BIMTECH Workshop Explores Sustainable Development Goals, Urges Collective Action for a Greener Future

Greater Noida, June 28: BIMTECH (Birla Institute of Management Technology) recently hosted an international two-day workshop centered around the theme of “Sustainable Development Goals: Accelerating Actions, Leaving No One Behind.” The event aimed to address the pressing need for sustainable development and featured prominent speakers who shared their insights and perspectives.

The workshop commenced with a welcome statement from Dr. H. Chaturvedi, the Director of BIMTECH. Dr. A. Sahay, the Chairperson of BIMTECH’s YSBC, provided an overview of the workshop’s context and objectives. Distinguished chief guests also delivered their statements during the program.

In his address, Dr. H. Chaturvedi emphasized the urgency of the 2030 deadline for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He acknowledged the annual reports published by NITI Aayog, which assess India’s progress across various human development indicators. Dr. Chaturvedi highlighted the global aspiration of over 160 countries to meet the SDG targets. Notably, he pointed out the significant challenges posed by climate change, particularly in developed countries, and stressed the need for serious action, rather than mere rhetoric, to address these issues.

Dr. Rajendra Shinde, the Founding Director of Green TERRE Foundation and a special guest at the workshop, announced the signing of an MoU between BIMTECH Institute and TERRE Foundation. Dr. Shinde emphasized the importance of universities transforming their campuses into living laboratories to foster sustainable development. He highlighted the value of integrating sustainable development practices into educational curricula, providing students with practical skills and experiences that would benefit them in their future endeavors.

The program’s Guest of Honour, Dr. Parag Agarwal, Founder & CEO of JanaJal WOW, stressed the significance of introducing students to sustainable development, as they are the future agents of change. Dr. Agarwal called upon educational institutions to take responsibility and organize similar programs, emphasizing that collective efforts would yield meaningful outcomes. He also noted the expanding career opportunities in the social sector and highlighted the vital role of technology in achieving success while ensuring its compatibility with environmental preservation.

Dr. Pawan Kumar Singh, the Director of Indian Institute of Management, Tiruchirappalli, served as the keynote speaker. Dr. Singh emphasized the importance of educating students about sustainable development, considering that they are the torchbearers of the future. He encouraged students to explore their passions while remaining mindful of their responsibilities. Dr. Singh commended programs like the workshop for reminding young individuals about their role in sustainable development. He suggested the inclusion of sustainable development courses in the academic syllabus or as extracurricular activities to raise awareness among students.

In her special address, Dr. Sangeeta Shah Bhardwaj, the Director of MDI, highlighted the role of programs, conferences, and workshops in creating awareness among students. She stressed the need for continuous efforts to apply the knowledge gained from such events in their daily lives. Dr. Bhardwaj called upon all institutes to develop actionable and sustainable plans, demonstrating tangible results. While acknowledging the widespread use of technology across various domains, she emphasized the importance of ensuring that technology is environmentally friendly and does not harm nature.

The workshop concluded with a collective call for greater involvement and commitment from individuals, institutions, and society at large to achieve sustainable development goals. It underscored the need for continuous efforts, awareness, and integration of sustainable development principles into education and everyday practices while safeguarding the environment from the adverse effects of technology.