Latest news with #SDG4
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Why private sector involvement is crucial for achieving SDG 2 & SDG 4
After having spent over a decade working to bridge the gap between hunger and education, one thing has become clear--while public policy lays the foundation, sustainable change is only possible when society, comprising corporates, non-profits and citizens embrace collective ownership of development agendas. The SDGs provide a comprehensive framework to plan, measure and monitor progress towards creating a sustainable world. India has made considerable progress towards achieving two critical UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), SDG 2 - Zero Hunger and SDG 4 - Quality Education, with government programmes like PM POSHAN and Samagra Shiksha laying a strong foundation. However, in a country as vast and diverse as ours, the scale and complexity of challenges demand more than government support; they call for a united, multi-sectoral response. Over the years, it has become quite evident that a well-nourished child is far more likely to attend school, stay focused in class and achieve better learning outcomes. Nutrition is not just a health metric, it is the cornerstone of educational equity. When we feed a child, we don't just address hunger; we enable their right to learn, grow and thrive. Thus, any conversation about child nutrition and education must move beyond government responsibility. Reimagining schools not just as centres of learning but as effective platforms for child welfare can help unlock the full potential of school-based nutrition and create space for deeper multisector collaboration, particularly in advancing SDG 2 and SDG 4. While the government continues to play a pivotal role in supporting the mid-day meal programme, there is considerable scope to engage private players in complementary interventions, such as school breakfast programmes. A well-designed breakfast initiative can address early morning hunger, improve attendance, sharpen concentration and significantly enhance learning outcomes, thereby amplifying the overall impact of school feeding efforts. True transformation lies in multi-sectoral collaboration, where the private sector takes a larger role, going beyond being just a donor and becoming a co-creator of solutions. Even the most well-conceived welfare programmes can benefit from support going beyond government funding as far as scale, innovation and sustainability are concerned. We have witnessed first-hand how corporate partnerships, based on shared values and long-term commitment to a cause, can enhance programme efficiency, scalability and resilience. For the private sector, it is an opportunity to contribute; not merely as a funder, but as a strategic partner in the crucial task of nation-building. The evolution of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in India, especially post the Companies Act 2013, has opened doors to deeper engagement. According to a Give Grants report, annual CSR spending has grown three times over the last decade. To maximise the impact of this spending, there is a need to go beyond compliance and foster strategic alignment with global and national development goals. A successful collaboration pairs corporate (innovation) with non-profit (implementation) and government (scale). While governments set the agenda, non-profits can bring community insight and corporations can contribute resources and expertise, thus helping maximise the impact of welfare programmes. True progress requires sustained impact over the course of time, and to ensure sustained impact, we can resort to local contextualisation and data-driven accountability. Measurable indicators, such as school attendance and learning outcomes, can help ensure optimal utilisation and continuous improvement of resources. Furthermore, fostering ecosystems of shared responsibility, such as co-funding models, joint impact assessments and platforms for learning exchange, do not just multiply impact but also build resilience necessary to mitigate disruptions caused due to unforeseen situations such as a natural disaster or as we witnessed during the Covid-19 pandemic. As a nation, we have both the ambition and infrastructure to achieve the UN SDGs. Our progress so far is a testament to the strength of our development policies. However, to unlock the full potential of these initiatives and to reach every child who needs support, we must embrace the idea of collective responsibility. Together, we can ensure that every child has the opportunity to learn, grow and contribute to a brighter, more equitable India. In the end, feeding a child and educating a child are not just acts of service—they are investments in our shared future. This article is authored by Dhananjay Ganjoo, chief resource mobilisation and marketing officer, The Akshaya Patra Foundation.
See - Sada Elbalad
22-05-2025
- Business
- See - Sada Elbalad
ICESCO Expert Faizah Alaoui Nominated to UNESCO's Advisory Board
Mohamed Mandour The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) is proud to announce that Faizah Alaoui, Expert at the Organization's Education Sector, has been appointed as a member of the Advisory Board for the Global Education Monitoring Report (GEMR). This flagship initiative by UNESCO monitors progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) on quality education. Alaoui will represent ICESCO at the 10th Annual Meeting of the GEMR Advisory Board, to be held at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris on 10–11 June 2025. This appointment reflects ICESCO's growing influence in shaping global education policy and its commitment to ensuring that the voice and priorities of the Islamic world are effectively represented in the international arena. It also reaffirms the Organization's active engagement in the global dialogue on education. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News Egypt confirms denial of airspace access to US B-52 bombers News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia News Australia Fines Telegram $600,000 Over Terrorism, Child Abuse Content Arts & Culture Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban's $4.7M LA Home Burglarized Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Sports Neymar Announced for Brazil's Preliminary List for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Arts & Culture New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies
The Wire
19-05-2025
- Business
- The Wire
AI Summit Organized at KIET – Where Education Meets Generation AI
On Friday, 19th May 2025, the Department of CSE (AI/AI&ML), at KIET Group of Institutions (located in Delhi-NCR), organized an AI Summit on the theme 'Where Education Meets Generation AI'. This theme aligned with the principles of SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), … Continue reading "AI Summit Organized at KIET – Where Education Meets Generation AI"
Business Recorder
01-05-2025
- General
- Business Recorder
Future of learning
Digital transformation in education offers numerous advantages, including increased accessibility, particularly in remote areas, and the potential to address disparities in educational quality. It promotes the use of online learning platforms and digital resources, aligning with the preferences of digital-native learners. In the educational context, digital transformation entails a fundamental reconfiguration of teaching and learning processes to address the needs of digital-native learners. This transformation encompasses both the practical dimensions—such as the acquisition of digital knowledge and technical skills—and the broader cultural shift towards 'being digital,' which involves cultivating appropriate competencies, mindsets, and attitudes toward digital engagement. The digital transformation of education necessitates a comprehensive focus on both teacher professional development and the structural reorganization of educational institutions. As the primary agents in student learning, teachers must be adequately prepared to adopt and implement innovative pedagogical methodologies suited to the needs of digitally native learners in an increasingly digitalized environment. This shift should support learners in establishing individualized learning trajectories, facilitated through the effective integration of technological tools. Pakistan is currently experiencing a significant transformation in its educational landscape, characterized by the rapid expansion of online learning. The conventional education system — centred on physical classrooms and printed textbooks — has long faced numerous challenges, including limited access to education in remote regions, pronounced disparities in educational quality between urban and rural areas, and inadequate resources for effective instruction. In response to these persistent issues, the country has witnessed a growing shift towards digital education. The increasing adoption of online learning platforms and initiatives represents a promising and potentially transformative approach to addressing these systemic challenges. It's time to develop/design digital educational technologies, and that digital technologies will be leveraged as a common good to support the achievement of SDG 4 – Education 2030 and to build shared futures of education beyond 2030. According to the Statists, 2025, by February 2025, there were 5.56 billion internet users worldwide, accounting for 67.9 percent of the global population. Of this total, 5.24 billion individuals, or 63.9 percent of the global population, were active social media users. Among these users, students represent a significant demographic that increasingly utilizes these platforms to stay informed about the latest developments and to establish social connections. The population of Pakistan stood at 253 million in January 2025, out of total 36.38 percent of population lived in urban, whereas 62.62 percent lived in rural areas. According to Digital Pakistan, by January 2025, there were 190 million active cellular mobile users, this figure equivalent to 75.2 percent of the total population. There were 116 million individuals using the internet at the start of 2025, and the internet penetration rate stood at 45.7 percent. LinkedIn is a business and employment-oriented social network indicates 15.0 million members in early 2025 and X had 1.99 million users for the same period. According to Digital Pakistan, by January 2025, there were 66.9 million social media user identities, equating to 26.4 percent of the total population while 137 million people in Pakistan did not use the internet means 54.3 percent of the population remained 'offline'. According to PSLM (2019-20), at national level, 32 percent of children (age 5-16 year) are out of school. According to World Bank-2022, 77 percent of children in Pakistan have 'learning poverty' at late primary age are not proficient in reading, adjusted for the out-of-school children. The provision of internet facilities, and time flexibility that online education allows, will give working children time to educate themselves. Proper formation and implementation of any programmes would even educate adults — the dream of 100 per cent literacy could come true. In May 2023, Pakistan's Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training's approved National Distance Education Strategy (NDES) unanimously across Pakistan's provinces. Early childhood education is fundamental in shaping a child's learning capabilities. The government should prioritise the expansion of access to pre-primary education, ensuring that children develop literacy skills prior to their entry into primary school. Sustainable development is inherently multidimensional, encompassing social, environmental, and economic spheres. PIDE explained that access to the internet should be treated as a fundamental right. In this context, the integration of digital transformation within education is imperative and must be guided by several key drivers. These include the effective utilization of technology, particularly in online and hybrid learning modalities, which align with the high levels of digital engagement and preference for autonomous learning among digital-native students. Moreover, the implementation of innovative pedagogical approaches—such as experiential and problem-based learning—should be prioritised to foster the acquisition and practical application of knowledge and skills in addressing real-world challenges. The development of both soft skills (e.g., communication, collaboration, and adaptability) and hard skills (e.g., technological proficiency and analytical thinking) is essential to prepare learners as active, informed citizens and capable professionals. Social media exerts both beneficial and detrimental influences. On the positive side, it facilitates enhanced communication, promotes information dissemination, expands educational opportunities, and fosters networking. However, it is also associated with adverse effects such as addiction, cyberbullying, decreased attention span, and the spread of misinformation. Therefore, it is imperative that students engage with social media in a responsible and balanced manner to mitigate its negative consequences while maximizing its advantages. Additionally, the active involvement of parents and educators is essential in guiding students toward the responsible and informed use of social media platforms. From the perspectives of educators, the question being raised -whether educators can play the role of friend, philosopher, and guide effectively through the online learning platform? No longer gauge how your audience is responding, and nor can you use your body language or gestures to hook their attention. Face-to-face engagement fosters dynamic discussions, collaborative projects, and interpersonal connections that contribute to a holistic educational experience. To achieve the target of trillion-dollar economy by 2035, there is a pressing need to develop and implement comprehensive regulatory frameworks to ensure the quality and accreditation of online courses, thereby promoting transparency and accountability within the digital education sector. The establishment of rigorous quality assurance mechanisms and standardized accreditation criteria is essential for maintaining educational standards and protecting the interests of learners. Moreover, the effective integration of online learning is contingent upon the ability of educators and academic institutions to adapt to digital pedagogical approaches. To support this transition, it is imperative that policymakers prioritise investments in digital infrastructure, with a focus on enhancing internet connectivity and broadening access to technological resources nationwide. The use of e-learning platforms, digital classrooms and mobile-based learning applications can effectively bridge the educational divide, particularly in remote areas. It is essential to promote public-private partnerships to expand digital literacy initiatives. Emphasizing early childhood education and promoting responsible technology use are also crucial for successful digital transformation. Education policies should be coherent, transparent, and well-funded. Strengthening governance mechanisms, mitigating corruption and increasing education budgets will contribute to the establishment of a more efficient digital educational system. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
01-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
HEC holds graduation ceremony of 300 Afghan students
ISLAMABAD: A graduation ceremony for 300 Afghan students under the Higher Education Commission's 'Allama Muhammad Iqbal 3,000 Scholarships to Afghan Students (Prime Minister's Directive)-Phase II' was held at the Institute of Management Sciences (IMSciences) on Wednesday. Ambassador Mohammad Sadiq (retired), PM's Special Representative for Afghanistan; Mohibullah Hafiz, Consul General, Afghan Consulate, Peshawar; Engr Muhammad Raza Chohan, Adviser (HRD) HEC; Zeeshan Khan, Project Director (HRD) HEC, and Prof Dr Usman Ghani, Director, IMSciences, Peshawar attended the event. Ambassador (retired) Sadiq, while addressing the ceremony, expressed pride at the graduates' achievements, calling it a new beginning in their lives. He praised Pakistan's generosity in continuing the scholarship initiative despite economic challenges, strengthening goodwill and people-to-people ties. Emphasising that peace in Afghanistan is vital for peace in Pakistan, he highlighted the continued importance of capacity building of Afghan universities' faculty and officials, commending inclusive components of the project. Engr Chohan presented an overview of Phase-II of the scholarship project, approved in 2018 with a capital cost of Rs7.3 billion, running through 2027. He highlighted its socio-economic impact on 3,000 Afghan students, their families and communities, thereby, creating a lasting impact through higher education. Congratulating the 300 graduates, he emphasised the importance of inclusive participation, particularly the role of Afghan women in promoting literacy, human resource development, and economic progress. He also noted the project's provision for short-term training of Afghan faculty and officials, aligns it with SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). Dr Jamil Ahmad, Member IT, HEC, congratulated the graduates and expressed hope that they would contribute meaningfully to Afghanistan's development. He also appreciated the support of university leadership, especially in promoting female education and engaging students through co- and extra-curricular activities. Zeeshan Khan, project director (Afghan Scholarships, HRD) acknowledged the efforts of Prof Dr Usman Ghani and his team at IMSciences. He called for continued academic collaboration through training programmes for Afghan faculty and officials. Graduation certificates and awards were distributed, followed by a group photo and refreshments. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
