecosystems that support socially conscious enterprises. The discussion highlighted how youth-led social ventures are addressing grassroots challenges through innovative and sustainable models.

The post-lunch session featured oral and poster presentations, during which scholars and practitioners shared their research and practice-based insights, encouraging rich academic dialogue and interdisciplinary exchange.

The day concluded with a keynote address by Prof. Ramadhar Singh of Ahmedabad University, India. He emphasized that mature citizenship is rooted in a sense of perpetual responsibility, in which individuals remain consistently accountable to society beyond their roles and regulations. He noted that responsible communities are built when ethical conduct, self-regulation, and mutual trust become everyday practices, shaping institutions that are humane, just, and socially responsive.

The Valedictory Ceremony marked the formal conclusion of the conference, during which the Best Paper Awards were felicitated by Prof. Himanshu Rai, Director, IIM Indore. The conference ended with a vote of thanks by Conference Convener Prof. Shruti Tewari, who acknowledged the contributions of speakers, participants, organizers, and collaborating institutions for making the event a meaningful platform for dialogue on youth, social innovation, and inclusive leadership.

The conference will conclude on the third day with a cultural visit to Maheshwar, offering participants an opportunity to experience the region’s rich heritage and engage in informal interactions that further strengthen academic and cross-cultural connections.

With its continued focus on youth-led dialogue, knowledge creation, and cross-sectoral collaboration, IIM Indore reaffirmed its commitment to serving as a catalyst for socially responsible leadership and impactful nation-building.