Bhutan + Nepal Higher Education for accomplishing the Sustainable Development Goals (B+NeSDG)
About Project
Sustainable development is not just a catchphrase; it is a guiding principle that supports progress and growth while protecting the environment and the well-being of future generations. In a world seeking a balance between human aspirations and the requirements of the planet, the B+NeSDG (Bhutan and Nepal Education for Sustainable Development Goals) Project exemplifies the dedication of higher education institutions worldwide to fostering a better tomorrow. Through its multifaceted initiatives, the project embodies the substance of sustainable development by imparting knowledge, values, and skills to the future leaders of Nepal and Bhutan.
The B+NeSDG Project, which is supported by the Erasmus+ program of the European Union, focuses on education as the foundation for imparting sustainability principles in young people. In these developing countries, education transcends classroom learning; it becomes a vehicle for inculcating Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)-aligned knowledge, values, and attitudes. The ultimate objective is to promote positive change within higher education institutions and throughout entire societies.
A Global Effort in Collaboration
One of the extraordinary accomplishments of the B+NeSDG Project is its ability to bring together prestigious institutions worldwide for a common cause. In addition to Nepal Engineering College, universities such as Riga Technical University from Latvia, Jigme Namgyel Engineering College Dewathang from Bhutan, Sagarmatha Engineering College, Kathmandu University, and Far Western University participated in the B+NeSDG Project Easter School held at Pokhara University from April 30 to May 6, 2023. This collaborative strategy illustrates the effectiveness of international cooperation in advancing sustainable development.
Easter School was more than a simple gathering; it was a transformative experience for the attendees. Through a week of lectures, workshops, and discussions, students investigated the implications of sustainable development objectives for higher education institutions. By establishing relationships with peers and experts, participants obtained new perspectives on sustainability, thereby enhancing their skills and igniting their commitment to a more sustainable world.
Project Partners
- Pokhara University (PU)
- Hellenic Open University (HOU)
- Riga Technical University (RTU)
- Far Western University (FWU)
- Nepal Engineering College (nec)
- Kathmandu University (KU)
- Sagarmatha Engineering College (SEC)
- Jigme Namgyel Engineering College (JNEC)
- Technical University of Cartagena (UPCT)
List of Activities under B+NeSDG
Developing Capabilities for a Sustainable Future: Significant milestones have characterized the journey of the B+NeSDG Project, including participation in capacity-building training at Kathmandu University in October 2022. As part of the project's commitment to integrating sustainable development into educational frameworks, students designated for the B+NeSDG project participated in training sessions designed to strengthen their understanding of sustainability's principles and practices.
Enlightening Dialogues for Progress: Associate Professors Durgaprasad Bhandari, Rabindra K. Bhdhathoki, and Bibhuti Ojha participated in a transformative meeting hosted by the Polytechnic University of Cartagena (Spain) in July 2022. During this interaction, there was a dynamic exchange of knowledge. The primary objective of these interactions was to equip educators from Bhutan and Nepal to facilitate Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) with innovative teaching and learning approaches. By attending a crucial project meeting in September 2022, assistant professor Krishna Bikram Shah was instrumental in advancing the B+NeSDG Project. Officials and professors from institutions such as Riga Technical University (Latvia), Hellenic Open University (Greece), Polytechnic University of Cartagena (Spain), and Far Western University (Nepal) gathered to discuss various Sustainable Development Goals-related topics. These objectives, which are often referred to as a universal call to action, include the eradication of poverty, the protection of the environment, and the improvement of global well-being.
Dissemination of SDGs & B+NeSDG Project: The B+NeSDG Project aims to educate the faculty and students of Nepal Engineering College about the fundamental tenets of sustainable development. By doing so, it seeks to cultivate an academic environment that promotes accountability and ingenuity. The objective of the project is to enable individuals to proactively effect change by means of a range of focused activities and endeavors, such as curriculum integration, awareness campaigns, student engagement initiatives, research endeavors, and community outreach efforts. Through the distribution of these goals, our intention is to cultivate a profound comprehension of sustainability and its pertinence to various fields of study, thereby stimulating cooperative endeavors geared toward the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals in Bhutan and Nepal.
B+NeSDG Easter School Program at Pokhara University: The B+NeSDG Project Easter School was successfully conducted at Pokhara University, Pokhara, from May 1 to May 6, 2023, where esteemed universities such as Rīgas Tehniskā universitāte (Riga Technical University) from Latvia, Jigme Namgyel Engineering College Dewathang from Bhutan, Sagarmatha Engineering College, Kathmandu University, Far Western University is participating along with Nepal Engineering College from Nepal. The B+NESDG project is focused on implementing the Principles of Sustainable Development in Nepal and Bhutan. With such a diverse and prestigious group of universities coming together, we are confident that we can achieve great progress towards our sustainable development goals. The primary objective of this event was to provide students with an opportunity to delve deeper into the concept of sustainable development goals (SDGs) and how they can actively contribute to achieving them. The list of the participants is as follows.
- Anjali Pandey, Department of Civil and Rural Engineering
- Ajay Yadav, Department of Civil and Rural Engineering
- Rajendra Paudel, Department of Civil Engineering
- Rojan Dahal, Department of Computer Science and Engineering
- Laxmi Chalise, Department of Computer Science and Engineering
Throughout the engaging five-day program, the participants actively attended a series of lectures and workshops, took part in insightful discussions centred around sustainable development goals, and grasped a profound understanding of their significance within higher education institutions (HEIs). This event was an exceptional opportunity for our students to foster connections with both their peers and professionals in the field, gaining fresh perspectives on sustainability while honing skills that will undoubtedly enhance their future careers. The B+NeSDG Project Easter School has left an indelible mark on the participants, equipping them with invaluable insights and a renewed commitment to contributing to a more sustainable world. As per the final selection notice, the following students were shortlisted to represent Nepal Engineering College: https://nec.edu.np/images/downloads/student_selection.pdf
Looking Forward: The B+NeSDG Project is a beacon of collaboration and optimism, uniting institutions and minds in pursuit of a more sustainable future for Nepal and Bhutan. This initiative goes beyond theoretical learning to equip students with the tools and perspectives they need to actively contribute to improving their societies. As the initiative continues to develop, its influence will extend well beyond the confines of classrooms and campuses. The B+NeSDG Project is sowing the seeds of positive change by cultivating a generation of conscious leaders who are well-versed in the principles of sustainable development, thereby ensuring a brighter, greener, and more inclusive world for future generations.
Contact Persons:
| Name | Department | |
|---|---|---|
| Assoc. Prof. Durgaprasad Bhandari (Manager) | Electronics and Communication Engineering | [email protected] |
| Assoc. Prof. Rabindra Budathoki | Science and Humanities | [email protected] |
| Assoc. Prof. Bibhuti Ojha | Civil Engineering | [email protected] |
| Asst. Prof. Krishna Bikram Shah | Computer Science and Engineering | [email protected] |
Important Links: Sustainable Development Strategy Implementation Plan (SDSIP) | Report on Deliverables
To learn more about the project, visit the B+NeSDG Project Website.