UNAI Webinar on Sustainable Development Goals in Higher Education Institutions

Event- Sustainable Development Goals in Higher Education Institutions

Date- 23 February 2021 

Time- 7:10 pm to 8:15 pm 

Organized by- Centre for Social Action (CSA)

No. of attendees- 95

Objective- To understand the objectives of UNAI and the importance of SDGs 

The Centre for Social Action (CSA) on 23rd February, Tuesday, organized a riveting webinar on Sustainable Development Goals in Higher Education Institutions at 7 PM on Webex Platform. This event had been preceded by the inauguration ceremony conducted to mark the collaboration of Christ (Deemed to be University) and the Centre for social action with the United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI). This collaboration had been declared on 8th February 2021, in the presence of Mr. Saji Thomas, a former UN Civil Servant, UNHQ, New York.

The event commemorated the first step into the dedicated collaboration between CHRIST (Deemed to be University) and the United Nations Academic Impact program. It strengthens the University’s relationship with the United Nations body and its commitment towards fulfilling the Sustainable Development Goals 2030.

Mr. Ramu Damodaran, Chief of the UNAI, was the keynote speaker of the event which was presided by Dr. Fr. Jose CC, Pro-Vice-Chancellor CHRIST (Deemed to be University). Mr. Saji Thomas, former UN civil servant, Dr. Anil Pinto, Registrar, Christ University, and Dr. Victor Paul, Director, CSA, also graced the occasion along with the Deans, Directors and other faculty members from 5 campuses of CHRIST (Deemed to be University).

Mr. Damodaran, who is currently the Chief of the UNAI and the Deputy Director of Outreach Division of the Department of Global Communications of the United Nations, reminded the participants about their responsibility towards society as he inspired them to use their privileges, skills, talents and intellect for the betterment of the world. He also urged the audience to conceptualize their respective fields as an instrument of change that is grounded on righteousness and social justice.

A highly engaging interactive session followed the keynote address, wherein Mr. Damodaran addressed the queries, raised by the faculty and students, with utmost thought and concern. The event was well-received by the students and ended on a successful note. It gave Christites and the student volunteers of the Centre for Social Action an opportunity to learn more about UNAI, and also gave their spirit of volunteerism greater structure with new insights.