Bhubaneswar, Nov 25: As Odisha approaches its centenary year in 2036, the state is preparing to chart a bold and transformative development roadmap. The Odisha Vikash Conclave (OVC) 2025, scheduled for 26 - 27 November in Bhubaneswar, will convene more than 500 participants representing communities, civil society, government, academia, youth networks and private-sector to deliberate on the state’s transition toward an inclusive, climate-resilient and people-centric future.
“With climate shocks intensifying, ecosystems degrading and livelihoods undergoing rapid transformation, OVC 2025 positions ‘Balanced Development and Climate Resilience’ as the guiding theme for Odisha’s next decade,” said Shri Jagadananda, Co-Founder of Centre for Youth and Social Development (CYSD), a Bhubaneswar-based NGO that is organising and hosting the conclave. “The Conclave will address the interdependence of forests, coasts, wetlands, agriculture, livelihoods, governance, social protection and technology, bringing holistic solutions to the fore,” he added.
Even as the country commits to reducing its carbon footprint, CO₂ emissions is a critical issue in Odisha. The Conclave will focus on shifting from reactive shocks to a seamless and equitable justenergy transition.
“A key highlight of the event is the launch of Odisha’s Climate Change and Just Transition Forum, a platform to bring diverse actors including communities together to enable climate resilient development and just energy transition in the state,” said Srestha Banerjee, Director Just Transition & Climate Change, iFOREST
The event is organised across five interconnected pillars including – 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. These apart, special boardroom discussions and plenary sessions will bring together experts, practitionersand policymakers to synthesise ideas into actionable pathways.
The Conclave will deliver several decisive outcomes, including a robust Odisha Climate & Development Policy Brief that sets clear priorities for ecosystem restoration, livelihood resilience, technology integration and governance reform.It will also establish the Odisha Climate Action Practitioners’ Collective (OCAPC) for sustained 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 well-being.
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.
