Asia Plateau, Panchgani
A space to reflect, connect, and co-create
Asia Plateau is a 68-acre centre of Initiatives of Change (IofC), located in the scenic hill station of Panchgani, Maharashtra, just a few hours’ drive from Pune and Mumbai. Surrounded by forests, valleys, and the Table Land plateau, this unique space is designed for immersive, dialogue-based gatherings that connect the personal with the societal.
Energise 2025 is being held at Asia Plateau because of what this place offers: not just physical beauty, but an environment that fosters deep listening, cross-sector collaboration, and personal reflection.
What Makes It Special?
Space for Informal Exchange
Purpose-built as a space for reflective dialogue, Asia Plateau provides natural and architectural spaces that enable informal conversations. Participants frequently find that the most generative moments happen between sessions – on a forest walk, over shared meals, or in an open lounge under the trees. 
Community, Not Just Conference
The centre follows a tradition where participants volunteer for simple daily tasks like meal preparation and dishwashing. These shared activities build trust, equality, and collective responsibility – core values that underpin Energise. 
Reflection and Stillness
The practice of silence and the idea of listening to one’s inner voice are central to Asia Plateau’s ethos. Quiet morning reflections, unstructured time, and access to nature trails make introspection an integral part of the experience. 
Accessible Yet Secluded
Located 100 km from Pune and 250 km from Mumbai, Asia Plateau is easily reachable by road from both cities. The nearest airports are Pune and Mumbai, with onward taxi or bus services to Panchgani. Its seclusion atop the Table Land ensures a quiet, distraction-free environment.
Nature as a Co-Facilitator
Participants are encouraged to spend time walking through the forest, meditating in the gardens, or watching the sunrise from a scenic viewpoint. These moments allow space for synthesis, creative thought, and connection with the self.
Getting There
From Satara
Distance: 47 km
Bus: Buses are available from Satara to Panchgani, usually taking one hour.
Taxi: The cost of the taxi would range between INR 1,000 and INR 2,000.
From Pune
Distance: 108 km
Bus: Buses from Pune to Panchgani are available, with typical departure times ranging from 1:30 am to 11:00 am, according to RedBus. The journey usually takes three to four hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
Taxi: The cost of the taxi would range between INR 2,500 and INR 5,000.
From Mumbai
Distance: 243 km
Bus: Buses from Mumbai to Panchgani are available, with typical departure times either early in the morning (before 6:00 am) or in the evening (after 9:00 pm), as per RedBus. The journey typically takes about seven to eight hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
Taxi: The cost of the taxi would be range between INR 4,000 and INR 7,500.
Bishal Thapa
Fred Sherman
Sumedha Malaviya
Satish Kumar
The three main global energy concerns of providing access to modern energy, enhancing the security of the energy supply, and minimising the impact of energy systems on the climate have an impact on both national and international energy governance. To develop solutions that address the many facets of these difficulties, however, a variety of actors and stakeholders must be included due to the complexity of the energy challenges.
Cities are responsible for more than 70% of the world’s energy consumption and 40% to 50% of its greenhouse gas emissions. Managing increasing urbanisation is a challenge, and nations must deal with the effects it will have on the environment in terms of energy and climate.
Our transition to a future with lower carbon emissions depends heavily on buildings. They are our places of residence, rest, and employment; they also account for around one-third of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions and nearly 40% of the world’s energy usage.