World University of Design (WUD) hosted its 7th Global Goals Jam on the theme of “Building Back Biodiversity” on Sep 18-19 at its campus in Sonpat. The event this year was attended by 15 institutions across industries and approximately 100 participants, including environment enthusiasts from the industry, alumni of WUD who are working in various fields including UNDP.
Many fascinating, extremely unique and interesting ideas were brought forth by participants, such as the use of wind turbines in empty spaces around airports to create energy using air currents created by frequent landings and take offs; or The use of superbug to consume oil spills; or conservation of bees, the core of ecology; and farming of crops along with trees for their bark and other items.
A collaborative event of WUD that brings together people from all over the world to work together to solve some of the world’s biggest challenges, is aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are a set of 17 goals that aim to create a better world for all by 2030. WUD organizes the event in collaboration with UNDP, UNESCO, Startup India and Media Labs Amsterdam.
The keynote speaker for the inauguration of the event was renowned naturalist and environmentalist Vijay Dhasmana. He spoke about his work with the Aravalli Biodiversity Park, which he and his team have worked to afforest over the past 12 years. Dhasmana’s work has helped to restore the Aravalli Hills, one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world, and to create a green lung for the National Capital Region.
Dean Academics, Dr. Neena Zutshi and Registrar Cdr. Manjeet Singh both explained the conceptualisation of this year’s JAM event. Shraddha Mehta ignited the young minds came by her talk on Secure Himalayas, focusing on promoting alternative sources of sustainable livelihood through design development, product diversification and quality control thereby reducing the stress on the natural resources of Gangotri landscape of the Himalayas
Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Vice Chancellor, World University of Design in his comments said: “The Global Goals Jam is a beacon of hope for a more sustainable and equitable future. It is an inspiring example of what we can achieve when we come together to work towards a common goal. I am proud that WUD is able to host this important event and to contribute to the global effort to create a better world for all.“