India Charts Bold Path at CASCA 2025: Nation’s Largest Climate Action Platform Celebrates Innovation, Policy, and Impact
The inaugural edition of CASCA (Climate Action & Sustainability Conference & Awards) concluded with resounding success, after two impactful days of high-level dialogue, collaboration, and recognition. Held on April 23–24 in New Delhi, the conference brought together over 500 leaders—including policymakers, diplomats, corporate sustainability heads, grassroots innovators, and youth voices. Organized by TheCSRUniverse with M3M Foundation as Lead Partner, CASCA’25 emerged as a bold, action-oriented national platform redefining India’s climate leadership narrative. With 10+ power-packed panel discussions, global keynotes, and the prestigious CASCA Awards, the event spotlighted urgent themes including regenerative agriculture, circular economy, ESG, electrification, biodiversity, renewable energy, and climate finance.
Dr. Payal Kanodia, Chairperson & Trustee, M3M Foundation, shared in her keynote “CASCA’25 embodies what our world needs most: courageous collaboration, conscious leadership, and committed action. India, as the world’s third-largest economy and a spiritually rooted civilisation, has the power to shape a uniquely inclusive model of sustainability. Climate change is a lived reality—we must now lead with purpose, act with urgency, and build in harmony with the planet. CASCA is not just a conference; it is a call to action that will echo in community-led efforts for years to come”.
The CASCA Awards honoured over 35 individuals and organisations for their exemplary work across categories like technology, innovation, sustainable farming, product design, packaging, water conservation, and more. Notable winners included a diverse and impactful set of organizations leading the way in climate innovation and sustainable practices. IIT Ropar – Technology and Innovation Foundation was recognized for its work in biodiversity conservation, while AROH Foundation was honoured for its efforts in community engagement for sustainability. Mlinda Charitable Trust received acclaim for green manufacturing, and Aurassure Pvt Ltd stood out in the category of climate tech innovation. In the renewable energy space, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt Ltd was awarded for its exemplary contributions, while Studio for Earthen Architecture was recognized for promoting sustainable building development. End Poverty earned accolades for advancing sustainable farming practices, and Bambrew Plant Fiber Technology Pvt Ltd was lauded for its innovation in sustainable packaging. CHAL Shoes was recognized for sustainable product innovation, Hyundai Motor India Ltd was acknowledged for leadership in waste management and circular economy, and Marpu Foundation was honoured for its dedicated work in water conservation.
The Editorial Choice awardees included, Tata Trusts and Wildlife Trust of India (Forest Conservation), ITC (‘Well-being Out of Waste’ – Swachh Bharat), SELCO Foundation (Promotion of LiFE), Indian Railways and Jharkhand Government (State Sustainability Initiatives), Ms. Vani Murthy (Climate Influencer), Narendra Kumar (Young Achiever), Karnav Rastogi (Youth Climate Ambassador), and ARCH College of Design & Business.
An esteemed jury of climate scientists, policy experts, and academic leaders adjudicated the awards, representing institutions like IIT Bombay, IIT Roorkee, IIM Ahmedabad, IIPA, CSTEP, BIMTECH, and TERI-GRIHA Council, among others.
Ashish Jha, Founder of TheCSRUniverse, added, “Our goal with CASCA was to celebrate bold, scalable, and inclusive climate solutions—and to empower the changemakers behind them. This event has set a new benchmark for climate dialogue in India: one that is collaborative, cross-sectoral, and action-oriented.”
Beyond the dialogue and recognition, CASCA’25 featured a powerful green innovation showcase, spotlighting ESG solutions, clean technology, and impact-driven startups from across India. The Hon’ble Ambassadors of Lithuania and Iceland to India, H.E. Diana Mickevičienė and H.E. Benedikt Jónsson, shared powerful insights at CASCA 2025, highlighting their nations’ commitment to climate action and their intent to deepen bilateral collaboration with India. Their participation underscored the truly global nature of the dialogue, reinforcing that sustainability is a shared responsibility—transcending borders, cultures, and economies.With its successful conclusion, M3M Foundation and TheCSRUniverse aim to build a stronger, unified national movement toward climate resilience, sustainable development, and global leadership in environmental stewardship.