BIPF's IDEATE 2024 focuses on building climate resilience through community-centric development

Bhubaneswar, Sept 5: The Bansidhar & Ila Panda Foundation (BIPF), in collaboration with Dasra, successfully wrapped up the 13th edition of its flagship conference, IDEATE 2024. This year's theme, "Utkal Udyam: Community-Centric Development for Climate Resilience," brought together policymakers and industry leaders to tackle climate change challenges and explore transformative strategies for empowering grassroots communities in climate adaptation.

Shaifalika Panda, Trustee and Founder CEO of BIPF, highlighted the need for inclusive collaboration in her welcoming address. She emphasized that, "By working together, we can co-create solutions, pool resources, and drive systemic change. Empowering communities is essential for building resilience against climate change."

Benjamin Sovacool, Director of Boston University's Global Sustainability program, delivered a special address, stressing the importance of integrating local knowledge. He noted, "Communities in Asia are pioneering innovative climate adaptation strategies. The most effective efforts harness these communities as critical agents of change."

A key highlight was the panel discussion on “Harnessing Grassroots Knowledge for Climate Resilience,” where Samir Shisodia, CEO of Rainmatter Foundation, emphasized the need for a collaborative ecosystem, stating, "Building a collaborative ecosystem is crucial for effective climate action." Jarnail Singh, Deputy Director (India) of the MacArthur Foundation, added that state-based strategies are vital for developing sustainable and impactful solutions.

The panel also featured Devjit Mittra, Programmes Director at Socratus Foundation; Padma Shri Sabarmatee, Co-Founder of SAMBHAV; and Tanaya Patnaik, Director of Sambad Group (Eastern Media Ltd.), and was moderated by Parnasha Banerjee, Director of ClimateRISE at Dasra.

Additionally, a fireside chat with Dr. Abha Mishra, Head of Office-Odisha at UNDP India; Bijal Brahmbhatt, Director of Mahila Housing Trust; and climate champion Madhusmita Parida discussed creating ecosystems centered around women to scale up climate action.

IDEATE 2024 aimed to promote sustainable practices, address natural resource management vulnerabilities, and ensure equitable resource access for communities across India. The conference also highlighted the role of philanthropy in fostering climate-resilient communities.