In the face of escalating environmental challenges, social inequalities and economic instability, there is an urgent need to rethink sustainability across all sectors of life. One of the most promising approaches to crafting solutions that are not only innovative but also holistic is the integration of indigenous knowledge systems with contemporary scientific practices. Indigenous knowledge, developed over millennia, offers invaluable insights into sustainable living, ecological balance, resource management and community well-being. The indigenous or traditional knowledge systems focus on an interdependent relationship of human beings with nature and on synchronising their systems of production according to the needs of rest and regeneration of nature. These systems of knowledge, deeply rooted in culture, tradition and a profound connection with nature, are often overlooked in contemporary discourse.

The International Conference on Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Practices: Designing Sustainable Futures aimed to bridge this gap by providing a platform for scholars, practitioners and policymakers to engage in critical conversations on how Indigenous knowledge can complement modern technological advancements, resulting in more sustainable futures. It provided an inclusive space where thought leaders, practitioners and scholars from around the world converged to explore the integration of indigenous knowledge systems and practices with contemporary approaches to sustainable development. It also fostered interdisciplinary dialogues, presented innovative solutions and inspired actionable strategies for a more sustainable future.

The conference was an essential step toward integrating diverse knowledge systems for the greater good of humanity and the planet. By bringing together a diverse group of scholars, practitioners and policymakers, the aim was to foster a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness between Indigenous and contemporary practices, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and equitable future.

 
Conference Theme and Objectives
 

1. Explore the Depths of Indigenous Knowledge: Understand Indigenous practices that promote sustainability, conservation, and climate resilience through the epistemic parameters guided by these practices.
2. Foster Dialogue Between Indigenous and Contemporary Knowledge Systems: Bring together the dynamic wisdom of Indigenous communities and the innovations of the present to design solutions for a sustainable future.
3. Collaborative Research and Development: Encourage cross-disciplinary collaboration between researchers, communities, and policymakers to develop real-world applications for sustainable practices.
4. Promote Inclusive Development and Provide Equitable Status to IKS: Recognise and elevate the knowledge and practices of local communities, who are often marginalised, and ensure that their contributions are recognised and respected in the broader sustainability discourse while promoting policies that include these voices in decision-making.

 
Key Themes
 

The conference focused on the following sub-themes

1. Sustainable Resource Management and Conservation Practices: Examine Indigenous techniques in resource conservation, such as water management, biodiversity protection, and sustainable agriculture.
2. Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation: Investigate how Indigenous knowledge can contribute to addressing climate change, including sustainable farming, forest management, and resilience-building practices.
3. Cultural and Ecological Restoration: Explore how Indigenous knowledge fosters a sense of belonging to the land and promotes the restoration of degraded ecosystems.
4. Technology and Innovation Through Indigenous Practices: Analyse how contemporary technologies can enhance or align with Indigenous methods in agriculture, energy, and natural resource management.
5. Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Policy Development: Understand how policy frameworks can better integrate Indigenous knowledge in development projects and environmental governance.