Greening Education for a Sustainable Future: Highlights and Insights from ICSE 2024

The 6th International Conference on Sustainability Education (ICSE 2024) was held at the India Habitat Centre in New Delhi on 19-20 September 2024, under the theme “Greening Education for a Sustainable Future“. This flagship event brought together over 1000 global thought leaders, educators, entrepreneurs, policymakers, youth groups, and environmentalists from more than 15 countries. It featured 100+ distinguished speakers and 35+ national and international partner organisations, setting the stage for a deeper understanding of sustainability and collective action for a resilient future.

Dr. Ram Boojh, Advisor, Mobius Foundation, reflected on the remarkable five-year journey of ICSE during his welcome address. He emphasized the importance of holistically integrating sustainability principles into all aspects of learning to create a sustainable future for both the planet and its people. The inaugural ceremony also featured distinguished thought leaders, including Prof. Shambhu Nath Singh, Vice Chancellor, Central University Tezpur, India; Mr. Kartikeya Sarabhai, Founder Director, CEE, India; Dr. K. Kasturirangan, Chairman, India’s NEP 2020 & NCF, Former Chairman, ISRO; Dr. Tim Curtis, Director and Representative, UNESCO New Delhi South Asia Regional Office; Mr. Pradip Burman, Chairman, Mobius Foundation; Mr. Praveen Garg, IAS (Retd.), President, Mobius Foundation.

A message from the Hon’ble Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Minister of Education, Government of India, highlighted that ICSE provides an ideal platform for academicians, researchers, and students to exchange ideas and experiences on various aspects of greening education. It offers a nuanced understanding of climate change concerns and explores ways to address these challenges by educating students to nurture a sustainable future.

In a video message, Hon’ble Shri Jayant Chaudhry, Minister of State for Education and Skilling, Government of India, acknowledged the potential of India’s youth to spearhead efforts in tackling environmental challenges, including climate change, mitigation, and adaptation. He emphasized the crucial role of renewable energy, sustainable practices, and the integration of environmental awareness into the education system.

An inspiring conversation took place as part of the Sustainability SAMVADs that featured multiple sessions with global leaders from leading organizations discussing sustainability challenges and solutions. The discussions included thought leaders such as Dr Rajendra Singh, Magsaysay Awardee, ‘Waterman of India’ & Chairman – People’s World Commission on Drought and Flood; Dr. Ashutosh Tiwari, Founder Director, Institute of Advanced Materials, Sweden; Mr. Tim Connors, Executive Director, EdTech Advisory Group, Boston, USA; Mr. Jadav Payeng, Environmentalist & Forest Man of India; Mr. Alan Egbert, CEO, ACER, Dubai; Mr. Rajan Mehta, Fellow, Harvard University and Author “Backstage Climate”; Ms. Raquel Costa, Ocean Literacy Consultant, IOC-UNESCO, Paris and many more.

A Special Plenary Session titled “Educating for Informed Family Planning Choices for a Sustainable Population and Planet” emphasized the crucial role of responsible population management in ensuring the planet’s continued well-being. It highlighted that population stabilization is a key component of sustainability education.

The Youth Conclave & Youth for Earth Award Ceremony recognised 10 ground reality projects by schools and colleges from South and South East Asia countries. It provided an exceptional platform for young sustainability leaders to showcase their innovative in fostering sustainability and recognized them for their climate action efforts. This platform brought together prominent youth voices, educators, and ecosystem enablers in the field of sustainable development.

The conference also featured 12+ exhibitors showcasing impactful initiatives in sustainability education, health, community development, environmental management, and responsible consumption.

Mr. Pradip Burman, Chairman, Mobius Foundation concluded the ICSE 2024 by highlighting the two critical areas of sustainability i.e. education and population, which are essential for creating solutions for the global challenges.  Mr Praveen Garg, IAS (Retd.), President, Mobius Foundation emphasized that small changes like actions at the individual, community, and institutional levels are essential stepping stones toward achieving sustainability. These incremental efforts, when combined, create a collective impact that drives lasting environmental, social, and economic transformation. Dr Rajendra Singh, Magsaysay Awardee, ‘Waterman of India’ & Chairman – People’s World Commission on Drought and Flood congratulated Mobius Foundation for maintaining its dreams and determination. It is crucial to channel this commitment into concrete actions that begin today, not tomorrow, ensuring continued progress and impact towards a resilient future. Dr Ram Boojh, Advisor, Mobius Foundation through his Vote of Thanks reflected on our responsibilities, as echoed in the Sanskrit phrase: “प्रकृित रक्षित रिक्षता”—Nature protects if it is protected. Other esteemed panellists – Dr Erach Bharucha, Director, BVIEER, Pune; Ms Anupama Madhok, Executive Director, Water Digest; Dr Harsh Gupta, Former Secretary, Govt of India- Guest of Honour; Mr Hem Pandey, IAS (Retd.), Former Secretary, Govt of India- Guest of Honour; Dr Benno Boer, UNESCO New Delhi; Mr Kartikeya Sarabahi, Director CEE; Mr Aditya Pundir, Director, Climate Reality Project India and South Asia, New Delhi, India underscored the holistic integration of sustainability principles into all aspects of learning. It is not just about teaching “about” the environment; it is about nurturing a generation that lives and breathes sustainability, equipped to build a more just and equitable future.

The two-day conference highlighted key recommendations such as: