A 3-day International conference on Knowledge for Sustainable Development began at the University of Hyderabad (UoH) on the 18th of January 2024. This conference aims to encourage dialogues across disciplines to implement sustainable development goals. The conference also marks the inauguration of the Golden Jubilee Celebrations of the University.

The inaugural event began with an invocation by Aditya Jonnalaggadda of the Shankar Foundation. Aditya overcame his autism spectrum disorder with constant efforts and is now employed. This was followed by the lighting of the traditional Lamp ceremony.

Prof Anand K Kondapi, Director, IQAC welcomed the participants and thanked the University community for coming together to mark this event. Prof Arvind Susarla, one of the Convenors welcomed the participants and spelt out the key themes of the conference.

In his welcome address, Prof BJ Rao, the Vice Chancellor underlined the significance of the theme of the conference and the role the university could play. He also hoped the conference would spark new ideas and encourage young minds to think about different issues that the conference would raise.

Mr Shombi Sharp, the Resident United Nations Commissioner sent in a video message congratulating the University on the occasion and for choosing the theme of SDG. He was happy that India and the University was working towards achieving these goals.

The inaugural address was delivered by Everest Chair Professor Seeram Ramakrishna of the National University of Singapore. He is a co-director of NUS Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Initiative (NUSNNI) and heads the Centre for Nanofibers and Nanotechnology. He was a member of UNESCO’s Global Independent Expert Group on Universities and the 2030 Agenda (EGU2030).

In his address, Prof Ramakrishna stressed the need of incorporation of SDG in education at different levels. He suggested among other things that 5 to 50% of the content in every course should revolve around the SDG themes. This according to him would help bring a strong awareness among the students and would also help foster research ideas. Prof Ramakrishna also said that universities should reach out to the community and disseminate their ideas and innovations so that the larger public would benefit. In his presentation he stressed on the interdisciplinary nature of the SDG goals and why there needs to be a dialogue between different disciplines.

This conference is being organised by the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) of the University. It is funded by the Directorate of the Institution of Eminence, UoH. The inaugural event was held at the Savithribai Phule Auditorium and was attended by students, researchers, faculty and invitees from both within the university and outside. Conference participants are from different parts of the world Including USA, Portugal, and various universities from all over India.

Prof Geeta Vemuganti, Dr Arvind Susarla, and Dr S. Siddharthan are conveners along with co-conveners from all Schools of University involving all disciplines with active participation of IoE and IQAC team in organising event.

Mr Shombi Sharp, the Resident United Nations Commissioner sent in a video message can be viewed in the link given below:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1aJ7cJDyg9o0xXJr2EEdOoyFSWEUua62O/view