To be held from June to August 2025 with In-Person Training in Bengaluru from 22 June to 6 July 2025
The Sustainability Ambassadors Global Exchange (SAGE) program builds a new generation of sustainability leaders who develop essential skills in active listening, research management, data analysis, systems thinking and interdisciplinary collaboration through a real-world sustainability boot camp. The SAGE program is a unique initiative that combines classroom knowledge with on-field, community engagement to train participants to tackle real-world sustainability issues while fostering empathy and understanding. The diverse perspectives and networking opportunities of this lifelong program continue to offer participants vital tools for career success and professional growth. The SAGE program reinforces a commitment to sustainable development and collective impact across various sectors. It builds relationships that will last a lifetime, creating a network of passionate individuals committed to making a difference.
The echo network is a community of over 2500 individuals from 46 countries who have dedicated their lives to building a more sustainable planet. Each of these members is an expert in their own field - be it a champion farmer, an intrepid filmmaker, or a CEO. Over the past 5 years, over 650 individuals have helped develop the projects and concepts you will be researching during the Sustainability Ambassadors Global Exchange (SAGE) Senior Ambassadors Program, which was initiated in 2023.
You can find the course reports for 2023 here and for 2024 here.
Upon successful completion of the summer course, the students receive a grade transcript jointly from the echo network, Nordic Centre in India and ATV Denmark along with supplementary documents that can award them 7.5 ECTS at their respective home university. For students who wish pursue 10 ECTS it is also possible to do additional assignments during the same period of time. Since the course is designed to suit students from Nordic universities with European and national credit systems, students are requested to consult the International offices for information about how to translate and register the course credits at their home university.
International Grade Converter online
European Grade Converter online
Online Introductory Lectures (June 2025):
The program will commence with two weeks of online lectures, consisting of eight sessions of two hours each. These lectures will cover fundamental sustainability topics, providing a solid foundation for the subsequent in-person training.
In-Person Training in Bengaluru (22 June - 6 July 2025):
Participants will spend two weeks in Bengaluru for immersive training, which will include lectures, field trips, stakeholder interactions, community engagements, and networking events. This component will be co-led by the Nordic Centre in India, with the echo network facilitating training development.
Remote Research (June-August 2025):
Following the in-person training, participants will undertake eight weeks of remote research, dedicating approximately 10 hours per week. This research will enable participants to apply their learning in real-world contexts and further develop their projects in collaboration with consortia.
Participants present their research at the SAGE Showcase. Scheduled towards the end of the program but well ahead of their final submission, this showcase will allow Senior Ambassadors to receive constructive feedback from experts and peers. This feedback will enable them to refine their projects before the final submission.
Throughout the program, participants will engage with experts from the echo network and partner organisations. These interactions will occur during lectures, in-person training, field visits, and network summits, enriching participants' understanding of sustainability challenges.
Participants will also have the opportunity to engage in a virtual Human Library program, featuring experts who will share their personal experiences and insights from the field. This format encourages open dialogue and deep exploration of sustainability challenges.
You can find the detailed course syllabus and plan here.
Program Fees (including food, accommodation, training, and summit attendance) will be provided by the SAGE program to all Senior Ambassadors (approx. ₹80,000 or €900 per student).
Travel, insurance, and visa fees will be borne by students. Travel scholarships may be offered based on need.
Willing to adhere to all the deadlines of project submissions.
Dr. Shannon B Olsson,
Global Director, the echo network,
Course Lead
Email: shannon@echonetwork.in
Christabel Royan,
Director of the Nordic Centre in India,
Course Facilitator
Email: christabel.royan@nordiccentreindia.com
Dr. Rakesh Mishra,
Director, Tata Institute for Genetics and Society,
In-person Host
Email: rakesh.mishra@tigs.res.in
Dr. Surabhi Srivastava,
Chief Scientific Ocer, Tata Institute for Genetics and Society,
In-person Host
Email: surabhi.srivastava@tigs.res.in
Dr. Saveetha Meganathan
Senior Scientist, Tata Institute for Genetics and Society,
In-person Host
Email: saveetha.m@tigs.res.in
Dr. Martin Bech,
Senior Advisor, Danish Academy of Technical Sciences,
Collaborating partner
Email: mab@atv.dk
