Advancing the SDGs Through Interdisciplinary Research & Global South Collaboration: March 22, 2024
"Global Dynamics in Education, Research, Social Sciences, & Sciences for Sustainable Development"
On March 22, 2024, Gandhi Memorial National College, Ambala Cantt., India, and ICERT convened a Global Interdisciplinary Conference that brought together 397 participants from 15+ countries to explore how interdisciplinary research and Global South collaboration can advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Highlights:
SDG Alignment: Key Contributions
SDG | Goal | Conference Contribution |
SDG 4 | Quality Education | Explored interdisciplinary approaches to education, research methodologies, and pedagogical innovation; featured leadership from NAAC “A++” accredited institution |
SDG 8 | Decent Work & Economic Growth | Addressed youth empowerment, skill development, and the role of education in economic transformation through Dr. Rakesh Kumar’s book “Atamnirbhar Bharat evam Yuva Shakti” (Self-Reliant India and Youth Power) |
SDG 9 | Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure | Showcased research bridging social sciences, sciences, and education for sustainable innovation |
SDG 10 | Reduced Inequalities | Brought together scholars from India, Nigeria, Malaysia, Ethiopia, Philippines, Egypt, and beyond in equitable Global South partnership |
SDG 17 | Partnerships for the Goals | Strengthened collaboration between G.M.N. College, ICERT, Kurukshetra University, NIILM University, IGNOU, Nilai University (Malaysia), and IPE Management School (Paris) |
Global Participation: A Global South Collaboration
Metric | Impact |
Total Participants | 397 |
Countries Represented | 15+ (India, Nigeria, Malaysia, Ethiopia, Philippines, Egypt, Tanzania, Uganda, Pakistan, Oman, Russia, Kosovo, United States, Cambodia, and more) |
Primary Hubs | India & Nigeria – reinforcing the academic bridge between South Asia and West Africa |
Research Themes Supporting the SDGs: Four technical sessions, chaired by distinguished experts, featured research at the intersection of interdisciplinary approaches and sustainable development:
Session | Chairperson | SDG Focus |
Session 1 (Hybrid) | Dr. Krishan Kumar (DAV College for Girls, Yamunanagar) | SDG 4, SDG 10, SDG 16 |
Session 2 (Online) | Dr. Ramesh Kumar (Government College, Aharwala) | SDG 4, SDG 8 |
Session 3 (Online) | Dr. Dharmbir (Kurukshetra University) | SDG 4, SDG 9 |
Session 4 (Online) | Dr. Chiman Lal (SD College, Ambala Cantt.) | SDG 4, SDG 17 |
Honoring Changemakers
Recognition | SDG Alignment | Impact |
Book Release: “Atamnirbhar Bharat evam Yuva Shakti” by Dr. Rakesh Kumar | SDG 4, SDG 8 | Advances discourse on youth empowerment and self-reliant development |
Book Release: “Negotiating Power Through Intertextuality” by Dr. Anuradha | SDG 4, SDG 5 | Explores power dynamics and representation through interdisciplinary lens |
Conference Proceedings Book (Souvenir) | SDG 4, SDG 17 | Preserves and disseminates multidisciplinary research for global access |
“Ekalavya Award 2024” | SDG 4, SDG 9 | Recognizes excellence in interdisciplinary research and sustainable development |
Global Partnerships in Action
Partner | Role | SDG Contribution |
Gandhi Memorial National College, Ambala Cantt. | Host Institution | NAAC “A++” institution demonstrating quality education (SDG 4) |
Kurukshetra University | Academic Partner | Strengthened regional higher education collaboration |
NIILM University, Kaithal | Academic Partner | Valedictory leadership from Vice Chancellor |
IGNOU | Academic Partner | Regional Directors from Port Blair and Karnal contributed expertise |
Nilai University, Malaysia | International Collaborator | Global South partnership in Southeast Asia |
IPE Management School, Paris | International Collaborator | European perspective on sustainable development |
ICERT (USA & India) | Knowledge Partner | Convened global dialogue across 15+ countries |
Core Message “The Sustainable Development Goals cannot be achieved through siloed thinking. Interdisciplinary research, Global South collaboration, and recognition of excellence are essential for translating knowledge into action. This conference demonstrated that when we bridge disciplines and borders, we build a sustainable future for all.” — Consensus from the Gandhi Memorial National College x ICERT Conference
Read Summary: International Conference 22 March 2024
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