The 6th International Conference on Sustainability Education (ICSE) organized by Mobius Foundation, in partnership with key global organizations, was held at the India Habitat Centre. The two-day event focused on the theme “Greening Education for a Sustainable Future” and brought together over 500 thought leaders, educators, policymakers, and environmentalists from 20+ countries. The conference centered on the need to integrate sustainability into education systems, emphasizing a collective movement toward eco-conscious living and sustainable lifestyles.
A key highlight of the event was the mutual recognition of the importance of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and National Curriculum Framework (NCF) 2023 in advancing sustainable education. This year’s discussions emphasized ‘green education’ and ‘green jobs,’ marking them as pivotal to the future of sustainability efforts in India and across the globe.
Since its inception in 2019, ICSE has established itself as a global platform for addressing sustainability challenges through education. The 2024 conference furthered this legacy, continuing to foster meaningful dialogues and collaborative actions aimed at driving innovation and solutions for pressing environmental issues.
The event featured a distinguished lineup of speakers, including Mr Pradip Burman, Chairman of Mobius Foundation; Dr. Ram Boojh, Advisor at Mobius Foundation; Dr. Tim Curtis, UNESCO Director; Dr. Rajendra Singh, Waterman of India; environmentalist Jadav Payeng, and Mr. Kartikeya Sarabhai, Founder Director, CEE. Among other dignitaries were Dr. T Ramasami, Former Secretary, the Department of Science and Technology, Govt of India; Dr. Kiran Karnik, Former President, NASSCOM, New Delhi; Dr. Harsh Gupta, Former Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences, GOI, and Mr. Hem Pandey, IAS (Retd.), Former Secretary, GOI. These thought leaders delivered powerful keynote speeches, roundtable discussions, and interactive sessions that addressed sustainability from various angles.
In his opening address, Mr Pradip Burman emphasized the importance of education in driving sustainability. “Over the past six years, we have made consistent progress toward our larger sustainability goals, including initiatives like Gyan Kanya Shakti, which empowers girls, particularly in rural areas. However, population growth remains a critical challenge, contributing to resource depletion and hindering sustainable development efforts.”
The conference kicked off with a session on “Greening Education for a Sustainable Future,” featuring a Vice Chancellors’ and Educators’ Roundtable. Participants discussed the lack of environmental education at higher levels and stressed the need to instill an ‘environmental temper’ akin to a scientific one. Community partnerships and traditional knowledge were highlighted as key enablers for a more holistic approach to sustainability education.
The afternoon sessions focused on practical solutions, including “Mobilizing Green Chemistry to Beat Plastic Pollution” and “Advancing Circular Economy Education for a Resource-Efficient Future,” chaired by Dr. Benno Boer of UNESCO and Mr. Rajan Mehta, Fellow, Harvard University and Author of ‘Backstage Climate’, respectively. Experts discussed the role of circular economy practices in extending the lifecycle of products and minimizing environmental waste.
In a thought-provoking session, Mr. Ashok Lavasa (IAS Retd.) urged the audience to shift from “climate change” to “climate action,” stressing the need for expertise and integration of sustainability into all subjects. Meanwhile, Dr. Sonal Mansingh, a celebrated Indian classical dancer, linked sustainability with India’s rich cultural heritage through storytelling and dance, highlighting the timeless values of environmental stewardship.
Day 2 began with a special plenary featuring Prof. Mirian Vilela, Executive Director of Earth Charter, Costa Rica, followed by the Youth for Earth Award Ceremony. The event showcased winning projects by junior and senior youth teams, recognizing their contributions to sustainability efforts. Among the highlights was a session ‘Educating for informed family planning choices for a sustainable population and planet’ that saw a panel discussion and ground stories narrated by health officials.
Keynote speaker Ms. Tanya Singhal from Minzo Carbon highlighted the urgency of climate action. “We are emitting more greenhouse gases than ever, pushing the Earth’s temperature beyond its ‘Goldilocks’ balance. We need to act now—through awareness, innovation, and by using our voices to influence change. By 2047, India could see 35 million green jobs across industries, not just in nonprofits.”
The event concluded with a series of panel discussions on topics such as “Greening Education: Challenges and Opportunities,” focusing on youth engagement in climate action. The final address by Dr. Rajendra Singh, a Magsaysay Awardee and environmental advocate, underscored the need for community-driven efforts to tackle water and climate issues.
The ICSE 2024 was closely aligned with Mission LiFE, an initiative introduced by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi at COP26, which emphasizes adopting climate-friendly practices in daily life. The conference aimed to further embed these principles into sustainability education, fostering a global culture of environmental responsibility. By integrating these ideas into education and policy, ICSE 2024 reinforced its commitment to driving the world toward a more sustainable and eco-conscious future.
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