IFOR Conclave to Position Rivers as Bridges of Culture, Sustainability and Global Cooperation

New Delhi: In an effort to reposition rivers not merely as geographical water bodies but as living connectors of civilisations, cultures, communities and sustainable futures, the International Festival of Rivers (IFOR) Global Conclave will be held in New Delhi as a platform for dialogue on river protection, environmental conservation, cultural heritage and global cooperation.

Scheduled to be organized on May 16, 2026, in New Delhi, the IFOR Global Conclave is being hosted by IFOR, Sanatani Ganga Foundation and IDPTS. The event is likely to witness participation not only from across the length and breadth of India, but also from other Asian countries sharing common Asian culture and ethos with India, such as Japan, Taiwan, Malaysia, South Korea, Indonesia, etc.

The conclave seeks to create a larger international movement around rivers by combining India’s ancient river-based civilizational wisdom with contemporary concerns such as sustainability, tourism, ecological awareness, cultural diplomacy, sports and community engagement. The event is designed around the theme of a “global confluence of culture, rivers and humanity with sustainable approach,” with the broader message of celebrating river civilisations, connecting the world through cultural heritage and sports, and building a sustainable global future.

Unlike conventional conferences that focus on a single sector, IFOR has been conceptualised as a multi-dimensional global ecosystem integrating cultural and handicraft activities, environmental awareness, sustainable ecosystems, tourism development, community engagement, performing arts, culinary heritage, traditional sports and indigenous games. The idea is to turn river-linked heritage into a framework for international cooperation, soft diplomacy and sustainable economic opportunity.

Captain Praveen Kumar, Founder of Sanatani Ganga Foundation and the driving force behind IFOR, said the initiative was born from the belief that rivers must be seen as shared cultural and ecological responsibilities.

“IFOR is not just an event; it is a movement to reconnect humanity with rivers as living cultural and ecological entities. Our objective is to bring nations, communities, artists, sportspersons, institutions, and young people onto one platform where heritage, sustainability, and global cooperation can work together. From India, we want to build a river-centric global movement that inspires respect for nature, strengthens cultural bonds and creates meaningful opportunities for future generations,” Captain Praveen Kumar said.

A commercial pilot with a private-sector airline, Captain Parveen Kumar is the Founder and President of the Sanatani Ganga Foundation, the organisation behind river-centric cultural and environmental initiatives such as the Gangotsav Festival, the Run for Ganga/Gangjyot Marathon, and the Dance for Ganga. The foundation is working to preserve cultural heritage, protect the environment, and empower communities, with a special focus on reconnecting people with the Ganga and other rivers as living cultural and ecological entities.

The conclave will also highlight the role of river-based civilisations in shaping human development, trade, spirituality, art and social life. Inspired by the philosophy of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”, IFOR aims to build a global network where countries and communities engage with mutual respect and shared responsibility. Its organisers envision IFOR as a rotating global festival to be hosted in different countries in the coming years, creating a continuous cycle of cultural exchange, economic collaboration and sustainable development.

The initiative also carries forward the work of the Sanatani Ganga Foundation, which has been engaged in campaigns such as the Gangotsav Festival, Run for Ganga, and Dance for Ganga to raise public awareness of the ecological and cultural significance of the Ganga and other rivers. The foundation describes IFOR as a global extension of this vision, aimed at transforming rivers from local environmental concerns into international symbols of civilizational connection and collective progress.

A major focus of the conclave will be the intersection of heritage and innovation. The organisers are expected to explore how modern tools, including technology-led environmental monitoring, smart water management, disaster preparedness and sustainable infrastructure, can complement traditional river wisdom and community-led conservation practices.

IFOR will also place cultural tourism and sports at the centre of its global engagement model. Its proposed verticals include riverfront activities, performing arts, traditional games, handicrafts, cuisine and tourism-linked business opportunities. The platform is expected to encourage countries, especially those with strong riverine, coastal, island and eco-tourism identities, to participate in a shared framework of cultural exchange and sustainable growth.

The conclave will further introduce the IFOR Global Awards, designed to recognise contributions to cultural preservation, sustainability, tourism innovation and international collaboration. The awards are aimed at honouring cities, institutions, individuals and organisations that have successfully used culture, heritage and sustainability as tools for global dialogue and inclusive development.

With its India-rooted yet globally oriented vision, the IFOR Global Conclave is expected to serve as a starting point for building a broader river-centric movement that brings together governments, organisations, communities, cultural practitioners, environmental experts, and business stakeholders. Its central message is that rivers, which once shaped civilisations, can again become powerful bridges for peace, sustainability and human cooperation.

IFOR 2026 Global Conclave