Inclusive Green Education for Bridging the Gaps in Higher Education and Career Development

ongoing

The IGnite project aims to introduce an online BSc in Sustainable Regional Planning and Climate Resilience to tackle three major challenges in Sri Lanka. The Island faces urbanization, deforestation, and extreme climate risks, making sustainable planning and climate resilience a priority. Sri Lanka's higher education system struggles with inclusivity, as limited university placements leave many students without access to tertiary education, necessitating alternative pathways. Finally, brain drain, particularly in the aftermath of the Easter bombings in 2019 and the foreign debt default in 2022 sparked a surge in migration, reducing the nation's skilled workforce. The proposed degree will expand access to higher education, reduce the need for students to study abroad, and equip youth with critical skills aligned with Sri Lanka’s national development goals. The IGnite project consortium includes five partner higher education institutions (HEIs): 3 local universities—University of Colombo (Lead), University of Peradeniya (UOP), and Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka (SUSL)—along with 2 European institutions, University of Zagreb (UNIZG), Croatia and Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR-ISS), Netherlands. Sri Lanka's Land Use Policy Planning Department (LUPPD), Urban Development Authority (UDA), Meteorological Department (MD), and Janathakshan Guarantee Limited (JGLtd) agreed to join as associate partners for the project. This decision was based on their relevance to the degree's scope and national contribution, as well as their proven competency in collaborating with Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and providing professional knowledge and field experience in the relevant subject areas. By targeting eligible youth (refer section 1.1. for definition of eligible youth) and professionals, the program aims to spur employment and socio-economic mobility. It will transition to a fee-levy model after the initial three-year grant period to ensure sustainability.