Manipal, March 24, 2026: Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) has inaugurated the Manipal Global SDG Convergence 2026 (MAGSCON 2026), a three-day international conference aimed at advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The event is being held at Dr TMA Pai Auditorium in Manipal, Karnataka, and runs from March 24 to 26.
MAGSCON 2026 brings together academicians, policymakers, industry leaders, and global partners to explore collaborative solutions for sustainable development. The conference focuses on the role of higher education and innovation in accelerating progress towards the 17 SDGs, which address key global challenges such as climate change, health, education, and inequality.
Inaugurating the event, Dr H S Ballal, Pro Chancellor of MAHE, highlighted the importance of academic institutions in shaping a sustainable future. He emphasised that universities must go beyond traditional teaching and actively contribute to solving global challenges and improving quality of life.
Adding a global perspective, Dr Line Joranger from the University of Southeastern Norway stressed the need for international collaboration. She noted that platforms like MAGSCON 2026 enable meaningful exchange of ideas and partnerships across borders, which are essential for achieving sustainable development goals.
The inaugural session was presided over by Lt Gen (Dr) M D Venkatesh, Vice Chancellor of MAHE, who underlined the critical role universities play in driving innovation and impact. The event also saw participation from notable leaders including Dr Satish Kumar of the Alliance for an Energy Efficient Economy and Dr Ananya Mukherjee, Vice Chancellor of Shiv Nadar University.
Designed as a global platform, MAGSCON 2026 features a wide range of sessions, including plenary talks, panel discussions, masterclasses, and research presentations. Key themes include climate action and biodiversity, sustainable health, youth leadership, social innovation, and the use of technology and artificial intelligence for societal benefit.
The conference also highlights topics such as reimagining higher education for inclusive learning and strengthening global academic partnerships. With participation from leading universities in India and abroad, the event reflects MAHE’s growing international engagement.
MAGSCON 2026 aims to foster knowledge exchange, encourage research collaboration, and showcase sustainable initiatives undertaken by institutions worldwide. By bringing together diverse stakeholders, the conference seeks to create actionable solutions and long-term partnerships aligned with the SDGs.
Through initiatives like MAGSCON 2026, MAHE continues to strengthen its commitment to sustainability and global collaboration. The event is expected to contribute to future-ready education and drive meaningful progress towards a more sustainable and inclusive world.
