Dr. Anandajit Goswami
Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles have evolved beyond their origins as financial and corporate accountability metrics to become essential foundations for responsible leadership, sustainable development and institutional governance. Educational institutions have a critical role now in embedding these principles as integral components of institutional culture, governance, a sustainability-centric curriculum and everyday practice.
The integration of ESG within educational systems helps cultivate ethics, inclusivity, pluralism, creativity and move towards a liberal arts centric transdisciplinary education. Shifting from rights-based approaches, ESG creates a culture rooted in duties, dharma and responsibilities, reflecting Indic civilisational values that prioritise social welfare, collective responsibility, and sustainable living. In an era marked by geopolitical instability, political fractures and multipolarity, conflict, and climate change, such an approach also promotes nonviolence, ecological consciousness, and a “more than human” perspective that recognises humanity’s interconnectedness with nature.
Universities have to move beyond teaching ESG concepts in classrooms and adopt them as measurable institutional practices supported by appropriate governance structures, pedagogy, and operational frameworks of “living laboratories” with social entrepreneurship and internships in ESG practice-based education. This experiential approach prepares graduates to address complex environmental and social challenges while building ecologically conscious leadership.
The adoption of ESG frameworks enables universities to improve resource efficiency, strengthen institutional accountability and align their strategic priorities with global expectations for financial, environmental and social sustainability. More importantly, it bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application by ensuring that sustainability principles are reflected in institutional decision-making and everyday operations.
To achieve meaningful impact, universities must replace fragmented, department-specific sustainability initiatives with integrated governance models that combine stakeholder participation with measurable performance indicators. Such holistic approaches promote collaboration across disciplines and ensure that sustainability becomes a shared institutional objective rather than an isolated activity.
Ultimately, universities are uniquely positioned to drive global sustainability transitions by moving from passive policy adoption to active implementation. By integrating ESG principles throughout education, research, governance, and campus life, institutions can contribute meaningfully to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, India’s Vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 and the Net Zero 2070 commitment. In doing so, they become models of sustainable urban and rural living, generating innovations that extend beyond campus boundaries and contribute to broader societal welfare, particularly across the Global South.
About the Author
Dr. Anandajit Goswami, Director, Manav Rachna Centre for Peace and Sustainability (MRCPS), Manav Rachna University (MRU)
