Pune (Voice News Service) : Envisioning a global center dedicated towards sustainable development goals and impact-based knowledge MKSSS’s Dr. Bhanuben Nanavati College of Architecture for Women ( BNCA launched – Institute of Sustainability and Development Studies at the hands of Hon Dr.Vinay Sahasrabuddhe, President, Indian Council for Cultural Relations ICCR Govt of India. The inauguration program was held at BNCA Auditorium in presence of Guest of Honour well-known international architect Ojas Hirani , Ravindra Dev, Chairman MKSSS, Dr.Anurag Kashyap, Principal BNCA, Dr. Vidya Kulkarni Vice Chairman , MKSSS , Prof.Asmita Joshi, Director United Nations Academic Impact Department at BNCA
Dr.Vinay Sahasrabuddhe said that knowledge dissemination of sustainability is a difficult terrain. It is not very easy to preach sustainability. Generally people are not irresponsible but they don’t have the means to accommodate the demands of sustainability in the day to day struggle for their life. Therefore they require to be guided. There is a necessity to come out with sustainability code of conduct for individual. The institute should set goal for itself to become a certifying agency for sustainability and provide something in terms of knowledge so that others can follow the principles of sustainability.
Welcoming the guests and mentioning various projects undertaken by the institute, Dr.Anurag Kashyap, Principal BNCA that it is the women power that enabled us to grow and became a leading institute in the world of architecture with many firsts to its credit .
Asmita Joshi said that the our aim is to create a center for knowledge towards achieving SDGs through skilling, education, innovation research and mobilize forces through in line with the new education policy online and offline mediums.
Ojas Hirani , Ravindra Dev also spoke on the occasion. Piyush Girgaonkar, Head Sustainability Department, was the compeer for the program while Prof.Nidhi Dikshit proposed the vote of thanks.
Institute of Sustainability & Development Studies
The Sustainable Development Goals are the blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. They address the global challenges we face, including poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, peace and justice. Envisioning a global center dedicated towards Sustainable Development Goals and impact-based knowledge we are launching the “Institute of Sustainability and Development Studies” ISDS. It aims to aid partnerships and create a center for knowledge & tools towards achieving the SDGs through Skilling, Research, Education, Innovation and Advocacy.
It aims to mobilize various courses in line with the new education policy through online and offline mediums with scientific, technological and social expertise to promote knowledge and practical results towards sustainable development. It aligns with ESD for 2030 framework, which aims to increase the contribution of education to building a more just and sustainable world.
Skilling
ISDS enables up skilling and technical to hands on learning for greater social and environmental impact and help young professionals to contribute and work in the development sector as well as encourage social entrepreneurship.
Research
SDGs aim at tackling multiple and complex challenges faced by humankind. ISDS aims to facilitate extensive research on current solutions and change making initiatives based in the Indian context.
Education
Credit-based courses are curated that will enable education and a solution centric learning environment for sustainable development and is the core objective of ISDS. We currently have courses based on SDG11 & climate initiatives conducted in collaboration with NIUA. Drone technology and mapping based courses have been enabled with industry partners as well. ISDS will further expand these towards addressing other goals.
Innovation
The academic-industry collaboration is a key to the development of this academy for which education and research are integral. ISDS offers courses which will seek to promote cross cutting approaches to working with the UN SDGs and build a community of skilled professionals.
Advocacy
ISDS aims to raise ambition around the SDGs and reach the most susceptible with innovative solutions. SDG Advocates and advocacy will one of the core objectives at ISDS dedicated to development and prosperity rallying behind the vision of a better world and inspiring others to do the same.
Vision
The institute aims to create and nurture globally competent technocrats and empathetic leaders acting towards the cause of sustainable development for future generations while revering our planet’s natural resources and environment.
Mission
The institute through Research, Education, Skilling, Innovation and Advocacy will enable the youth women to become change agents.
· Accelerating awareness on sustainable development across India by providing the best education programs
- Adopting the technologies of tomorrow with advanced skills/education for capacity building
- Creatively driving a think-do tank to be the bridge between thought leaders and the Government
- Pioneering conceptualizing and implementation of projects under sustainable development
- Partnering with global and local relevant organizations, agencies, and experts
- Crafting talent for national and global development
- Leveraging indigenous knowledge with co-creation and wisdom
Values
- Gender Equality: Striving towards equality and no biases in our connect, reach and impact
- Empathy: Understand and recognize the needs of people and the planet
- Inclusiveness: Commitment towards comprehensive thought, action and impact
- Integrity: Honesty and true to our commitment and values
- Ingenuity: Striving to solve difficult problems in original and inventive ways
- Impact: Work towards wider, deeper and long-lasting impact
- Courage: Lead by example and take spirited decisions
