Members of the Fiji National University Senior Leadership Team (SLT) at the launch of the 2022 Sustainability Week.
Beauty depends on the environment, and for that environment to remain the same, we must become sustainable.
This was highlighted by the Fiji National University (FNU) Vice-Chancellor, Professor Lyn Karstadt during the inaugural opening of the 2022 Sustainability Week at the Derrick Campus in Samabula.
“We need to walk the talk in every sphere of life that is important. We must become aware of our surroundings and what we are doing to them,” Prof Karstadt said.
“I hope FNU produces graduates who are very aware of the importance of sustainability and of their own responsibilities.”
Professor Karstadt said she looks forward to FNU becoming a leading institution of sustainability in Fiji.
This is just the start. I look forward to FNU becoming and staying the leading light to sustainability in Fiji. Our planet is our responsibility. Please embrace it, please make the planet a better place,” she said.
FNU’s Sustainability Week will see various colleges and divisions engaging with students and their industry partners to showcase their contribution toward sustainability. Awards will also be announced at the closing for the winners of various sustainability competitions that will happen throughout this week.
Director Capital Projects Infrastructure (DCPI) and Chair of FNU’s Sustainability Initiatives Committee, Niranjwan Chettiar said Sustainability Week was initiated to create awareness, build civic pride, create a knowledgeable society, and showcase the importance of Sustainability.
“FNU understands the challenge and has taken a lead role as the national University to play its part in line with Government’s Direction. FNU has also declared a Climate Emergency and made a commitment to become Net Zero by 2050 as a signatory to the SDG Accord,” Mr Chettiar said.
“As a result, FNU has developed a 2021-2026 Sustainability Plan, which provides a road map for the institution to achieve its Sustainability Goals.”
Fiji National University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Lyn Karstadt, Director Capital Projects Infrastructure (DCPI), Niranjwan Chettiar and Dean College of Engineering, Science and Technology (CEST), Professor Tibor Pasinszki having a tour of the CEST displays during the launch of the Sustainability Week.
College of Engineering, Science and Technology (CEST) Dean, Professor Tibor Pasinszki said sustainability plans would never succeed without the contribution of the society.
“Sustainability is more important than ever, but sustainability plans will never succeed without everyone’s input. Avoiding products based on non-renewable resources and products which are harmful to the environment, especially if the alternative exists, and recycling is everyone’s responsibility. Therefore, educating the current and next generation is especially important.”
The Sustainability Week, with the theme, “Being Sustainable: Our Planet Our Responsibility” will conclude on 21 October 2022 at the Nasinu Campus during the Open Day event.
Ends