Delhi, September 25, 2024: The 6th International Conference on Sustainability Education (ICSE), organized by the Mobius Foundation in partnership with key global organizations, took place on September 19-20, 2024, at the India Habitat Centre. The two-day event, themed “Greening Education for a Sustainable Future,” attracted over 500 thought leaders, educators, policymakers, and environmentalists from more than 20 countries.
The conference emphasized the urgent need to integrate sustainability into educational systems, highlighting a collective movement towards eco-conscious living and sustainable lifestyles. A key focus was placed on the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and National Curriculum Framework (NCF) 2023, both recognized as vital to advancing sustainable education in India and globally.
Since its inception in 2019, ICSE has become a global platform for tackling sustainability challenges through education. This year’s conference continued to build on that legacy, fostering meaningful dialogues and collaborative actions aimed at innovative solutions for pressing environmental issues.
Distinguished speakers included Mr. Pradip Burman, Chairman of Mobius Foundation; Dr. Ram Boojh, Advisor at Mobius Foundation; Dr. Tim Curtis, UNESCO Director; Dr. Rajendra Singh, known as the Waterman of India; environmentalist Jadav Payeng; and Mr. Kartikeya Sarabhai, Founder Director of CEE. Other notable dignitaries included Dr. T Ramasami, Dr. Kiran Karnik, Dr. Harsh Gupta, and Mr. Hem Pandey. They delivered powerful keynote speeches and engaged in discussions that approached sustainability from various perspectives.
In his opening address, Mr. Burman underscored the critical role of education in driving sustainability. He noted, “Over the past six years, we have made consistent progress toward our larger sustainability goals, including initiatives like Gyan Kanya Shakti, which empowers girls, particularly in rural areas. However, population growth remains a critical challenge, contributing to resource depletion and hindering sustainable development efforts.”
The conference commenced with a session on “Greening Education for a Sustainable Future,” which included a Vice Chancellors’ and Educators’ Roundtable. Participants addressed the lack of environmental education at higher education levels and advocated for cultivating an ‘environmental temper’ similar to a scientific mindset. Community partnerships and traditional knowledge were emphasized as essential for a holistic approach to sustainability education.
Afternoon sessions focused on practical solutions, including “Mobilizing Green Chemistry to Beat Plastic Pollution” and “Advancing Circular Economy Education for a Resource-Efficient Future,” led by experts like Dr. Benno Boer from UNESCO and Mr. Rajan Mehta, Fellow at Harvard University.
Mr. Ashok Lavasa (IAS Retd.) called for a shift from “climate change” to “climate action,” stressing the need for integrating sustainability into all educational subjects. In a unique approach, Dr. Sonal Mansingh, a renowned classical dancer, linked sustainability with India’s cultural heritage through storytelling and dance, promoting environmental stewardship.
The second day featured a plenary with Prof. Mirian Vilela, Executive Director of Earth Charter, followed by the Youth for Earth Award Ceremony, recognizing innovative sustainability projects by youth teams. Notably, a session on “Educating for Informed Family Planning Choices for a Sustainable Population and Planet” involved discussions led by health officials sharing impactful stories.
Keynote speaker Ms. Tanya Singhal from Minzo Carbon stressed the urgency of climate action, stating, “We are emitting more greenhouse gases than ever, pushing the Earth’s temperature beyond its ‘Goldilocks’ balance. We need to act now—through awareness, innovation, and by using our voices to influence change.” She highlighted the potential for 35 million green jobs across industries in India by 2047.
The conference concluded with panel discussions on “Greening Education: Challenges and Opportunities,” emphasizing youth engagement in climate action. Dr. Rajendra Singh delivered the final address, calling for community-driven efforts to address water and climate issues.
ICSE 2024 aligned closely with Mission LiFE, an initiative launched by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi at COP26, which advocates for adopting climate-friendly practices in daily life. The conference reinforced the commitment to embedding these principles into sustainability education, fostering a global culture of environmental responsibility and innovation toward a more sustainable future.
