The Centre for Environmental Studies at Yenepoya (Deemed to be University) hosted a seminar titled ‘Driving Change: Empowering Actions for the SDG 2030 Agenda’ on 18 February 2025, focusing on the role of higher education in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Expert insights on SDG integration in education

The seminar commenced with a welcome address by Dr. Bhagya Sharma, Deputy Director, Centre for Environmental Studies, followed by an introductory note from Dr. Gangadhara Somayaji K. S., Registrar of Yenepoya University.

The first technical session was led by Dr. Shrihari S, Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, NITK, who introduced the SDGs, underlining their global importance and stressing the need for collaborative efforts to achieve them.

This was followed by Dr. Lakshman Nandagiri, Professor, Department of Water Resources and Ocean Engineering, NITK, who highlighted the crucial role educational institutions play in fostering sustainability-focused learning and research. His session, titled Refining the Goals of Higher Education, encouraged the integration of sustainability principles into academic curricula and institutional practices.

Meaningful discussions and concluding remarks

The seminar sparked lively discussions on embedding SDGs within higher education systems. Participants explored ways to incorporate sustainability into teaching, research, and campus operations.

Ms. Sreelakshmi efficiently compered the event, ensuring smooth transitions between sessions. The seminar concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. R. G. D’Souza, Dean of Yenepoya School of Engineering and Technology. He expressed appreciation to the speakers, organisers, and attendees for their contributions.

Commitment to a sustainable future

The Centre for Environmental Studies expressed gratitude to all participants for their active involvement. The seminar reinforced the university’s dedication to supporting the global SDG 2030 Agenda and fostering sustainability-focused education.

Conclusion

Yenepoya University’s seminar on the SDG 2030 Agenda served as a platform to promote action-oriented dialogue on integrating sustainability into higher education, inspiring participants to drive change towards a more sustainable future.