Media Release
Mangaluru, Jan 15: The school of arts and humanities of St Aloysius (Deemed to be University) hosted an inaugural ceremony for its three-day ICSSR sponsored international conference titled 'Sustainable Development Goals: Confluence of local, national and global actions', scheduled between January 15-17.
The event held at L F Rasquinha Hall, commenced with an interactive opening act 'Theatre of the Oppressed' led by Ravi Ramaswamy, co-founder of Center for Community Dialogue & Change, Bengaluru, along with his team which set the tone of the concept of global sustainability. Dr Rose Veera D’Souza, dean, school of arts and humanities, delivered the welcome address.
The chief guest, Vignesh Hebbar, co-founder & CEO of ThinkLeap Technology Labs Pvt Ltd (iLeap), addressed the gathering with his main focus on sustainable development goals especially in relation to the technological sector. He said, “Development is just not about economic growth but it is about ensuring dignity, equity and sustainability for everyone on this planet."
Further, he emphasized on the role of the technology in transformative growth and urged all the technology leaders to work towards achieving the goals. "The solution to all these challenges will not come from when in isolation but from partnership combined resources of expertise and determination. Together, we can empower communities, protect our planet and leave no one behind. Remember, the clock is ticking, but with collective actions, these SDGs are very much within our reach," he added.
Meanwhile, keynote address was delivered by Prof Ketei Matsui, department of global citizenship studies, Seisen University, Tokyo, Japan.
Prof Matsui’s address focused on the necessity of global collaboration and education to achieve the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“We can choose to have war, but we can also choose to have dialogue and reject violence," she said and outlined the United Nations’ vision of a culture of peace and the transformative potential of Global Citizenship Education programmes, which aim to 'touch the mind, touch the heart, and take action'.
Michelle compered the session, Dr Shalini Aiyappa introduced the keynote speaker, and Dr Prithvi proposed the vote of thanks.
Dr Praveen Martis SJ, vice chancellor of the institution, expressed the importance of the '5 P's- people, prosperity, peace, partnership and planet' and also the 4 ways of development namely human, social, environmental and economic, in his introductory note.
The highlight of the event was the unveiling of the 'Book of Abstracts' which encapsulates the insights and the research of over 80 experts, professors, research scholars and students showcasing the depth and the diversity of ideas being shared at the conference.
Fr Melwin Pinto SJ, pro chancellor, delivered the presidential address. He stated, "Sustainable development has to happen all over the world, everyone has to play a part."
Dr Loveena Lobo, convenor, delivered the vote of thanks.
Dr Alwyn DSa, registrar (Autonomous), Dr Ronald Nazareth, registrar (Deemed to be University), Dr Charles Furtado, director, admin block, Dr Shalini Aiyappa, convenor, Dr Sajimon PP, associate dean, school of arts and humanities, Dr Prithvi and Dr Shakila Hegde, organizing secretaries, Austin Rodrigues, student coordinator and others were present.