On the occasion of World Sustainability Day, the Global Schools Foundation came together to propose and put to action their very own Sustainable Development Goals, modelled after the United Nations.
During the virtual opening ceremony, GSF Chairman and Co-founder Mr Atul Temurnikar addressed the virtual gathering, highlighting the Foundation’s strive towards a sustainable world and also declaring the GSF’s SDGs officially in action.
Watch the full speech here:
"Hello Everyone,
Let me congratulate the team for starting the excellent initiative to contribute to a much deserved environment cause.
When the United Nations announced their 17 goals towards sustainable development, it was considered a very timely acknowledgement of the drastic impact of environment issues & problems of our times.
Those goals promised strategies to deal with the urgency of larger, all-encompassing issues like Climate Change and Responsible Consumption.
Global Schools Foundation is not just pledging support to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Programme or UN SDG, but it is going one step further to enable our next generation to ensure a greener and brighter future in their own domain.
They say: Charity begins at home, and this initiative by GSF is living up to the old adage. It is a proud feeling for all GSF school students to be part of a movement that will leave a green footprint on the world.
It is scientifically established that, to avoid irreversible climate change that will have a catastrophic effect on life on Earth, further temperature rises need to be limited to not more than 1.5 or 2 degrees.
This requires achieving the net zero emissions reduction target by no later than 2050. By then you would be in your 40’s and time is rapidly running out.
There are challenges to meeting the goals of the 2015 Paris Agreement’s "Nationally Determined Contributions," or NDCs, which is signed by over 190 countries.
Despite big promises the world has made to cut greenhouse gas emissions, many countries aren't meeting their NDC targets , caused by skeptical voters, financial constraints and Covid-19-related challenges.
There are also concerns raised that the failure to meet these goals may also stem from lack of empathy towards victims of climate change from undeveloped areas such as Africa.
Having said that, it is also true that many countries have stretched but not sufficiently enough to meet their NDC goals.
We need to ensure the amount of greenhouse gas removed from the atmosphere equals what is emitted, and this is Achieving net-zero emissions.
GSF schools have always believed that a greener tomorrow comes with a smarter today.
And as a Foundation we have thoughtfully and consistently worked towards living up to this standard, by contributing to the cause in our own special way.
Our schools and campuses have been actively involved in balancing the needs of carbon emissions and greenhouse matters with the requirements of the century.
GSF has committed to make all its campuses carbon neutral by 2026.
While we move steadily towards being a foundation where quality education is imparted, we are making sure that the quality comes not just in our words, but in our deeds as well.
Which is why GSF has made conscious efforts to introduce green and sustainable ideas and programmes in our school’s educational frameworks.
A deep-rooted sense of social responsibility guides us to take meaningful steps towards inculcating a better understanding of prevailing green issues among students.
We have also introduced tools and platforms that will help us reduce our own carbon footprint in the immediate near future.
All our schools are designed such that they leave a green imprint.
They are a perfect blend of lush surroundings and intelligently designed 21st-century architecture.
These green initiatives are embedded in the campus designs which balances contemporary ideas with conservation.
The resources used are environment-friendly, as well as energy-saving.
We believe in naturally ventilated open spaces that will allow natural sunlight and free-flowing breeze into the campus, living up to the idea of being one with nature.
We ensure that the building materials we use such as terracotta facades are eco-friendly, and the energy consumption in our campus is just and cautious.
The motion-sensor for corridor lights, or the automated water dispensing systems that save water, or rain water conservation, and the automated use of energy-saving tools such as smart building management systems are a testimony to that.
But, more importantly, our students are taught through the green curriculum and activities that sustainability is the biggest need of their generation.
They are encouraged to contribute ideas in their own domains in whatever meaningful way that will add to a more sustainable future.
And truly enough many have come up with brilliant ideas.
The self-watering plant was one science experiment that got widespread attention, while the Hunger Warriors initiative was appreciated by the UN representatives themselves.
The GIIS Singapore Punggol Campus has also been recognised by Foundation for developing unique solutions to sustainability, and having innovative solutions in recycling technology, and waste reduction.
The RHT Gail Sustainability Innovator Award of 2019 is a testimony to that.
Sustainability is not just the buzzword of the decade, it is a real mess we need to solve for.
As the world rapidly progresses into the future - riding on the supersonic digital highway - it is prudent to keep your hands firmly on the wheels of Sustainability and steer it in the right direction.
The hope is to show the new generation the right path, help them adapt the right method and develop in them the right attitude towards sustainable development.
We are not advocating that everyone becomes a sustainability spokesperson of the likes of Greta Thunberg, but let us sincerely endeavour small but highly impactful decisions and actions that you can take so that we can achieve the goals.
And that we can be assured that the future is green and safe for the next generations to come.
With this in mind, I wish all the GSF campuses, all our students and teachers the very best in its Sustainability Goals initiative.
I am sure, with your focus, dedication and drive, you will be able to make significant and meaningful contributions to Sustainability.
So please join us in noble initiative as I declare the GSF SDG Programme officially open!"
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