ICO SUSTAIN 2026

 ICO SUSTAIN 2026
International Conference on Sustainable Transitions and Innovations

 Theme: Co-creating a Future that Sustains All
January 22–23, 2026
Mar Athanasius College (Autonomous), Kothamangalam, Kerala, India

 About the College
Mar Athanasius College (Autonomous), established in 1955, is a premier institution dedicated to academic excellence and holistic education. Affiliated with Mahatma Gandhi University, the college offers 16 undergraduate, 16 postgraduate, 1 integrated postgraduate, and 6 doctoral programs across diverse disciplines.
The college is consistently ranked among the Top 100 institutions in India (NIRF) and secured 8th place in the Kerala Institutional Ranking Framework (2024) among arts and science colleges. It was the first institution in Kerala to be accredited and re-accredited with an ‘A+’ Grade by NAAC, and recognized as a College with Potential for Excellence (UGC, 2009). With a proud legacy spanning nearly seven decades, Mar Athanasius College continues to shape leaders, foster innovation, and contribute to societal progress.

About ICO SUSTAIN
ICO SUSTAIN is an international academic platform designed to unite researchers, scholars, policymakers, practitioners, and industry leaders in dialogue on sustainability. It fosters interdisciplinary collaboration and knowledge sharing, addressing global challenges through innovative solutions.
The 2026 edition builds on the strong foundation of its 2020 and 2024 conferences, and will focus on emerging trends, cross-disciplinary approaches, and innovative practices in sustainability, with a special emphasis on commerce, economics, history, sociology, social sciences, and policy innovation.

Invitation to Contribute
The Organizing Committee of ICO SUSTAIN 2026 invites faculty members, research scholars, policymakers, practitioners, historians, sociologists, and industry professionals to submit original research papers, case studies, and innovative insights that align with the theme Sustainable Futures.
This global platform encourages contributions that explore emerging trends, interdisciplinary approaches, and practical solutions to sustainability challenges, with special emphasis on commerce, economics, history, sociology, social sciences, conservation, and disaster management.

Conference Highlights
• Keynote Addresses by global experts in sustainability, economics & social sciences.

• Technical Sessions & Paper Presentations on innovative research and solutions.

• Workshops & Skill Labs on green finance, SDG-based research, policy writing, and sustainability technologies.

• Innovation Expo featuring sustainable solutions, student innovations, and start-up projects.

• Policy Roundtable: Kerala Model & Global Sustainability – Lessons for the Future.

• Cultural Evenings with eco-conscious art and performances.

• Best Paper Awards for faculty, research scholars, and students.

Conference Tracks & Sub-Themes

Track 1: Commerce & Business for Sustainability

• ESG practices & sustainability reporting

• Circular economy & supply chain resilience

• Green entrepreneurship & sustainable business models

• Green marketing, Green washing, Green Product, Green Pricing

• Financial innovations: green finance, carbon credits, impact investing

• Sustainable tourism & eco-business ventures

Track 2: Economics of Climate Change & Inclusive Growth

• Climate change economics & policy interventions

• Energy transitions & renewable economics

• Inclusive growth & sustainable livelihoods

• Global trade, digital economy & sustainability

• Environmental valuation & natural capital accounting

Track 3: Sociology, Social Sciences, Equity & Community Resilience

• Social justice, equity & sustainable communities

• Gender, migration, and sustainability transitions

• Indigenous knowledge systems & conservation practices

• Education, culture & behavioural change for sustainability

• Human–wildlife conflicts & community-based conservation

Track 4: Conservation, Biodiversity & Environmental Studies

• Biodiversity conservation & sustainable ecosystems

• AI, Big Data & remote sensing in conservation

• Human–wildlife conflict mitigation strategies

• Protected areas, ecotourism & sustainable livelihoods

• Climate resilience & community-based adaptation

Track 5: Disaster Management & Risk Reduction

• Disaster risk reduction frameworks & policy strategies

• Economics of disasters: insurance, financing & reconstruction

• Urban resilience to floods, earthquakes & heatwaves

• Role of AI, GIS & predictive analytics in preparedness

• Linking SDGs with the Sendai Framework

Track 6: Health, Fitness, Yoga & Sustainable Lifestyles

• Yoga and mindfulness for sustainable living

• Sports science, physical activity & community health

• Nutrition, wellness & sustainable food practices

• Lifestyle diseases, prevention & public health policies

• Indigenous and traditional health practices

• Technology in fitness & personalized healthcare

• Sustainable healthcare models and wellness industries

Track 7: History, Heritage & Sustainable Futures

• Historical perspectives on sustainability and transitions

• Environmental history and human–nature interactions

• Heritage conservation and cultural landscapes

• Colonialism, industrialization, and ecological change

• Historical lessons for climate adaptation and resilience

• Oral traditions, archives, and sustainable knowledge systems

Track 8: Cross-Cutting Technologies & Emerging Themes

• AI & digital transformation for sustainability

• Smart cities & urban resilience

• Governance, law & policy frameworks

• Sustainable consumption & lifestyle transitions

• Youth, civil society & volunteerism in sustainability

Publication Opportunities

• Selected papers will be recommended for consideration in Scopus-indexed and other reputed peer-reviewed journals.

• The Sustainability Review Journal will publish a special issue featuring outstanding conference papers.

• Final acceptance is subject to editorial and peer-review policies.

• Publication costs must be borne by the authors and are not covered by the registration fee.

Important Dates

Call for Papers Opens: September 4, 2025
Abstract Submission Deadline: October 15, 2025
Notification of Acceptance: October 30, 2025
Full Paper Submission: December 10, 2025
Conference Dates: January 22–23, 2026

Submission Guidelines
• Abstract: Max 300 words, with 3–5 keywords.

• Full Paper: 4,000–6,000 words, APA 7th edition format.

• File Format: MS Word (docx) or PDF.

• Papers must be original and not under review elsewhere.

Registration Fees
Category                     Regular    Spot
Students                       300          400
Research Scholars      750          950
Faculty/Industry           1000       1,200

Contact for Submissions & Queries
Conference Coordinator
Dr. Diana Ann Issac, Head, Department of Commerce
dianaann@macollege.in | +91 85471 04170

Conference Convenor
Dr. Puthuma Joy, Assistant Professor, Department of Economics
pjk@macollege.in | +91 94472 64403

More details: www.macollege.ac.in

Join us at ICO SUSTAIN 2026 to shape sustainable futures through research, dialogue, and innovation!