As Odisha approaches its centenary year in 2036, the state is preparing to develop a bold and transformative roadmap for the future. The Odisha Vikash Conclave (OVC) 2025, scheduled for November 26-27 in Bhubaneswar, will bring together over 500 participants from various sectors, including communities, civil society, government, academia, youth networks, and the private sector. The purpose of the conclave is to discuss the state’s transition toward a more inclusive, climate-resilient, and people-centric future.
“With climate shocks intensifying, ecosystems degrading, and livelihoods rapidly changing, OVC 2025 positions ‘Balanced Development and Climate Resilience’ as the guiding theme for Odisha’s next decade,” said Shri Jagadananda, Co-Founder of the Centre for Youth and Social Development (CYSD), a Bhubaneswar-based NGO organising the conclave. “The conclave will address the interconnections among forests, coasts, wetlands, agriculture, livelihoods, governance, social protection, and technology, providing holistic solutions,” he added.
Despite the country’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint, CO₂ emissions remain a critical issue in Odisha. The conclave will focus on transitioning from reactive responses to a seamless and equitable just energy transition.
“A key highlight of the event will be the launch of Odisha’s Climate Change and Just Transition Forum, a platform designed to bring together diverse stakeholders, including communities, to enable climate-resilient development and just energy transition in the state,” stated Srestha Banerjee, Director of Just Transition & Climate Change at iFOREST.
The event will be organised around five interconnected pillars: Ecosystem Protection, Restoration and Climate Resilience; Just Transitions, Livelihoods, and Inclusive Economies; Knowledge, Technology, and Governance for a Resilient Future; Addressing Vulnerability Multipliers; and Social Agency, Leadership, and Accountability. In addition, special boardroom discussions and plenary sessions will feature experts, practitioners, and policymakers to synthesize ideas into actionable pathways.
The conclave is expected to yield several decisive outcomes, including a comprehensive Odisha Climate & Development Policy Brief that establishes clear priorities for ecosystem restoration, livelihood resilience, technology integration, and governance reform. It will also create the Odisha Climate Action Practitioners’ Collective (OCAPC) for ongoing collaboration and policy guidance, produce a Knowledge Compendium of scalable climate-resilient models, and present a Policy Pitch on Liveability, outlining integrated solutions for resilience, equity, and environmental health.
CYSD, in partnership with organisations such as FES, iFOREST, Back to Village, PCI, PRIA, Socratus, CEEW, WASSAN, PRADAN, SWATI, WRI, Dakshin Foundation, Nature’s Club, Atmashakti Trust, SELCO, Birla Global University, IIPHB–PHFI, Gram Vikas, Aide et Action India, Common Ground/Living Landscape, OneWorld, AVPN, Mahashakti Foundation, NAWO, Breakthrough, UNFPA, and several other networks and institutions, is organising the OVC.
