Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham’s Cross-Sectoral Dialogues on Sustainable Development During C-20

Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham has actively engaged in cross-sectoral dialogues focused on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through multiple conferences and symposiums. These events have involved collaborations with government agencies, NGOs, and educational institutions, aiming to advance discussions and strategies around sustainable development. For instance, Amrita organized a two-day International Symposium on “Universities – SDG Performance & Ranking,” which provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss the role of higher education in achieving SDGs. 

Additionally, the university collaborated with organizations like UNESCO and the Indian government to strengthen SDG-focused educational initiatives and sustainable development projects in rural communities. Such cross-sectoral dialogues promote knowledge sharing and create actionable pathways toward achieving the SDGs. 

Impactful Dialogues for Sustainable Futures: Civil 20 India’s Key Activities on SDGs 

Name of Session	Points for Discussion	Speakers
Critical Gaps & Policy Entry Points for Strengthening Sustainable & Resilient Communities, 20 Feb 2023	The dialogue focused on identifying critical gaps & policy entry points to enhance the sustainability & resilience of communities. Speakers & participants engaged in collaborative dialogue to formulate strategies that address key challenges & promote lasting solutions for building stronger & more resilient communities.
Business & its Interface with Triple Bottomline of Sustainability	The policy dialogue on the interface between business & the triple bottom line of sustainability aimed to foster a strategic alignment, encouraging businesses to integrate economic, social, & environmental considerations into their practices. The key conversations revolved around shaping policies that promote responsible & sustainable business conduct for a positive impact on both profit & societal well-being.
Compassion as the Driving Force for Volunteerism & Civic Engagement	The roundtable highlighted compassion as the driving force behind volunteerism & civic engagement, emphasizing the need for policies that nurture a culture of empathy & community service. Discussions were centred around strategies & pathways to integrate compassion into civic initiatives, fostering a society where individuals are motivated by a shared commitment to social betterment.
Building Resilience in a Changing Climate: Strategies, Solutions & Collaborations, 15 March 2023	The event convened stakeholders to discuss strategies, solutions, & collaborative initiatives, emphasizing the imperative to involve diverse user groups in shaping resilient responses to climate challenges. Pathways & policies were explored that would empower communities, industries, & individuals to collectively enhance adaptive capacities & contribute to climate resilience.
Compassion in Disaster Management – Building Community Resilience in Disaster Prone Environments – May 23, 2023	The policy dialogue underscored the pivotal role of empathy in building community resilience in disaster-prone environments. Participants discussed policy frameworks that prioritize compassionate responses, fostering a culture of preparedness & support to enhance the overall effectiveness of disaster management efforts.
Ecovillages: An Experiment towards Sustainable & Resilient Communities, France, May 29, 2023	The roundtable on Ecovillages held in France served as a forum for in-depth discussions on sustainable & resilient community models. Participants exchanged insights, highlighting successful experiments & collaborative approaches to foster ecological living, paving the way for innovative solutions in building environmentally conscious communities.
Adapting Architectural Design, Settlement Planning & Practice to Climate Change: An International Perspective – June 14, 2023	The roundtable brought together diverse perspectives to discuss strategies for incorporating climate resilience into architectural & settlement planning. Participants engaged in insightful discussions, exploring innovative approaches to address the challenges posed by climate change in the field of design & urban planning on a global scale.
Fostering Educational Processes & Community Engagement: Dialogues for a Sustainable World – 28th June 2023	The dialogues centered on the intersection of education & community involvement for sustainability. Participants engaged in conversations to explore effective educational processes & collaborative community engagement strategies, aiming to cultivate a shared commitment to building a more sustainable & resilient world.
Unveiling the Impacts of Climate Change & Fostering Environmental Sustainability in Africa, Kenya – July 10, 2023	The event provided a platform for comprehensive discussions on the specific environmental challenges facing the region. Through insightful conversations & collaborative efforts, the event paved the way to catalyze solutions for promoting sustainability & resilience in the face of climate change impacts in Kenya & across Africa.
Building Local Resilience – The Human Connections, France July 11, 2023	The policy dialogue focused on fostering discussions around strategies & policies to enhance local resilience with an emphasis on human connections. Participants engaged in constructive dialogues aimed at formulating policies that strengthen community bonds & empower individuals in building resilience at the local level.
Consultations on Curriculum Development – The International Symposium on Sustainable Innovation & Development	The UNESCO Chair hosted an International Symposium on Sustainable Innovation & Development from December 11-13, 2023, bringing together experts to evaluate a global curriculum for 14 SDGs. The event included in-depth discussions & case studies on sustainable development needs, challenges, & localizing strategies. Over 60 attendees from 24 countries engaged in collaborative programs, emphasizing the importance of teaching materials & joint delivery methods. The symposium outlined a roadmap for future engagement & empowerment, with dedicated curriculum consultation events planned to ensure sustained progress in sustainable innovation.