In the age of climate emergency and environmental depletion, partnerships have emerged as a promising tool in the fight against environmental degradation. The alliance between higher education institutions (HEIs) and sustainable development efforts plays a crucial role in nurturing actions that sensitize the public to urgent environmental concerns. As centres of innovation and knowledge, these HEIs are uniquely equipped to lead initiatives that tackle pressing environmental challenges and advance climate solutions.

A prime example of such collaboration is the OTBL (ONGC TERI Biotech Limited) Campus Impact Challenge (CIC) Project. This initiative has united colleges and institutes across Assam in advocating for sustainability and environmental stewardship, focusing on equipping youth with essential green skills, such as renewable energy systems, waste management, and conservation practices – all vital for the workforce of the future.

OTBL CIC Project

OTBL CIC underscores the critical role that HEIs play in advancing sustainability initiatives. By inviting institutions from Assam to submit campaign ideas focused on sustainability on their campuses, the initiative not only fostered creativity and innovation but also cultivated a competitive drive aimed at enhancing best practices for the environment. Among the numerous applications received, six exemplary ideas were selected, each rooted in unique environmental challenges and proposing innovative solutions. This demonstrates the breadth of ideas and commitment embedded within higher education institutions’ youth and communities.

The initiatives undertaken by Swahid Peoli Phukan College, Sibsagar, emphasize the power of awareness and capacity-building in addressing plastic pollution. The college’s efforts not only focus on educating students about waste management practices but also actively involve them in practical solutions, such as crafting eco-brick benches from waste plastic bottles collected from the community. This initiative encouraged students to take responsibility and helped them develop practical skills essential for a sustainable future.

Initiatives Undertaken by HEIs

Meanwhile, Tezpur University’s project showcases a holistic approach to waste management by repurposing organic waste into valuable products. This initiative not only reduced the waste generated on campus but also promoted local employment and economic empowerment among self-help groups (SHGs). By linking environmental sustainability with social responsibility, Tezpur University exemplifies how youth can create a substantial impact on their communities while addressing critical environmental issues.

Assam University’s initiative on menstrual hygiene illustrates the profound impact HEIs can have on community health and awareness. By addressing a topic often shrouded in stigma, university students engaged with approximately 500 adolescent girls in surrounding villages, raising awareness about menstrual hygiene, providing essential sanitary products, and installing three automatic sanitary pad vending machines. Not only did this project educate young individuals, but it also engaged teaching and non-teaching staff within schools, showcasing a comprehensive outreach strategy that reached over 200 villagers. This is an example of how academic institutions can harness their resources and networks to create substantial social change.

Youth as Drivers of Change in Society

To ensure the sustainability of their efforts, the participating HEIs have adopted several strategic approaches, including signing Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with nearby schools and communities. These collaborations focus on delivering capacity-building training and workshops aimed at enhancing green skills among participants. In this initiative, youth have trained members of SHGs in their localities, empowering them to apply sustainable practices that can also improve their financial situations. Importantly, senior students have actively involved their younger peers in this training process, ensuring that the knowledge and skills acquired are passed on and retained within the community. This approach fosters continuity, enabling future generations to carry forward the initiatives and maintain momentum, even after the seniors complete their studies and transition out of the institutions.

HEIs are proving to be invaluable catalysts for sustainable development and climate solutions in today’s pressing environmental landscape. Initiatives like OTBL CIC illustrate the power of collaborative efforts in fostering innovative ideas and engaging youth in meaningful action towards sustainability. By addressing diverse environmental challenges through hands-on activities and awareness campaigns, institutions can enhance green skills among students and demonstrate that education can extend beyond the classroom to create tangible benefits for local communities. Furthermore, the strategic partnerships formed with schools and SHGs ensure the longevity of these initiatives by equipping future generations with the skills and knowledge needed to sustain momentum in environmental stewardship. #

Ravi Sankar Das, Associate Fellow, TERI; Monmi Barua, Fellow, TERI; and Taru Mehta, Senior Fellow, TERI.