O.P. Jindal Global University holds Kerala Sustainability Conclave

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM:
The Sustainable Development Report (SDR) 2021 was released in Thiruvananthapuram today in the presence of Dr. Shashi Tharoor, Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha who also gave the Inaugural Address on the occasion of the Kerala Sustainability Conclave hosted by O.P. Jindal Global University.

The Presidential address was given by Justice A.K.J. Nambiar, Judge, High Court of Kerala and the special address was by Dr. V.P. Joy, Chief Secretary, Government of Kerala on Monday, 2nd May, 2022.

Inaugurating the Conclave, Dr Shashi Tharoor said, “The launch of the Sustainable Development Report 2021 in Thiruvananthapuram shows respect to the extraordinary work that Kerala is doing in the field of environment protection. Universities are willing to play a bigger role towards climate action: from reducing their own climate footprint to building alliances and partnerships to tackle the issue. This report by O.P. Jindal Global university is a path-breaking action plan towards achieving sustainability. Students today evaluate campuses through an ethical prism of sustainability. Awareness alone is not sufficient. Inspired action by dedicated students is essential” he further added.

Speaking on the occasion, Professor (Dr.) C. Raj Kumar, Vice Chancellor, O.P. Jindal Global University said, “Sustainability Development Report 2021 aims to create a green and socially conscious campus and to have a transparent and fair view of our progress. The United Nations demonstrates our commitment to our compliance with the SDGs. This comprehensive assessment was conducted on our processes, from our energy and water management systems to community engagement initiatives. The SDG Report 2021 on JGU is the culmination of outstanding efforts by TERI, Trust Legal and Mazars to create a new dimension for promoting sustainable development. It has the potential to change the future and help address the challenges of climate change by bringing universities to the centre of knowledge creation, research, experiential learning, innovation and wider engagement with youth.

The Special Address was given by Dr. V.P. Joy, Chief Secretary, Government of Kerala, who said, “It is an important occasion that the conclave has been organised in Kerala as we have been topping the list of states who are achieving the UN’s SDG agenda for the last three years! These goals are very comprehensive from human development to climate targets. Today the Kochi airport is 100% carbon neutral and relies on solar energy. Universities and organisations should aim for this goal. I am delighted that O.P. Jindal Global University has launched this report as educational institutions must contribute to these goals as today climate challenges and human survival need collective action.

The Presidential address was given by Justice A.K.J. Nambiar, Judge, High Court of Kerala who said, “If we speak of UN’s SDG 16 and 17, institutions of justice and their participation is essential to combat climate issues. Also 42% members of the lower judiciary in the state are women. Kerala has been leading amongst all states on various environmental parameters.

The launch was followed by a panel discussion on the theme “Implementing the Sustainable Development Goals: Role of Universities and Civil Society in Protecting the Environment”.

Professor Venu Rajamony, Professor of Diplomatic Practice, Jindal Global Law School, O.P. Jindal Global University made the introductory remarks. The panel discussion on “Implementing the Sustainable Development Goals: Role of Universities and Civil Society in Protecting the Environment” was moderated by Sudhir Mishra, Founder and Managing Partner, Trust Legal Advocates and Consultants, Professor (Dr.) Sunil Mani, Director & Professor, RBI Chair, Centre for Development Studies, Kerala, Anitha S., Consultant, Environment Education, Tree Walk, Thiruvananthapuram, Renjan Mathew Varghese, State Director, WWF-India, Kerala State Office, Dr. Salom Gnana Thanga V., Professor & Head, Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Kerala, Professor (Dr.) S. Mercy Deborah, Vice Dean, Admissions & Outreach, O.P. Jindal Global University were present. The vote of thanks was given by Professor (Dr.) Upasana Mahanta, Dean, Admissions & Outreach, O.P. Jindal Global University.