International Webinar On Sustainable Development Goals

Mr. Ronnie Antony, Starlight Experimental Education Institute, Taiwan, Teach SDGs Global Ambassador, Taiwan Coordinator, ETC Sweden addressed a Webinar on “Integration of Sustainable Development Goals Education in the Curriculum and the Scope of Global SDG Projects”. The event was organised by Dr. K. C. G. Higher Education Leadership Management Centre and the Office of International Affairs on 31 March 2022.

Dr. Ilavazhagan, Director International Affairs upon delivering the welcome address stressed on the importance of creating awareness among staff and students about the UNSDG goals and its effective implementation at HITS. While introducing the speaker, Mr. Ronnie, Dr. A. Sherine Joy, Head Languages and HELM Centre stated that he has been a pioneer in championing the cause for environmental awareness and sustainable development during the pandemic era.

Mr. Ronnie Antony in his presentation highlighted the 17 SDG goals and explained how his institution has implemented SDG goals in curriculum and syllabus. A sample school syllabus, integrating each SDG, was also explained pertaining to different age groups. For example, for Gender Equality: SDG5 – books suggested were that of Malala’s “Magic Pencil” for school kids of age 7-12; “No Truth without Ruth: The Life of Ruth Bader Ginsberg”, “Kathleen Krull” for ages 10-12; for SDG 6 Clean Water and Sanitation-books titled “A Drop Around the world” by Barbara Mckinney and “The Water Princess” by Susan Verde were included; similarly for SDG 11–Sustainable Cities and Communities-“The Journey” by Francesca Sanna was added.

Mr. Ronnie emphasized that for Higher Education syllabus there should be incorporation of SDG oriented study and practical projects. He stated that a small STEP (acronym for ‘S’ay the problem without blame, ‘T’hink of solutions-safe and respectful, ‘E’xplore the consequences and what could happen if . . ., and ‘P’ick the best solution . . . make your plan) in this direction would definitely pave for enabling the education fraternity to implement SDGs and thus work toward transforming the world. Further, Mr. Ronnie insisted that students should explore the possibilities of taking up projects related to SDGs connect to local issues and take action since it makes a difference. Mr. Ronnie answered the queries during the session regarding the projects and informed that the staff should enroll in Teach SDGS and be aware of the global conferences related to SDG and proposed on the possible collaborations with institution for joint conferences, workshops and projects. Dr. Sherine proposed the vote of thanks. The session was attended by over 70 participants.