By AIT Public Affairs
13 June 2024 – The Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) made significant contributions to the Global Sustainable Development Congress (GDSC) 2024, hosted by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) in partnership with Times Higher Education (THE). The event, held from June 11-13, drew over 3,000 participants, including university administrators, government officials, business leaders, NGO representatives, and civil society members from 90 countries.
Ms. Supamas Isarabhakdi, Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation (MHESI), inaugurated the congress with a keynote address on “Sustainable Development.” The congress featured over 350 prominent speakers from around the globe, providing deep insights into sustainability. AIT’s delegation included Prof. Shobhakar Dhakal from the Department of Energy, Environment, and Climate Change (EECC), Prof. Joyashree Roy, Distinguished Professor and Founder Director of the SMARTS Centre, Dr. Roger Levermore, Vice President for Development and Dean of the School of Management (SOM), and Dr. P.V Gopi Krishna, Coordinator and Affiliated faculty, Office of Vice President of Academic Affairs, who participated in various panel discussions.
The congress included the Global Sustainability Leaders’ Summit, International Green Skills Summit, and THE’s DataLabs, focusing on sustainability in higher education through data and expert analysis. An exhibition hall showcased sustainability initiatives from universities worldwide. The event challenged traditional thinking on how higher education, governments, businesses, and society can meet the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, with themes such as the digital revolution, education, gender and inequality, energy decarbonization, health and well-being, sustainable cities, and sustainable food, land, water, and oceans.
Prof. Shobhakar Dhakal participated in a session titled “Masterclass: Global Pathways to Net-Zero,” where he discussed innovative strategies to achieve global net-zero emissions. He highlighted the importance of expanding clean energy sources like hydrogen, geothermal, wind, and solar, alongside implementing direct carbon removal in the fossil fuel industry. Key points included the need for significant investment in renewable energy infrastructure, modernizing grids, and increasing electric vehicle infrastructure. Prof. Dhakal emphasized the economic benefits of scaling up renewable technologies, the importance of new business models, and supporting regulations like carbon pricing and the removal of fossil fuel subsidies. He explained that decarbonisation focuses on removing carbon dioxide from activities, such as in energy systems, while carbon neutrality involves reducing emissions and sequestering carbon. Net zero emissions encompass not just carbon dioxide but also other greenhouse gases. He stressed that current efforts are insufficient, noting that while 300 GW of renewable energy was added globally in 2022, much more is needed annually to meet climate goals. He called for tripling or quadrupling investment in renewable energy to exceed $5 trillion annually by 2030 to stay on track for net-zero targets. Read more on the session Contextualising the climate challenge: from country to local community.
Professor Joyashree Roy took part in a panel discussion titled “Regional Solutions and Global Lessons: Sustainable Cities and Communities.” During the discussion, global experts delved into the collaborative efforts required to improve city sustainability and well-being. Prof. Roy emphasized the importance of sustainability in community reconstruction and outlined actionable steps for city leaders to achieve a low-carbon future. She drew upon insights from South and Southeast Asia, focusing on energy efficiency policies in Thailand and India. Prof. Roy highlighted the significant influence of infrastructure on lifestyles and stressed the necessity of international cooperation, technology sharing, and the role of educational institutions in driving change. Furthermore, she mentioned AITs commitment to establishing a net-zero campus as a model for others to follow.
Dr. Roger Levermore participated in the session “Why and How Business Schools Are Preparing Students for a Changing Workforce,” discussing the role of business schools in preparing future leaders and workers. He outlined the factors driving AIT’s programmatic and curriculum changes, emphasizing sustainability and integrating this concept into traditional business school curricula. The session explored how MBA programs can effectively teach social purpose and instill values-driven leadership in students, addressing the green jobs gap and promoting sustainability in the workforce.
The participation of AIT faculty, staff, and students in various sessions of GDSC 2024 underscored the institute’s dedication to sustainability and global cooperation. AIT representatives engaged with universities and global leaders from around the world, fostering valuable connections and exchanging ideas on sustainable practices. They participated in the Times Higher Education Impact Ranking announcement, celebrating institutions making significant contributions to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Additionally, AIT attendees joined numerous panel sessions, gaining insights into diverse global contexts and best practices in sustainability. This active involvement highlighted AIT’s commitment to learning, collaboration, and leading by example in the pursuit of a sustainable future.
(Photos credit: Times Higher Education and AIT Public Affairs)
