New Delhi, September 22, 2025: The 7th International Conference on Sustainability Education (ICSE) concluded at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi, with a strong call to align education and skills training with the needs of a green economy. Held under the theme “Sustainability Education for Green Jobs,” the two-day conference brought together educators, policymakers, industry leaders, and youth to deliberate on reimagining education as a driver of sustainable and inclusive growth.
The sessions focused on green jobs in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, circular economy, eco-tourism, biodiversity conservation, and the emerging blue economy. The discussions aligned with India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and global goals such as SDG 4 (quality education) and SDG 8 (decent work and economic growth), with emphasis on equity and inclusion.
Dr. Benno Boer, Chief, UNESCO South-Asia, said, “It’s crucial to foster strong collaboration between governments and the private sector to design and scale programs that unlock new employment pathways. Green jobs pave the way for a more just and resilient world.”
Mr. Pradip Kumar Das, Chairman & Managing Director, IREDA Limited, remarked, "India’s path to net zero by 2070 requires disciplined decarbonisation, limited fossil fuel use, and stronger focus on green education. Empowering farmers in our agrarian economy and scaling green energy for both consumption and manufacturing are critical. Widespread education can reshape awareness, moving beyond the misconception that renewables only mean solar, and fostering collective responsibility for sustainable growth."
Highlighting the government’s focus, Mr. Amit Verma, Director, Green Transition, Environment and Climate Change, NITI Aayog, said, “Our priority was to build a workforce ready for the demands of the green economy. Addressing the skills gap through education and vocational training served as the bridge between innovation and implementation.”
From academia, Prof. Prithvi Yadav, President & Vice Chancellor, Shri Padampat Singhania University, stated, “Green jobs required not only technical knowledge but also a mindset of stewardship. Universities had to nurture graduates who were both employable and responsible global citizens.”
Adding an educator’s perspective, Mr. Kartikeya Sarabhai, Founder Director, Centre for Environment Education (CEE), said, “Classrooms needed to be transformed into laboratories for sustainability. Experiential learning and problem-solving prepared young people to take on meaningful green careers.”
Dr. Ram Boojh, Advisor, Mobius Foundation and ICSE Convener, noted, “For seven years, ICSE served as a platform for dialogue and action. This year’s focus on green jobs underscored the urgency of closing the skills gap and linking education to livelihood opportunities that restored ecosystems and empowered communities.”
The event concluded with recommendations to integrate green skills into national curricula, foster innovation and entrepreneurship, and strengthen partnerships. In their closing remarks, Mr. Pradip Burman, Chairman, Mobius Foundation, and Mr. Praveen Garg, President, Mobius Foundation, reiterated their commitment to making sustainability education central to India’s development journey.
