Indias Role in Advancing SDGs Through IR Studies

What are SGDs?

In 2015, the United Nations adopted Sustainable Development Goals (SGDs), otherwise known as Global Goals, as a universal call to ensure that by 2030 all people enjoy peace and prosperity. SGDs address important global challenges such as poverty, inequality, climate change and lead us towards building a peaceful world.

Education’s role in promoting SGDs

Education in the field of International Relations (IR), plays a crucial role in the promotion of SGDs as it supports the United Nations’ mission. It fosters understanding towards different cultures, diplomatic cooperation and innovative ways to solve policy-based problems.

The Link Between IR Education and the United Nations’ SDGs

International Relations or IR as an academic course allows students to understand political, economic and social interactions on an international scale. International Relations and Sustainable Development Goals are closely interlinked as its multifaceted framework parallels with quite a few of the things SDG strives to achieve:

SGD 4 – Quality Education

SGD 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production

SGD 16 – Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

SGD 17 – Partnerships for the Goals

IR’s support towards the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals becomes clearly visible when we examine the elements of the curriculum that addresses challenges that affect people worldwide:

SGD 5 – Gender Equality

SGD 6 – Clean Water and Sanitations

SGD 13 – Climate Action

Students studying International Relations gain an in depth understanding of how organizations on a global level operate and how their policies are formed and executed.

Importance of Peace and Conflict Studies in 2025

The United Nations’ objective when they adopted the Sustainable Development Goals was to make sure that the world aligned with the Goals by 2030. 2030, being less than 5 years away, creates an intense pressure on not only the UN but also the world as it is the people’s responsibility to create a world where everyone can live peacefully. Peacebuilding as a career choice for students shows the importance and relevance of these matters, where they usually take a backseat as 96% of individuals are only concerned with their own financial security.

India’s Role

Indian universities have started incorporating peace and conflict resolution techniques into their IR programs. These courses help students clear up disputes, give importance to peaceful problem solving and support development in underdeveloped regions. Education is the most powerful weapon that can be used to speed up the objective of the UN as word can be spread to the most number of people at a given point of time- whether it be through courses, seminars or through any other medium.

Building Global Partnerships through IR Programs

Global peace studies encourage students to engage and understand communities beyond borders. A number of Indian universities are partnering with international universities by facilitating student exchange programs, joint research and global dialogues. Some of these programs are:

1. The Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) program:

It is an initiative taken by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and it offers training and capacity-building programs for individuals from countries abroad helping them in learning skills related to governance, management and technology.

2. The Global Initiative of Academic Networks (GIAN)

This program encourages international involvement in academia by inviting experts abroad to teach in Indian universities and conduct collaborative research. The focus is on enhancing educational standards and promoting international knowledge exchange.

3. The India-US Science and Technology Cooperation

The Indo-US Science and Technology Forum (IUSSTF) promotes collaborative research between scientists and engineers from both countries. It holds joint research on climate change, space exploration and medical technologies.

4. The Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit

This event, organized by the Government of Gujarat and facilitated by Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC), brings together global business leaders, policymakers, and professionals to discuss global economic challenges, innovations, and opportunities. It is a major platform for dialogue on sustainable development, business, and technology.

Indian Universities that Help Advancing IR and the SGDs

Numerous universities across India provideSGD focused IR education. Some of the best institutions for students willing to pursue a career in the same are as follows:

1. Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) promotes interdisciplinary learning in law, IR and actively engaging students in SDG-focused research.

2. Manav Rachna Institute of Research and Studies offers programs in International Studies with modules that align with the SDGs, Model United Nations (MUN) and field visits.

3. G.D Goenka University provides courses that train students to take a lead on climate action and global governance.

4. Galgotias University incorporates SGD awareness in its International Relations and political science courses with initiatives that promote peace, justice and responsible citizenship.

5. Vellore Institute of Science (VIS)connects social and technical science programs in order to create real world impact with programs that encourage students to help the UN achieve their goal.

From the Classroom to the UN: Student Voices in Diplomacy

The impact of students of International Relations is evident through their active engagement in global diplomacy. An increasing number of students from Indian Universities are participating in the UN Youth Assembly, Commonwealth Youth Forum and Regional summits.

Internships with the Ministry of External Affairs, UN agencies and other similar organizations provide experiential learning. Model United Nations or MUN gives students hands-on experience in diplomacy, negotiation and multinational cooperation. These experiences help a child in a classroom make their way to the UN, where their views and opinions help solve complex global issues.

How Students of IR Impact Sustainable Development

Students of International Relations are used in different areas to support the SDSs through their own unique channels:

1. Policy Formulation: Graduates of IR help shape inclusive and effective policies that align with Global Goals as they have an in-depth knowledge of global governance.

2. Advocacy and Awareness: Many students lead campaigns on climate responsibility, education rights, reduction of inequality and other socio-political issues in order to spread awareness, aligning their goals with that of the UN’s.

3. Research and Innovation: Academic research in global topics allows students to explore sustainable models of development, conflict resolution strategies and diplomatic solutions to global crises.

4. Capacity Building: Working with NGOs and other organizations that carry out the same type of work helps students strengthen academic institutions in communities not as developed as others.

SDG Implementation in Higher Education Institutions

India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 advocates to implement SDG policies in higher education. The policy encourages universities to promote sustainability in both academic programs and social engagements.

Research from the Journal of Higher Education Policy and Management shows that Indian Universities are trying to integrate institutional goals with the SDGs. Universities are incorporating courses and seminars about environmental sustainability, human rights, work and economic growth among others. This ensures that their students are not only educated on the topic, but also inspired to bring about a change.

Peacebuilding as a Career Path for IR Students

Peacebuilding as a career path for IR students is gaining importance, particularly because of the growing global instability. Individuals pursuing careers in humanitarian aid, international law and global health are in high demand. An increasing number of students from Indian Institutions are joining international organizations such as the United Nations, the International Committee of the Red Cross and Médecins Sans Frontières.

Universities like the Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies (IPCS), New Delhi support professionals by providing research fellowships, opportunities to publish their work and working on peace missions.

Taksheela Institute of Education is committed to empowering students with the knowledge and skills required to understand global challenges, international relations and sustainable development. By encouraging students to explore global issues and develop a broader perspective, the institution aims to prepare them to contribute meaningfully towards building a peaceful, sustainable and interconnected world.

To Conclude

Looking into the future, the relationship between International Relations and Sustainable Development goals becomes increasingly significant. Higher education institutions are making an effort to incorporate SDGs into their curriculums in order to help reach the UN's goal. The integration of international relations and sustainable development goals help raise a child in school from the grassroot level into a sought after professional who is equipped with all the necessary means and knowledge to bring about meaningful change.