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New Delhi: Ranked Number One in the world for its social, ecological and economic impact in the latest Times Higher Education (THE) University Impact Rankings, Western Sydney University today signed Agreementswith 7 State Agriculture Universities, part of theagricultural education, research and extension systemheaded by the Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR)-the largest network of agricultural research and education institutes in the world.

“We now have 23 partnership agreements between State and Central Agricultural Universities and Western Sydney University which enables research and capacity-building at scale. In addition to Dual Masters and PhDs with scholarships, the partnerships are leading research in climate smart farming systems in India and Australia,” said Dr. Rakesh Chandra Agrawal, Deputy Director General (Agricultural Education), Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).

“This marks an important expansion of our AUD15million scholarship commitment to Indian State and Central Agricultural Universities and other partners. 50 PhD scholarships will help to scale up climate smart agriculture research to boost yields for farmers and strengthen food security in India,” said Professor Barney Glover AO, Vice-Chancellor and President at Western Sydney University.The Agreements were signed in New Delhi at Western Sydney University’sSDG Forum, themed “Partnership with impact – advancing the SDGs”with thought leaders such as Dr. Pankaj Mittal, Secretary General, Association of Indian Universities; Dr. Sharad K Jain, Former Director, National Institute of Hydrology, Roorkee; Mr Anuj Agarwal, Chief Operating Officer, ICICI Foundation,Ms Srivalli Krishnan, Senior Program Officer- Global Development, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and Hon KarleneMaywald, South Australian Water Ambassador speaking about how they address SDGs in their organizations.

Ms Sarah Storey, Australia’s Deputy High Commissioner to India, opened the SDG Forum. “These smart agriculture partnerships and scholarships are an important demonstration of the deepening links between India and Australia”, she said.

Panelists at the SDG Forum discussed the role of higher education partnerships and collaborations with corporate, government, education and NGO organisations, in addressing the 17 SDGs that aim to end global poverty, zero hunger, responsible consumption and production, water use efficiency, improve access to health and education and build strong institutions and partnerships by 2030. The panel also featured research, education and training partnerships in water and food security which are making a difference to communities.

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