XIM University's School of Sustainability hosts Water & Climate Academy: Young Leadership Programme conference
Bhubaneswar(06/12/2024): The School of Sustainability, XIM University hosted a conference titled “Water & Climate Academy: Young Leadership Programme conference - Nature Based Solutions for Climate Resilience,” bringing together prominent figures in environmentalism, education, and leadership development by the ConXerv committee in collaboration with Youth4Water The session started off with an inspiring address by Fr.S Anthony Raj SJ, who emphasized the crucial role of empowered women and youth in driving positive social and environmental change.
He highlighted the school’s commitment to sustainability by outlining its sustainability practices, including a solar-powered campus and a state-of-the-art sewer treatment plant.
This served as a powerful call to action, urging participants to learn from nature and embrace solutions that work alongside it. Dr.Prof.Sutapa Pati, Dean of School of Sustainability, delved into the conference’s collaborative nature.
She discussed the development of the conference logo and the partnership with Youth4Water, a testament to the valuable input from students, faculty, and external stakeholders.
She further showcased the institute's dedication to sustainability through initiatives like planting a Miyawaki forest, creating a butterfly garden, and meticulously measuring climatic data.
Additionally, Dr.Pati highlighted their participation in the OCEAN (Odisha Climate Education and Awareness Network) initiative. Ranjan K Panda, the esteemed “Waterman of Odisha,” acknowledged Nidhi Nagabhatla, Anil Kumar Gupta, and Abhimuktesh Bharadwaj for their contributions to fostering co-creation and co-learning.
He also shed light on the Nature SIP (Sustainable Innovation Platform) initiative – a testament to the ongoing efforts towards sustainability. Anil Kumar Gupta, the conference’s inaugural speaker, delivered a thought-provoking address.
He explored the trajectory of human development, drawing inspiration from nature's ingenuity in inventions like aviation and neural networks.
He then shifted the focus to the necessity of nature-based solutions (NBS) for sustainable development.
Gupta emphasized the importance of traditional knowledge systems and cultural wisdom in understanding NBS.
He further commended India's efforts at COP29, highlighting their role in championing the concerns of developing nations.
He stressed the crucial role of NBS in youth development, a sustainable future, and the interconnectedness of ecological and economic well-being.
Finally, he championed the promotion of women leadership in Disaster Risk Response (DRR) activities. Nature-Based Solutions:Challenges and Opportunities- Nidhi Nagabhatla offered a realistic perspective on NBS.
She acknowledged their inclusion on the COP29 agenda as a significant step but stressed the need for steady and measured progress.
She debunked the notion of NBS as a “magic bullet,” underscoring the existence of tradeoffs and challenges associated with their implementation.
Nagabhatla emphasized the importance of considering discount rates, recognizing that some NBS yield short, medium, and long-term returns. Abhimuktesh Bharadwaj echoed the need for collaborative action in achieving sustainable development.
He underlined the importance of SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) and the necessity for more environmentally conscious corporate leaders to advocate for practices that extend beyond conventional business models. This conference signifies a collective commitment to empowering youth and embracing nature-based solutions for a sustainable future.
