PATNA, Sept. 19 -- The first East Asia Summit (EAS) Conclave of heads of Higher Education Institutions and Knowledge Exchange Workshop on Energy Efficiency & Mission LiFE was officially inaugurated at Nalanda University on Wednesday. The event was attended by distinguished leaders, scholars and policy experts from 18 participating countries. In his keynote address, Periasamy Kumaran, Secretary (East), Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, highlighted ASEAN partnerships, the role of digital research, and formally declared the Conclave open. He mentioned that Nalanda symbolised India's civilisational linkages with Asia and continued to inspire collective progress. In his welcome address, Sachin Chaturvedi, V-C, Nalanda University, expressed gratitude to the ministry of external affairs, RIS, TERI, ASEAN partners, and all the international and Indian delegates. Reflecting on Asian value systems, he spoke about convergence of humanities and natural sciences, philosophy of Shunyata and Oneness, and Nalanda University's commitment to Net Zero goals. Chaturvedi mentioned, "Nalanda is a living idea of knowledge without boundaries. As we gather here, we reaffirm that education and cooperation remains the strongest pathways to peace, sustainability and shared prosperity." Director general, RIS, a ministry of external affair's think tank, Sachin Kumar Sharma highlighted the need for deeper research and institutional cooperation across the EAS region. Jiwesh Nandan from TERI emphasised lifestyle transitions for sustainability and the importance of Mission LiFE. Ngo Thi Phuong Lan from Vietnam reflected on Nalanda's timeless legacy and the urgent call for climate action....