Chennai, Tamil Nadu Aug 18, 2026 (Issuewire.com) - A global discussion on the future of sustainable energy took place on August 7–8 as the Institution of Green Engineers (IGEN) concluded the fifth edition of its flagship IGEN ENERGATHON. Conducted as a 26-hour Global Energy Action Marathon, the programme connected participants across five continents around the theme “Energy Without Borders for Sustainable Communities.”
The marathon created a common platform for policymakers, researchers, academicians, industry professionals, innovators, young leaders, development organisations and sustainability advocates to exchange perspectives on energy and climate challenges. The programme combined regional assemblies, thematic discussions, youth initiatives and policy-oriented sessions with a focus on translating dialogue into practical recommendations.
IGEN organised the programme jointly with the URI Cooperation Circle – IGEN VIBBGGYOR Green Circle. The opening programme featured national and international representatives, including Padma Bhushan Dr. A. Sivathanu Pillai, former Chief of BrahMos Aerospace; Mr. Zhouxinyu Ji, President of the Yanghu Taichi Association of America; and Mr. M. Chandrasekar, former Chairman of the Tamil Nadu Electricity Regulatory Commission.
The five-continent format was one of the central elements of ENERGATHON 2026. Sessions dedicated to Africa, Europe, the Americas, Australia and Asia examined regional energy priorities while connecting them to wider global sustainability objectives. Discussions covered renewable energy, energy access, smart grids, clean-energy transition, climate-resilient systems, emerging technologies and community participation.
The Asia Sustainable Energy Transition Assembly examined approaches involving renewable energy, smart-grid development and emerging technologies, with attention to an inclusive and just energy transition. In India, a special energy session titled “India’s Roadmap Towards SDG 7 & Net Zero Future” brought attention to clean energy, Sustainable Development Goal 7, the net-zero transition and sustainable energy solutions, including the “Green Energy – Strong Tamil Nadu” focus.
Young people were given a prominent role throughout the programme. Through the IGEN Youth Sustainability Leadership League, participants took part in the Youth Energy & Climate Change Policy Pitch 2026, where young leaders presented ideas addressing energy and climate-related challenges. Additional youth platforms under the SDG4ENERGY Global Assembly and SDG4ENERGY Youth Action Global Assembly provided opportunities to connect youth-led ideas with the Sustainable Development Goals.
Technology and innovation were also incorporated into the programme. Sessions organised by partner institutions examined areas such as artificial intelligence for energy efficiency and sustainability, global energy efficiency, sustainable-energy research and project demonstrations. These discussions explored how emerging technologies could contribute to more efficient and environmentally responsible energy systems.
The programme was linked to SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy and the broader 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Rather than limiting the marathon to awareness and discussion, IGEN sought to generate practical recommendations that could be relevant to governments, educational institutions, industries, civil society organisations and communities working on sustainable-energy challenges.
One of the principal outcomes of the 2026 edition is the planned IGEN White Paper on “Energy Without Borders for Sustainable Communities.” The publication is intended to bring together recommendations, research perspectives, innovative proposals and action ideas generated through the various sessions. Participating experts will contribute to the review and finalisation process before the document is released.
According to IGEN, the White Paper is expected to be released within one month of the marathon and will subsequently be shared with the United Nations, national and state governments, energy agencies, institutions and other stakeholders. The document is also planned to be made publicly accessible as a knowledge-to-policy and action resource for sustainable energy and resilient communities.
The event concluded on August 8 with the IGEN White Paper Recommendation and Grand Valedictory Ceremony. Mr. APJIM Sheikh Dawood, Founder of the D.J. APJ Abdul Kalam International Foundation, participated as Chief Guest, while Mr. Biswadeb Chakraborty, Indian Regional Coordinator of the United Religions Initiative, also participated as Chief Guest in a further valedictory session.
IGEN ENERGATHON has expanded considerably since its first edition in 2020. The inaugural programme ran for 13.36 hours as a virtual conference. Subsequent editions increased the duration to 19.13 continuous hours in 2023 and 25 hours and 25 minutes in 2024, while the 2025 edition developed into a larger global energy action programme. The 2026 edition represents the initiative's development into a five-continent platform combining regional energy perspectives with international participation.
Reflecting on the broader purpose of the initiative, Dr. L. Ramesh, President of The Institution of Green Engineers, said, “Energy knows no borders—when nations unite, sustainable communities thrive, and together we power a greener future.”
He noted that the significance of the marathon extends beyond its 26-hour duration, with its long-term value expected to come from the knowledge, recommendations and actions generated through the programme.
“IGEN ENERGATHON 2026 concludes as a programme, but it begins as a global policy and action journey,” Dr. Ramesh said.
The programme involved a network of organising and session partners from India and other regions, including educational institutions, sustainability organisations and international initiatives.
About The Institution of Green Engineers
The Institution of Green Engineers (IGEN) is a nonprofit professional organisation working to advance green engineering, environmental sustainability and practical approaches to sustainable development. The organisation brings together professionals, researchers, academicians, students, institutions and sustainability stakeholders through initiatives involving green engineering, research and innovation, energy conservation, climate action, education, collaboration and community-focused sustainability activities.
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Email: secretary@theigen.org
Website: www.theigen.org
Event: IGEN ENERGATHON 2026
Website: conference.theigen.org/Energathon/index.php
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