Background
The world is facing three critical planetary challenges—1) climate change and global warming, 2) biodiversity & nature loss, and 3) pollution. In response, the United Nations launched the Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021-2030) to drive global action toward restoring ecosystems and improving livelihoods. This initiative, led by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), emphasizes transformation, collaboration, and large-scale restoration efforts across diverse landscapes. In addition, The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) has highlighted that human-driven biodiversity loss threatens ecosystem stability, necessitating urgent restoration efforts.
APSCC, in addition to being a UN Observer organization, serves as the focal point lead for the UN Decade Challenges on Cities and Youth.
Building on these efforts, APSCC is launching the National-Level Green Campus for Green Cities Initiative for Universities & Higher Educational Institutions in India and Beyond.
This one-day capacity-building program is tailored for education administrators, and institutional heads/ representatives. The event will introduce the flagship initiative “Green Campuses for Green Cities” and provide training through a Four-Pronged Participatory Approach:
Event Outcome:
The National-Level Green Campus for Green Cities Initiative is a pioneering effort that offers transformative benefits for institutions and cities as a whole. It provides a scalable model that can be implemented across states and countries, fostering active engagement among youth, local authorities, and communities in environmental action. By aligning with global sustainability efforts, this initiative enhances leadership in environmental conservation, earning international recognition and collaboration opportunities. It strengthens institutional commitments to natural resource conservation, pollution prevention, and compliance with national and global environmental policies. Additionally, the initiative enables real-time data collection for informed sustainability decision-making and increases student participation and community outreach through an innovative Year-Round Gamified Sustainability Challenge. By integrating into the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration’s global platform, it facilitates the exchange of best practices worldwide. Ultimately, this initiative will serve as a catalyst for large-scale ecosystem restoration efforts, expanding its impact across 1,000 cities globally and reinforcing the UN Decade’s mission to Prevent, Halt, and Restore ecosystems for a sustainable future.
Chief Guests:
Shri. K. Kailashnathan, Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Union Territory of Puducherry
Dr. G. Viswanathan, Hon’ble Chancellor, VIT University
Shri. M. Dhanasekaran, Hon’ble Chancellor, Takshashila University
Shri. P. Jawahar IAS, Secretary to Government (Science, Technology, & Environment), Puducherry
Shri. P. Arulrajan IAS, Chief Conservator of Forest, Puducherry
Shri. R. Kesavan IAS, Secretary to Government (Local Administration), Puducherry
Dr. V. Muthu, President, Tamil Sangam, Puducherry
List of International Speakers:
Dr. David Obura
Chair, UN-IPBES (Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services)
Director, CORDIO East Africa
Member, Earth Commission
Founding Board, Africa CSO Biodiversity Alliance
Natalia Alekseeva & Samantha Davalos Segura
Coordinator & UN Youth, United Nations Decade of Ecosystem Restoration, UNEP
Prof. Carolyn Lundquist
UN-IPBES Multidisciplinary Expert Panel
Co-Chair, IPBES Scenarios and Models Taskforce
Prof. Walter Leal Filho
Chair, Climate Change Management, Hamburg University of Applied Sciences, Germany
Professor of Sustainable Development and Climate Change Management, Manchester Metropolitan University, UK
Prof. Wendy M. Purcell
Vice Chair and Professor, Dept. of Environmental and Occupational Health and Justice, Rutgers School of Public Health, USA
Academic Research Scholar, Harvard University
Mr. Ritin Malhotra
General Manager & Regional Director (Asia), Times Higher Education
Jean-christophe CARTERON
President, Sustainability Literacy Test, Impact (France)
Co-Chair, UN Higher Education Sustainability Initiative (HESI)
Wynn Calder
Co-Director, University Leaders for a Sustainable Future, USA
Inaugural Event: Click here to register
📅 Date: 12 March 2025
📍 Venue: Hotel Accord, Puducherry
⏰ Time: 10:00 AM – 05:00 PM