Remarkable Youth-Led Sustainability Projects Earn Recognition at QS I-GAUGE PACT-Star Awards 2025

Virtual Grand Finale of QS I-GAUGE PACT-Star Awards Highlights Role of Education in Achieving SDGs

The United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development places a key responsibility on educational institutions to drive transformation and innovation. Through leadership, research, teaching, campus operations, and community service, they empower future generations to advance the SDGs and build a more resilient, equitable world.In line with this vision, the QS I-GAUGE PACT-Star Awards 2025 has recognized the outstanding contributions of young innovators in sustainability. This prestigious national contest, open to students from grades 8 to 12, inspires and empowers the next generation to take meaningful action toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In this year's competition, two students from Uttar Pradesh and one from Delhi have been honoured with the QS I-GAUGE PACT-Star Awards for their remarkable sustainability initiatives. Each recipient will receive ₹50,000 from QS I-GAUGE to support the successful implementation of their projects. This recognition celebrates their innovative ideas and encourages continued efforts to create a more sustainable and equitable future.

The virtual grand finale of the QS I-GAUGE PACT-Star Awards 2025 honoured exceptional student-led projects aligned with the United Nations SDGs. Ravin Nair, Managing Director of QS I-GAUGE, highlighted the key role students play in achieving the SDGs by 2030 and emphasized that, while policies are important, it’s the students who will drive this vision forward. He also reaffirmed QS I-GAUGE’s commitment to sustainability and quality education in India. PACT2030, an initiative by QS I-GAUGE, promotes sustainability in Indian educational institutions. Launched in March 2022 with the "Goa Declaration" signed by 20 universities, it drives action on the SDGs. PACT-Star, a key program under this initiative, empowers students to support a sustainable future. QS I-GAUGE, India's leading educational rating system, is a subsidiary of UK-based QS Quacquarelli Symonds, known for its global university rankings.

Out of 140 submissions from 20 schools, three students were recognized for their exceptional projects: Abhishek Singh (Grade 9, Sunbeam School, Uttar Pradesh) for his SDG Goal 3 project, Manzil – The Medically Advanced Electric Wheelchair; Aarna Bajpai (Grade 10, City Montessori School, Uttar Pradesh) for her SDG Goal 13 project, Rainwater Harvesting at Public Places; and Jasreen Bindra (Grade 11, Ryan International School, New Delhi) for her SDG Goal 2 project, SACHA SAUDA – Feeding the Poor is the Most Profitable Deal. Dr Rajendra Singh, the 'Water Man of India,' delivered an inspiring keynote, praising the initiative for connecting students with sustainability practices. He urged students to prioritize rejuvenation over destruction and commended QS I-GAUGE for its vision of student-driven sustainable change. The jury included academic leaders such as Dr Vidya Yeravdekar, Dr Madhu Chitkara, Dr Geetika Madan Patel, and Dr Ram Sharma.

Dr Ashwin Fernandes, Executive Director at QS Quacquarelli Symonds and President of PACT Foundation, highlighted the success of the inaugural PACT-Star edition and its lasting impact. He emphasized the critical role of educational institutions in achieving the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, noting that through research, teaching, and campus operations, they empower the next generation to advance the SDGs and create a resilient, equitable future. These initiatives and recognitions underscore the vital role of education in driving sustainable development and fostering a more equitable future for all.

Editor's Note:

As the world faces significant environmental challenges, the creativity and innovation of young people are more important than ever. The United Nations' 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development emphasizes that education is key to creating change. Through initiatives like the QS I-GAUGE PACT-Star Awards, we see the power of youth in action. Students from Uttar Pradesh and Delhi have presented their projects and shown the way forward with their sustainability ideas. Supporting these projects is an investment in a stronger, more equitable world. With ₹50,000 to help bring their projects to life, these students have the potential to make a real impact, inspiring others along the way. As Dr. Rajendra Singh, the 'Water Man of India,' said, sustainability must focus on renewal, not destruction. While policies matter, it is students who will lead the way. The QS I-GAUGE PACT-Star Awards highlight that achieving the SDGs depends on the creativity, passion, and commitment of young people.

Skoobuzz recognises the achievements of these young changemakers, and underlines the beginning of a new era of student-driven sustainable change. The success of the QS I-GAUGE PACT-Star Awards 2025 shows how education can drive sustainable development and a fairer future for all.