In a landmark moment for global academic cooperation, O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU) unveiled its Sustainable Development Report (SDR) 2025 in Tokyo during the second India-Japan Higher Education Forum in June. The forum was convened under the theme ‘Universities of the Future: Promoting Democracy, Dialogue, and Development in Asia and Beyond’. Ms. Toshiko Abe, Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology, Government of Japan, officially launched the SDR 2025 at the function.
A senior member of the Liberal Democratic Party and a respected lawmaker in Japan's House of Representatives since 2005, Ms. Abe underscored the power of cross-border education in addressing global challenges, saying, "India and Japan are bound by a profound partnership that transcends borders, rooted in shared democratic ideals, cultural respect, and mutual aspirations for peace and prosperity. In this era of complex global challenges, our universities have a critical role to play. By empowering a new generation of globally minded students — individuals who can think innovatively, act ethically, and lead sustainably —we lay the foundation for a better world. Japan welcomes Indian students to experience its vibrant academic ecosystem, rich in tradition and innovation. Together, through joint research, student exchanges, and institutional partnerships, India and Japan can co-create knowledge ecosystems that not only serve Asia but also shape global solutions. Education is the bridge to our common future, and this Forum represents the spirit of that bridge."
The Forum brought together eminent academic leaders, scholars, and policymakers from leading institutions in both countries. It reaffirmed the pivotal role of India-Japan academic partnerships in promoting inclusive, future-oriented higher education.
Professor (Dr.) C. Raj Kumar, Founding Vice Chancellor of JGU, reflected on the deeper significance of the occasion: "The unveiling of JGU's SDR 2025 in Tokyo marks a historic milestone in the evolving partnership between India and Japan in higher education. This collaboration is not just about academic exchange — it is a celebration of shared democratic values, intellectual excellence, and a joint commitment to sustainability. At JGU, we believe that universities must move beyond traditional boundaries and play a transformative role in solving global challenges. Our SDR 2025 is a testament to how institutions can align education, research, policy, and community engagement with the Sustainable Development Goals. As we reimagine the role of universities in the 21st century, this Forum highlights how international academic diplomacy can shape resilient, inclusive, and just societies. The release of this report in Tokyo symbolises our belief that education is not only about knowledge, but also about purpose, responsibility, and global citizenship."
The SDR 2025 captures JGU's comprehensive institutional commitment to sustainability through research, teaching, operations, and community engagement. It shows how JGU strengthened its alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The report highlights JGU's strategic initiatives, measurable outcomes, and global collaborations in the pursuit of sustainability in higher education.
The report illustrates the significant progress JGU has made in the past year in research contributions, with an increase in sustainability-related research output and global recognition through citations in major policy documents. Student-led initiatives, new sustainability-focused degree programs, and international collaborations further emphasise JGU's holistic approach to responsible education. The university's campus has become a hub for innovation, featuring improved water conservation efforts, a pioneering e-waste management partnership, and health-focused dining reforms.
The report underscores the importance of paying attention to how every initiative undertaken at the university can contribute to sustainability, climate action, or social impact, and recognising the interconnectedness of these goals. Higher education institutions have a responsibility to serve as models for environmental stewardship, as much as any other organisation. JGU is integrating sustainability across academic and administrative units to inspire the next generation of global leaders, not just through research and teaching but our policies and processes. Looking forward, JGU is committed to deeper integration of sustainability in every aspect of university life. The university envisions an ecosystem where students have access to cutting-edge resources and targeted mentorship, to be able to expand their focus and contribute to large-scale global challenges through cross-sectoral partnerships.
The university's growing international recognition is evident in its remarkable progress in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2025, where JGU soared from the 801-1000 band in 2024 to the 401-600 band globally, out of more than 2,500 institutions. Notably, JGU achieved a global rank of 88 for SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.
Dr. Abhishek Manu Singhvi, Member of Parliament and Senior Advocate, Supreme Court of India, was the Guest of Honour and delivered a special address on the occasion: "As India and Japan, two of Asia's most vibrant and time-tested democracies, deepen their academic engagement, we have a singular opportunity to shape a new paradigm of international education anchored in values, integrity, and purpose. This Forum has showcased the transformative power of education diplomacy. It has also reinforced the need to reimagine our academic institutions as drivers of justice, sustainability, and human dignity. I commend JGU for leading with courage and clarity in this space. The release of its SDR 2025 is a powerful act of global academic solidarity. It reminds us that the universities of the future must not only teach students how to think but also inspire them to act for the common good."
JGU also unveiled the SDR 2025 at the Bengaluru Sustainability Conclave on June 3. Governor of Karnataka Thaawarchand Gehlot officially released the report as the Chief Guest at the Conclave. The report explains the university's ongoing commitment to sustainability across research, teaching, operations, and community initiatives.
Speaking at the function, the Governor of Karnataka remarked, "I am delighted that JGU and RV University have come together to inaugurate the Bengaluru Sustainability Conference and launch the SDR 2025. To achieve the UN SDG goals, multi-stakeholder cooperation is essential. These goals remain a primary focus, and we in the government have been working assiduously to achieve them at the grassroots level through programmes like Make in India, Swachh Bharat, and others in water, health, farmer support, and state initiatives. Bengaluru, known as India's Silicon Valley and a centre of science and research, is facing many challenges and stress on its resources. It is important that knowledge sharing, cooperation, and information exchange help mitigate the challenges of climate change. The growing carbon footprint, pollution, deforestation, and other factors have led to a climate crisis, and it is imperative that we address these issues urgently. We need to inform and sensitise people about them. Our campaigns to save energy, water, and other resources are aimed at protecting the environment. JGU has been working determinedly towards environmental sustainability and protection, and this is a very laudable step. This report is timely and important for fulfilling our responsibility towards achieving the SDGs."
Karnataka Governor launches JGU's SDR 2025
Professor (Dr.) C. Raj Kumar, Founding Vice Chancellor, JGU, noted, "It is with great pride and purpose that I announce the release of JGU's SDR 2025. This report stands as a testament to our unwavering commitment to embedding sustainability at the heart of higher education. It captures the breadth of our efforts, from environmental stewardship and social impact to academic innovation and institutional accountability. As a global university, sustainability is not just a goal: it is a guiding principle that shapes our teaching, research, campus life, community engagement, and governance. This report offers a transparent, data-driven reflection of that journey."
The Bengaluru Sustainability Conclave also featured a panel discussion on Advancing the Sustainable Development Goals: Maximising the impact of multi-stakeholder partnerships through knowledge sharing and cooperation", bringing together senior leaders from various backgrounds and industries from across India. The panel was chaired by Professor (Dr) C. Raj Kumar, with distinguished speakers Ms. Bhawana Pingali, Founder, REVASTRA; Prof. (Dr.) Dwarika Prasad Uniyal, Vice Chancellor (in-charge), RV University; Ms. Jyotsna Belliappa, Founder & Director, BlueSky Sustainable Business; Ms. Megha Arora, Partner IndusLaw; Mr. Panduranga Acharya, General Counsel Zepto; Mr. Prashanth Sabeshan, Partner Dentons Link Legal; and Ms. Smitha Chandrashekaraiah, Legal Director HARMAN International.