During the India-Japan Higher Education Forum in Tokyo, Japan, O.P. Jindal Global University unveiled its 2024 Sustainable Development Report. Sibi George, India's Ambassador to Japan, graced the occasion as Chief Guest and formally launched the report. This event highlights the strengthening ties between India and Japan, particularly in education and sustainable initiatives. The report's release underscores JGU's continued dedication to sustainability and its fruitful partnerships with top Japanese universities.
Professor (Dr) C. Raj Kumar, Founding Vice Chancellor of JGU, stated, "We are delighted to have the global launch of JGU Sustainable Development Report 2024 in Japan to underscore the importance of India-Japan relations and to recognize the outstanding contributions of Japan in advancing SDGs and its national and international efforts to fulfil these goals. Our commitment to sustainability is integral to our educational philosophy. The SDR 2024 not only reflects our past accomplishments but also sets a dynamic pathway for future initiatives. It aligns closely with global sustainability trends and our aspirations to contribute positively to the global community".
Ambassador Sibi George, representing India in Japan, emphasized the significant role of universities in enhancing India-Japan relations through collaborative academic exchanges. He praised JGU for its proactive leadership in fostering substantial academic partnerships with Japanese universities, setting a noteworthy precedent for institutions in both nations. The Ambassador highlighted the initiatives' importance in strengthening cultural understanding and fostering bilateral cooperation between India and Japan.
Over the past few months, JGU has formalized substantive partnerships with several leading Japanese universities, including the University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi Gakuin University, Hiroshima University, Ritsumeikan University, Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University, Kansai Gakuin University, Kansai Gadai University, and Ryukoku University. During the India-Japan Higher Education Forum held in Tokyo, JGU also entered into a formal partnership with the International Christian University (ICU), Japan in the presence of its President, Professor (Dr.) Shoichiro Iwakiri by signing a Memorandum of Understanding for collaboration in the areas of higher education and research.
The India-Japan Higher Education Forum also featured a panel discussion on the theme ‘Role of Universities in Fulfilling the Sustainable Development Goals’, bringing together senior academics and bureaucrats from across Japan. The forum highlighted the critical role educational institutions play in addressing and achieving SDGs, with discussions led by distinguished panellists and chaired by Professor (Dr) C. Raj Kumar. "India and Japan share a profound connection through history and civilizational heritage that is rooted in mutual respect and aligned interests, particularly in education and sustainable development," Vice Chancellor, Professor (Dr) C. Raj Kumar remarked during the forum.
Professor Padmanabha Ramanujam, Dean of Academic Governance, JGU, commented, “The release of the JGU’s SDR 2024 and the organization of the India-Japan Higher Education Forum underscores JGU’s commitment to being at the forefront of global educational leadership and sustainability. As JGU continues to build on these foundations, it remains dedicated to fostering a sustainable future and enriching the academic landscape both in India and globally”.
Professor (Dr) Akhil Bhardwaj, Associate Dean and Director, the Office of International Affairs & Global Initiatives at JGU, said, "Our collaboration with Japanese universities and institutions embodies our dedication towards creating a sustainable and interconnected academic world. Through these partnerships, we would offer our students and faculty a set of unique opportunities to engage with cutting-edge research and educational practices with leading Japanese universities and institutions".
