JGU VC Highlights Role of Global South Universities in Achieving SDGs at ACUNS Meeting
The founding Vice Chancellor of O.P. Jindal Global University, Prof. (Dr.) C. Raj Kumar, delivered a keynote speech titled 'The Role of Universities in the Global South for Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)' at the annual meeting of the Academic Council of the United Nations System (ACUNS) in Tokyo. In his address, Dr. Raj Kumar emphasized the pivotal role of universities in India and the Global South in advancing the ambitious Agenda 2030, underscoring the need for strategic policies and actions to address global challenges.
Dr. Raj Kumar highlighted ten key points where universities can contribute significantly to achieving all 17 SDGs. He stressed the importance of embedding relevant themes in curricula, promoting experiential learning, and engaging in community-level projects to empower students as changemakers. To tackle poverty, he advocated for financial aid, scholarships, and policy recommendations for public education. In promoting equality, he emphasized the role of universities in fostering inclusive environments and practices.
Addressing health and well-being, Dr. Raj Kuma emphasized the role of universities in healthcare research and community engagement. He underscored the importance of environmental stewardship and climate action, suggesting that universities invest in sustainable practices and serve as models for biodiversity conservation. He highlighted the role of education in fostering sustainability consciousness among students and promoting environmental stewardship on campus.
Regarding water and food security, Dr. Raj Kumar called on universities to influence public policy and improve management practices. He emphasized the role of universities in driving economic growth through innovative curriculum design and industry collaboration. In advocating for peace and justice, he stressed academic freedom and the objective portrayal of diverse perspectives.
To foster partnerships, especially South-South Cooperation, Dr. Raj Kumar proposed creating research networks and consortiums to address common challenges and promote cultural exchange. The ACUNS meeting coincided with the release of the JGU Sustainable Development Report, showcasing the university's contributions to SDGs through education, research, and community engagement.
The report, presented to ACUNS leadership and participants, highlighted JGU's commitment to sustainability across its operations, including recruitment practices, health standards, and community support. Fifteen JGU faculty members participated in the ACUNS meeting, presenting cutting-edge research across various panels.
Prof. Dr. Vesselin Popovski, Vice Dean of Jindal Global Law School and Chair of the ACUNS Best Dissertation Award Committee, awarded the 2024 Best Dissertation Awards to Rebecca Yemo (University of Massachusetts) and Johannes Scherzinger (University of Zurich) during the event.
Overall, Dr. Raj Kumar’s address underscored the transformative potential of universities in the Global South to drive sustainable development, urging concerted efforts to achieve the SDGs by 2030 through education, research, and collaborative partnerships.
Dr. Raj Kumar highlighted ten key points where universities can contribute significantly to achieving all 17 SDGs. He stressed the importance of embedding relevant themes in curricula, promoting experiential learning, and engaging in community-level projects to empower students as changemakers. To tackle poverty, he advocated for financial aid, scholarships, and policy recommendations for public education. In promoting equality, he emphasized the role of universities in fostering inclusive environments and practices.
Addressing health and well-being, Dr. Raj Kuma emphasized the role of universities in healthcare research and community engagement. He underscored the importance of environmental stewardship and climate action, suggesting that universities invest in sustainable practices and serve as models for biodiversity conservation. He highlighted the role of education in fostering sustainability consciousness among students and promoting environmental stewardship on campus.
Regarding water and food security, Dr. Raj Kumar called on universities to influence public policy and improve management practices. He emphasized the role of universities in driving economic growth through innovative curriculum design and industry collaboration. In advocating for peace and justice, he stressed academic freedom and the objective portrayal of diverse perspectives.
To foster partnerships, especially South-South Cooperation, Dr. Raj Kumar proposed creating research networks and consortiums to address common challenges and promote cultural exchange. The ACUNS meeting coincided with the release of the JGU Sustainable Development Report, showcasing the university's contributions to SDGs through education, research, and community engagement.
The report, presented to ACUNS leadership and participants, highlighted JGU's commitment to sustainability across its operations, including recruitment practices, health standards, and community support. Fifteen JGU faculty members participated in the ACUNS meeting, presenting cutting-edge research across various panels.
Prof. Dr. Vesselin Popovski, Vice Dean of Jindal Global Law School and Chair of the ACUNS Best Dissertation Award Committee, awarded the 2024 Best Dissertation Awards to Rebecca Yemo (University of Massachusetts) and Johannes Scherzinger (University of Zurich) during the event.
Overall, Dr. Raj Kumar’s address underscored the transformative potential of universities in the Global South to drive sustainable development, urging concerted efforts to achieve the SDGs by 2030 through education, research, and collaborative partnerships.
.jpg "Top 100 Engineering Colleges In India - 2024")
