Symbiosis Law School, Pune (SLS Pune), a constituent of Symbiosis International (Deemed University) (SIU), has made significant strides in the field of legal education in India. For the sixth consecutive year, SLS Pune has been ranked among the top 10 law schools in the country according to the NIRF rankings. Adding to its laurels, SLS Pune is at the forefront of an ambitious European EU Erasmus+ KA2 Capacity Building Higher Education (CBHE) Project titled ‘Curricula Development on Climate Change Policy and Law (CCP_Law).’ This project has gained special significance in light of India’s presidency of G20, COP compliance, and the National Education Policy (NEP), among other factors.
As part of the project’s deliverables, various activities, including physical project meetings, networking meetings, and dissemination events, must be conducted at partner institutions to develop Master of Law and Postgraduate Diploma Programs focusing on Climate Change Policy and Law. The previous project meetings were successfully held in Girona, Spain, in June 2022 and in Rajkot, India, in February 2023. Continuing this momentum, the 4th Transnational Project Meeting is currently underway in Pune, organized by SIU and SLSP, from September 11th to September 16th, 2023.
A Multinational Gathering
This prestigious event has attracted a total of 34 delegates from six partner countries, representing a consortium of institutions. The consortium includes Coventry University from the United Kingdom, University of Girona from Spain, European Knowledge Spot and Pedmede from Greece, University Utara Malaysia and International Islamic University from Malaysia, and Hue University and Hanoi Law University from Vietnam, along with the Marwadi University from India. The 4th Transnational Project Meeting encompasses a rich array of activities, including Networking meetings with stakeholders, a Regional Round Table, Project Meetings, Workshops, Capacity Building programs, Training Programs, a Regional Seminar, and cultural visits.
The Inaugural Day
The opening day of the Project Meeting, September 11th, 2023, was hosted at Symbiosis Law School, Pune, Viman Nagar Campus. The day’s agenda included the inauguration of the Symbiosis Climate Change Law & Policy Centre [SCCLPC], a Regional Round Table discussion on the Importance and Promotion of Climate Change Law and Policy Curriculum, and networking sessions, including a press meet.
The delegates were greeted with traditional Indian hospitality and the lighting of the ceremonial lamp, followed by a guided tour of SLS Pune’s campus, showcasing various sustainability initiatives. The highlight of the day was a special Sadhya Lunch, offering a glimpse of traditional Indian culture with an emphasis on sustainability.
The Regional Round Table witnessed the participation of esteemed speakers such as Dr. Ajay Deshpande, Former Expert Member, NGT, Mr. Shwetal Shah, Climate Change Expert, Dr. T R Subramanya, Dean Faculty of Law, CMR University, Dr. Prakash Rao – Dy. Director, SIIB; Head SCCCS, SIU, Yogesh Brahmankar, Director, SCEI, SIU. Topics covered during the roundtable included climate change adaptation and mitigation, Global and Asian Legal dimensions related to climate change, Policy and Management case studies, and Green Entrepreneurship and Green Initiatives. The roundtable saw the participation of approximately 95 attendees, including international delegates, representatives from NGOs, media personnel, researchers, and students.
Further Engagements
To accommodate the international delegation, a meeting with the top management of Symbiosis International University was conducted, along with a press meet and networking event at Vishwabhavan, SB Road. The press interacted with prominent figures, including Dr. Vidya Yeravdekar, Pro-Chancellor, Symbiosis International (Deemed University), Dr. Rajiv Yervadekar, Pro-Vost Symbiosis International (Deemed University), and Dr. Shashikala Gurpur, Fulbright Scholar, Director, Symbiosis Law School-Pune, Dean- Faculty of Law, SIU, Jean Monnet Chair Professor (EUC- LAMP co-founded by EU).
During the press meet, project managers from various universities provided insights into their respective work packages. Dr. Vidya emphasized the development of curricula on sustainability and climate change, promoting the principles of sustainability. She also highlighted key sustainable initiatives at the SIU campus.
The networking event culminated in the virtual inauguration of the Symbiosis Climate Change Law & Policy Centre [SCCLPC] at SLS Pune by Dr. Vidya Yeravdekar, Pro-Chancellor, SIU. The center is envisioned to serve as a hub for conducting clinical legal research, facilitating academic-industry engagements, and community involvement. It will play a pivotal role in climate justice research, faculty training, skill development, experiential learning, and seminars for undergraduate and postgraduate students enrolled in transnational programs related to Climate Change Policy and Law.
