Prof. Shijith Kumar P M, Director of Academic Planning at SolBridge International School of Business, and Ms. Sanya Srivastava, a graduate of SolBridge’s MBA program, took part in the NextGen Global Dialogue on Sustainable Development 2026, held on Friday, 2 October 2026, at the Seoul Global Center in Seoul, South Korea.

Organized by the India-Korea Forum (IKF), the Dialogue brought together students, researchers, young professionals, entrepreneurs, and emerging leaders for discussions on sustainable development, youth leadership, innovation, inclusion, and global citizenship. The 2026 Dialogue was held under the theme “Youth Leadership for a Peaceful, Inclusive and Sustainable Future,” connecting strongly with SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, while emphasizing the role of the next generation in addressing global challenges and contributing to more sustainable and inclusive societies.

The program opened with registration and networking, followed by opening remarks from Prof. Rajiv Kumar, Director of the India-Korea Forum. The first session, “Youth, Inclusion & Global Citizenship: Building a Future for All,” focused on the role of young people in promoting inclusion and strengthening global understanding. These themes relate closely to SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, particularly its focus on inclusion, as well as SDG 16, which promotes peaceful and inclusive societies. Ms. Sanya Srivastava, who was selected as an IKF Spring Fellow in 2026, participated as one of the speakers in the session. Her participation reflected her continued engagement with the India-Korea Forum following her graduation from SolBridge.

The second session, “AI, Climate & Innovation: Rethinking Our Sustainable Future,” brought together speakers from academia and industry to examine the relationship between emerging technologies, innovation, climate action, and sustainable development. The session connected directly with SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, through its focus on innovation and technology, and SDG 13: Climate Action, through its attention to climate-related challenges. Prof. Shijith Kumar P M participated in this session alongside speakers representing Jeonbuk National University, The Daebak Company, the Academy of Korean Studies, and Sungkyunkwan University.

Through his participation, Prof. Shijith contributed a perspective from business education and academic planning to the broader discussion on how innovation and emerging technologies can be considered alongside sustainability challenges. The session provided an opportunity to connect discussions around technology and innovation with wider global priorities for sustainable development, particularly SDG 9 and SDG 13.

The third session, “Ideas into Action: Entrepreneurship, Innovation & Sustainable Communities,” shifted the discussion toward translating ideas into practical initiatives. Its focus on entrepreneurship and innovation relates to SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth and SDG 9, while the emphasis on creating sustainable impact within communities connects with SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. Speakers explored entrepreneurship, innovation, and approaches to creating sustainable impact within communities.

The program concluded with a roundtable discussion, “From Dialogue to Action,” followed by closing remarks from Prof. Rajiv Kumar and a networking session. The event provided a platform for participants from different academic, professional, and cultural backgrounds to exchange perspectives on sustainable development and the role of young leaders in shaping the future.

The participation of both a SolBridge faculty member and an alumna brought two distinct perspectives from the School to the Dialogue. Prof. Shijith contributed to conversations on AI, climate, and innovation, while Sanya represented the perspective of a SolBridge graduate and young professional engaged in international dialogue. Together, their participation reflected the breadth of the SolBridge community and its connection to global conversations around innovation, inclusion, climate action, and youth leadership. Their involvement also demonstrated how members of the SolBridge community continue to participate in international platforms where academic knowledge, professional experience, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals intersect.