TheInterviewTimes.com | February 28, 2026 | 08:42 PM IST | Ghaziabad
ICAE 2026 Conference at CHRIST University Delhi NCR unites global experts to redefine growth through sustainability, policy reform, and inclusive economic development.
The Department of Economics, School of Social Sciences, CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Delhi NCR Campus, in collaboration with the V. V. Giri National Labour Institute, successfully organized the 2nd International Conference on Advancing Economics (ICAE-26) on 25–26 February 2026. Held under the theme “Redefining Growth: Integrating Economy, Society, and Sustainability for a Resilient Future,” the two-day-long international conference brought together eminent academicians, policymakers, researchers, and students to deliberate on pressing global and national developmental challenges.
The conference was steered by Dr. Shivani Chaudhry, HoD, School of Social Sciences, and co-chaired by Dr. Jitender Bhandari, Academic Coordinator. The event was convened by Dr. Amit Kumar, Dr. Faraz Ahmad, and Dr. Susanthika S, whose coordinated leadership ensured the seamless conduct of the academic proceedings.
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The inaugural ceremony commenced with the traditional lighting of the lamp in the presence of distinguished dignitaries including Fr. Vinod Michael, Fr. Dr. Peter M. V, Dr. Jeanne Poulose, Dr. Bosco Paul Alapatt, along with the organizing committee. The highlight of the opening session was the Chief Guest Address delivered by Dr. Rakesh Mohan Joshi, Vice Chancellor, Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT), New Delhi. In his keynote, he reflected on the evolving global economic order and emphasized the need to balance global trade aspirations with domestic developmental priorities. He cautioned that excessive reliance on tariffs can lead to rising prices and instability in global markets, underscoring diversification, strategic planning, and sustainable economic frameworks as essential for resilience.
The conference also featured keynote addresses by Dr. David Wuepper from the University of Bonn, Germany, and Dr. Majo George from the University of Economics and Finance, Vietnam, who shared international perspectives on sustainability transitions, agriculture economics, artificial intelligence, and inclusive development pathways.
Following the release of the Book of Abstracts, the conference transitioned into parallel technical sessions conducted in both offline and online formats. Research was presented across diverse thematic tracks including agriculture, health systems, education, digital finance, labour markets, climate change, green finance, governance, macroeconomic dynamics, youth studies, digital economy, and global political economy. Scholars presented empirical studies and policy analyses on issues such as crop insurance adoption, digital financial inclusion, gendered labour patterns, exchange rate volatility, environmental justice, and sustainable tourism, reflecting the interdisciplinary depth of contemporary economic research.
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Plenary discussions further enriched the conference, bringing together leading academicians to deliberate on policy pathways for inclusive growth, institutional accountability, fiscal prudence, digital governance, and climate-conscious development strategies.
A significant highlight was the Special Address by Ms. Gurvinder Kaur, Joint Director (Macro), Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, Government of India, who provided valuable insights into India’s macroeconomic stability, structural reforms, and fiscal strategies amid global uncertainties. Her address effectively bridged academic research with real-world policymaking, reinforcing the importance of evidence-based governance aligned with sustainability imperatives.
The conference concluded with the Valedictory Session in the presence of Dr. Arvind, Director General, V. V. Giri National Labour Institute, and Dr. Bornali Bhandari, Professor, National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER). They emphasized the importance of research-driven policymaking, labour policy relevance, and sustained collaboration between academic institutions and policy bodies. Dr. Faraz Ahmad presented the Conference Report summarizing the key insights and thematic outcomes, followed by the presentation of Best Paper Awards and a formal Vote of Thanks delivered by Ms. Susanthika S.
ICAE-26 emerged as a dynamic platform fostering dialogue between academia and policymakers. By integrating theory, empirical research, and policy engagement, the conference reinforced CHRIST University’s commitment to advancing impactful scholarship in economics and promoting inclusive and sustainable development.
Echoing Mahatma Gandhi’s reminder that “the future depends on what we do in the present,” the conference reaffirmed the urgent need to align economic ambition with social responsibility and environmental sustainability in addressing today’s global challenges.
Authors: Dr Nipunika Shahid, Assistant Professor
Samma Mehra, Student
Amisha Kumari, Student
Media Studies, School of Social Sciences, CHRIST University, Delhi NCR