About

The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Indore has announced the International Conference on Youth for Impact: Social Innovation & Inclusive Leadership, scheduled to be held from February 16–18, 2026. Designed to empower young changemakers, this global event aims to highlight the transformative role of youth in shaping innovation, leadership, and sustainable development.

Organised in collaboration with the Department of Youth Affairs, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, the conference brings together policymakers, researchers, entrepreneurs, youth leaders, and academic experts from India and around the world.

Purpose of the Conference

Across the world, young people are emerging as drivers of innovation and impactful leadership. This conference provides a dedicated platform to:

• Recognise youth-led contributions to social change
• Address structural barriers that limit youth leadership
• Discuss inclusive strategies for community development
• Build global networks between youth and academic institutions
• Exchange ideas, culture, and values across borders
• Strengthen youth participation in governance and entrepreneurship

The overarching goal is to develop future-ready, inclusive, and socially responsible leaders.

Key Themes of the Conference

The central theme is Youth for Impact: Social Innovation and Inclusive Leadership.
Sessions will explore how youth shape meaningful change across sectors.

Sub-Themes Include:

1. Inclusive Leadership and Social Impact: Exploring leadership models that promote equality, justice, and sustainable development.
2. Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Showcasing innovative ideas, startups, and solutions that address social problems.
3. Health, Well-being, and Resilience: Enhancing the physical and mental well-being of youth as a foundation for leadership.
4. Youth as Catalysts: Identity, Equity & Ethics: Discussing ethics-driven youth movements and identity-based leadership.

Conference Structure (Tentative)

The event is designed to include a diverse set of academic and knowledge-sharing formats:

1. Keynote Addresses

Renowned national and international scholars, policymakers, and industry leaders will speak on core sub-themes.

2. Panel Discussions

Participants can propose topics for roundtable discussions to encourage interactive dialogue.

3. Research Paper Abstracts

Scholars may submit research abstracts across the listed themes, followed by a rigorous review process.

4. Poster Presentations

A 250-word abstract and a corresponding poster will be invited for visual and interactive presentation.

This multi-format approach ensures an engaging, inclusive, and impactful learning experience.

Submission Guidelines

The conference invites contributions from youth researchers (below 35 years), scholars, practitioners, and innovators. Submissions may be:

• Empirical research (qualitative or quantitative)
• Conceptual papers
• Theoretical work
• Practice-based insights and case studies

Evaluation Parameters Include:

• Relevance to the conference theme
• Clarity and conciseness (300–500 words for abstracts)
• Originality and academic quality
• Defined objectives and outcomes
• Evidence supporting the claims
• Preferred presentation format
• Proper authorship and affiliation details
• Compliance with formatting and deadlines
• Conflict-of-interest disclosure

Important Dates

• Abstract Submission Deadline: December 25, 2025
• Notification of Acceptance: January 20, 2026
• Conference Dates: February 16–18, 2026

Submission Link

Participants can submit abstracts via the official link provided in the PDF: (https://forms.gle/ciKRTfr4vErnGdY5A)

Eligibility

The conference welcomes:

• University students and youth delegates
• Researchers and academicians
• Government and public policy representatives
• Social entrepreneurs and innovators
• Corporate leaders, NGOs, and community organisers

This diverse participation aims to build cross-sector collaborations for sustainable youth development.

Publication Opportunities

Selected papers will undergo peer review and be published in a formal academic compendium supported by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports. This is an excellent opportunity for young scholars to gain visibility and contribute to interdisciplinary knowledge.

Organising Committee

• Patron: Prof. Himanshu Rai, Director, IIM Indore
• Conference Convenor: Prof. Shruti Tewari, Professor & Dean (Research), IIM Indore
• Organising Team:
  • Prof. Shivani Sharma, Assistant Professor
  • Prof. Punyashlok Dwibedy, Assistant Professor

For queries: 📧 dean-research@iimidr.ac.in | shrutitewari@iimidr.ac.in