In 2020, Amrita University was awarded the UNESCO Chair on Experiential Learning for Sustainable Innovation & Development, a pivotal context for thinking outside-the-box in addressing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The Chair leads actions where students and faculty spend time in impoverished villages throughout rural India so they can experience first-hand the challenges people face in their daily lives.

Participants from across the country and around the globe take part. In this way, they acquire the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values necessary to implement solutions for vulnerable and isolated populations.

Held by Dr Maneesha Vinodini Ramesh, Amrita Provost, the Chair is shaping a comprehensive academic framework to help build sustainable communities worldwide.

Initiatives include the university’s work through the Amrita School for Sustainable Development and its multidisciplinary experiential learning program, Live-in-Labs®.

The Chair strives for its goals through three focus areas:

Academia & Research

• Amrita’s E4Life PhD for Sustainable Development
• A global curriculum for Sustainable Development
• Additional certification programs to give access to all

Community Engagement 

• Building Sustainable & Resilient Communities on the ground
• SREE – Sustainability and Resilience by Community Engagement & Empowerment – a digital platform to stay connected with remote areas

Collaborative Partnerships

• SustIN – the International Network for Sustainable Innovation and Resilient Communities – established by Amrita to strengthen inter-university cooperation and networking through knowledge sharing. 140+ members, 55 universities, and 80 CSOs worldwide take part
• Further networking events such as symposiums, colloquiums, dialogues, and community outreach programs. Participation includes UNESCO Chairs from more than 35 countries and several other higher education partners

Research covers 11 integral themes for developing self-reliant communities: 1. Climate Change & Resilience, 2. Water Sustainability, 3. Energy Sustainability, 4. Sustainable Agriculture & Livelihood, 5. Waste Management & Waste to Wealth, 6. AI for Social Good, 7. Education: Pedagogy & Technology, 8. Healthcare Access, 9. Information and Communication Technology Solutions, 10. Marine Ecosystem & Blue Economy, 11. Living and Intangible Culture & Heritage.

Through innovative pedagogical approaches and interdisciplinary research, the Chair seeks to inspire the next generation in addressing complex sustainability challenges at local, national, and global levels.