Integrating Sustainability and Values into Education: The Centurion Charter of Sustainability

SDG 17 Partnership for the Goals

Integrating Sustainability and Values into Education: The Centurion Charter of Sustainability

In the pursuit of a better, more sustainable world, Centurion University recognizes that higher education plays a pivotal role in shaping the values and perspectives of future leaders and global citizens. To contribute significantly to achieving SDGs and to create sustainability capabilities among students, the University has made a Sustainability Charter that serves as a guiding framework to integrate sustainability into all aspects of the University`s operations, ensuring alignment with its mission and values. It sets priorities, enhances accountability, complies with regulations, promotes a culture of sustainability, and measures progress toward a more sustainable future. 

The University has introduced two dedicated units, “Climate Change, Sustainability and Organizations” and “Gender, Human Rights and Ethics,” designed to tackle various Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These courses are mandatory for all students, regardless of their program of study.

Sustainability Charter

Collaborating with NGOs to Tackle SDG

SDG 17 Partnership for the Goals

Collaborating with NGOs to Tackle SDG

Centurion University has forged a meaningful partnership with the Bapuji Rural Enlightenment and Developmental Society (BREDS), an esteemed non-governmental organization passionately dedicated to actualizing the Gandhian dream of “Gram Swaraj” by establishing a network of self-reliant villages. In this collaborative initiative, the University actively involves its Agricultural Engineering students, who work alongside BREDS to engage with local village communities. Their mission is to impart knowledge and promote the adoption of the latest and most effective farming practices, thereby contributing significantly to the fulfillment of various Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a particular focus on SDGs 2 (Zero Hunger), 4 (Quality Education), 13 (Climate Action), and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). This partnership reflects our commitment to sustainable rural development and the empowerment of local communities while preparing our students to be agents of positive change.

https://bredsindia.org.in/team-details/ 

International Collaboration to Gather Data on SDG and Research, Review Comparative Approaches

SDG 17 Partnership for the Goals

International Collaboration to Gather Data on SDG and Research, Review Comparative Approaches

The University has recently formalized a mutually beneficial partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding with Western Sydney University (WSU). The primary objective of this collaborative effort is to jointly embark on a wide range of scientific and academic endeavors aimed at advancing Sustainable Development Goals 2030 (SDGs) and establishing exemplary international practices in this field. This symbiotic relationship capitalizes on CUTM’s strong commitment to the SDG 2030 agenda while also tapping into its distinctive engagement with local communities, which serves as a valuable resource for gathering pertinent data and conducting surveys as part of research and training initiatives focusing on areas such as social entrepreneurship, healthcare-related issues, and paramedical education. As a result, this collaborative venture not only contributes to the realization of SDG 3, which pertains to health and well-being, and SDG 10, which is centered around reducing inequalities but also effectively addresses the objectives outlined in SDG 4.

In a similar vein, an analogous Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been established with ICD Business School in France 2022, paving the way for the reciprocal exchange of students and faculty members between the two institutions. This partnership aims to foster collaborative research initiatives, creating a platform for the examination and comparison of various approaches in pursuit of identifying and adopting best practices to effectively address the challenges associated with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4 and 9. Through this cooperative framework, these two esteemed institutions will pool their expertise and resources to make meaningful strides in the realms of education, research, and innovation while aligning with the aspirations encapsulated in the SDGs.

The University, in partnership with Curtin University and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, hosts Global North and South conferences since 2021. These gatherings serve as platforms for gathering worldwide data on SDGs and for discussions on developing national and international best practices for addressing the SDGs. The conferences facilitate the exchange of insights and experiences, fostering a deeper understanding of effective SDG solutions. In essence, they drive progress toward sustainable development by connecting experts and stakeholders globally and promoting the implementation of best practices.

Relevant Links

  1. Mou WSU
  2. Mou ICD
  3. https://www.gsnconference.com/ 
  4. https://gsn3.cutm.ac.in/ 

University’s Direct Involvement in SDG Policy Development

SDG 17 Partnership for the Goals

University’s Direct Involvement in SDG Policy Development

Centurion University collaborates with the national government, regional government, and non-government organizations for SDG policy development. 

During the academic year 2022-23, we initiated a collaboration with Nandankanan Zoological Park, Government of India, encompassing various significant facets. This partnership encompasses a dedicated project focusing on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 13, 14, and 15, which are aimed at addressing environmental sustainability and conservation efforts. Our joint efforts underline our commitment to making meaningful contributions towards achieving these vital SDGs.

During the academic year 2022-23, a significant collaboration was established to address the pressing issue of the endangered pond located in the village of Gopalpur, which happens to be the site of one of our university campuses. This particular pond had deteriorated to a biologically lifeless state primarily as a consequence of wastewater discharge. In a commendable move, the state government of Odisha granted a lease of this pond to our university, entrusting us with the pivotal task of reviving and rejuvenating it. This lease agreement signifies not only our commitment to environmental stewardship but also a partnership that seeks to restore the ecological balance of this vital water body for the benefit of the local community and the ecosystem at large.

During the academic year 2022-23, the University embarked on a collaborative venture with The Orissa State Cooperative Milk Producers Federation. This collaboration involved the operation of their milk and ice cream parlor on our campus, signifying a mutually beneficial partnership. Beyond merely serving dairy products, this arrangement also provides a unique opportunity for our students. It allows them to gain valuable experiential knowledge and skills through internships, enhancing their practical understanding of the dairy industry, and paving the way for future career opportunities in this field. This collaboration exemplifies our commitment to not only facilitating academic learning but also fostering real-world experiences for our students, bridging the gap between theory and practical application.

In a similar vein, the University has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Gopabandhu Academy of Administration, encompassing various collaborative endeavours. Among these collaborations, a noteworthy initiative involves enhancing the skillset of Odisha Finance Service recruits through the University’s Post Graduate Diploma in Financial Management program.

Relevant MoU Links