Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham’s unwavering commitment to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) took center stage at the prestigious Times Higher Education’s Global Sustainable Development Congress (GSDC) 2024. Delegates from Amrita showcased groundbreaking initiatives and transformative progress in sustainability, in the Congress held in Bangkok from June 13-15, 2024.
Dr. Maneesha V Ramesh, Provost, showcased the institution’s pioneering initiatives and significant progress in sustainability through an insightful talk during the panel “Excellence in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals: Spotlight on India”. She highlighted Amrita’s comprehensive framework and shared compelling case studies that exemplify the university’s strides toward becoming a global leader in sustainability efforts. The presentation highlighted Amrita’s holistic approach to integrating SDGs into its educational and research paradigms. Her insights showcased how Amrita is paving the way for educational institutions worldwide to incorporate sustainability into their core missions.
“At Amrita, our commitment to sustainability is woven into the fabric of our institution. We aim not only to educate but also to actively engage in projects that address real-world challenges, fostering sustainable development on a global scale,” Dr. Maneesha said.
Joining Dr. Maneesha at GSDC 2024 were other distinguished representatives from Amrita, including Dr. Shivapratap Gopakumar, Associate Professor, Amrita School for Sustainable Futures; Mr. Krishnanandan, Coordinator, Live-in-Labs® program; and Ms. Reshma A S, Program Officer for Water Sustainability Initiatives.
The GSDC 2024, organized by Times Higher Education, brought together global leaders in academia, industry, and government to discuss and promote sustainable development practices. The host of key speakers, include Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP); Nik Nazmi bin Nik Ahmad, Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability, Government of Malaysia; Benno Boer, Chief of the Natural Sciences Unit, UNESCO New Delhi Cluster Office; Mandy Bratton, Executive Director of the Center for Global Sustainable Development, University of California, San Diego; and Ishan Cader, Director of Consultancy, Times Higher Education.
Amrita’s commitment to the SDGs aligns with its broader vision of fostering a sustainable and equitable future. Through continued innovation, research, and community engagement, the university aims to contribute significantly to global sustainability goals. This commitment is reflected in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2024, where the university has been ranked the top institution in India for the fourth consecutive year. Additionally, the university has secured a place among THE’s top 100 educational institutions globally.
The 2024 THE Impact Rankings saw participation from 2,152 higher education institutions across 125 countries and regions. These rankings assess institutions based on their contributions to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through research, stewardship, outreach, and teaching.
