CU PUNJAB VICE CHANCELLOR PROF. RAGHAVENDRA P. TIWARI AND PROF. FELIX BAST CONTRIBUTES ON STRATEGIC INPUT ON ENERGY TRANSITION, ACCESS, AND EFFICIENCY TO UN ESCAP’S GOAL PROFILE REVIEW ON AFFORDABLE AND CLEAN ENERGY
Face2News/Bathinda
The Central University of Punjab (CU Punjab) has brought global recognition to India’s academic community with the inclusion of two of its distinguished professors/academicians in the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN ESCAP) Reference Group for the Sustainable Development Goal-7 (SDG-7) — Affordable and Clean Energy — for the 2026 Goal Profile Review.
CU Punjab’s Vice Chancellor Prof. Raghavendra P. Tiwari and Prof. Felix Bast (Dept. of Botany) were selected to provide strategic inputs and expert validation for the preparatory report, which holds significant relevance to global climate action. SDG-7 emphasizes universal energy access, accelerated adoption of clean and renewable energy sources, and enhanced energy efficiency. The participation of Prof. Tiwari (a renowned Geologist, acclaimed academician and the Vice-Chancellor of CU Punjab) and Prof. Bast (a distinguished Marine Biologist and Advisor to the International Science Council’s Asia-Pacific Zone) marks a historic milestone — the first instance of CU Punjab scientists contributing directly to an international-level policy-making process, reflecting the University’s rising academic stature and global visibility. The International Science Council Regional Focal Point for Asia and the Pacific appreciated both experts for their invaluable contribution.
The expert panel of UN ESCAP Reference Group for SDG-7 was constituted for the review with a highly selective group of specialists from leading global institutions, including the Australian National University (ANU), James Cook University (JCU), RMIT University, and Curtin University. Representing CU Punjab, Prof. Raghavendra P. Tiwari and Prof. Felix Bast contributed critical scientific and technical expertise.
Prof. Bast’s notable achievements include serving as an expedition scientist in India’s Antarctic Mission and receiving the Inspired Teacher Recognition from the President of India as well as the Teaching Innovator Award from the Ministry of Education.
Under the visionary leadership of Prof. R.P. Tiwari, CU Punjab has witnessed remarkable global advancement. The University recently secured a place in the 600–800 band of the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2026, reflecting its strengthening research output and international collaborations. Prof. Tiwari also played a key role in drafting the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and has been a consistent advocate for environmental sustainability and harmonious living with nature.
Sharing his thoughts on CU Punjab’s global contribution, Prof. R.P. Tiwari, Honourable Vice Chancellor, stated, “It is a profound honour for the Central University of Punjab to provide strategic guidance on a goal as vital as SDG-7. Our participation on this global platform reaffirms our commitment to justice — not only for the present generation, but for future generations — and our dedication to advancing scientific solutions for a sustainable world. As reflected in our rising national and international rankings, CU Punjab is steadfast in contributing intellectual leadership toward solving the world’s most pressing challenges, ensuring clean energy access and environmental security for all.”
Commenting on India’s rising global presence, Prof. Felix Bast stated: “Our review confirmed that achieving global energy targets demands transformative policy. India is setting an example through strategic initiatives.