The Global Learning Council (GLC), housed at the Villars Institute (VI) in Switzerland, envisions a future where education is democratized globally, with a special focus on emerging economies such as India, Brazil, Rwanda, and Kenya. The initiative aims to foster next-generation leadership through systemic change and intergenerational collaboration.
In India, GLC and VI have partnered with Schoolnet India, a leading organization dedicated to enhancing teaching-learning outcomes through technology. Leveraging Schoolnet’s expertise and extensive network of 100,000 schools, the partnership aspires to impact 50,000 students and teachers in its first year and reach 10 million students within five years.
Over the past six months, Schoolnet and GLC have jointly introduced three transformative initiatives for school students: a pan-India ideathon, capacity-building programs for affordable private schools in collaboration with the International Baccalaureate (IB), and the development of a course on climate leadership.
On January 24, 2025, the EcoInnovators Ideathon Grand Finale was held at the India Habitat Centre in New Delhi. The competition encouraged students to identify pressing environmental challenges, such as air and water pollution or waste management, and propose innovative solutions using technologies like AI, IoT, and robotics. The challenge began with participants from over 800 schools, narrowed to 100 teams who received expert mentorship through masterclasses, and culminated in the top 10 teams presenting their solutions at the Grand Finale. Representing schools across diverse geographies and educational boards (IB, CBSE, and state boards), the event showcased a wide range of creative, tech-driven projects. The event was sponsored by HP.
Team Vanguard, represented by Shreyas Aggasare and Nakshatra, from Delhi Public School Electronic City, Bengaluru, Karnataka emerged victorious with an exceptional project, earning an opportunity to present their work at the Villars Symposium in Switzerland in June 2025, gaining global recognition. An esteemed jury comprising representatives from IIT Madras, TERI, Grok Learning, GIZ, UnconstrainED, an IB school, and New York-based Sure Start selected the winners.
The event witnessed participation from 250+ students from Delhi/NCR schools, who also engaged in an interactive quiz powered by Schoolnet’s AI-based classroom solution, the Geneo app. Finalists of the Ideathon and quiz participants also received cash prizes totalling to Rs 1.5 lacs.
Additionally, Schoolnet and GLC & VI launched their collaboration with the IB to empower educators across schools. The joint communique reads, “The International Baccalaureate (IB) aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring young people who strive for a more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. To achieve this, the IB works with educators, schools, governments, and organisations to deliver high-quality international education programmes that inspire critical thinking and a lifelong love of learning. We are pleased to share Schoolnet’s collaboration with the IB to enhance educational opportunities in India. This partnership aims to introduce IB programmes to private schools, host orientation seminars for educators, and provide access to professional learning. By leveraging our expertise, this initiative seeks to empower educators, inspire students, and foster a global culture of lifelong learning.”
Another key highlight was the launch of a course on Climate Leadership for Grades 6–8 students, codeveloped by GLC/VI and Schoolnet. This hands-on program emphasizes environmental stewardship, inspired by systems leadership and planetary boundary principles, to nurture future climate leaders.
The Chief Guest, Mr. Sanjay Kumar, IAS, Secretary, Department of School Education & Literacy, Government of India, praised the innovative ideas presented and emphasized the role of emerging technologies like AI and IoT in addressing global challenges. He acknowledged the power of partnerships to empower students and expressed the government’s support for scaling these initiatives.
Dr. Tariq Al Gurg, CEO and Vice Chairman of Dubai Cares, delivered the keynote address, sharing his vision for global education system reforms and expressing excitement about extending these initiatives to the MENA region, in partnership with GLC/VI and Schoolnet.
Dr. Subra Suresh, Founder and President of the Global Learning Council, lauded Schoolnet’s leadership in implementing GLC’s vision in India. He stated, “This partnership nurtures our mission to foster planetary health using intergenerational collaboration. This Ideathon fulfills the vision of GLC and Villars Institute – nurturing the mindset of sustainability and tech-driven problem-solving among students.” Dr. Suresh also expressed eagerness to collaborate with India’s central and state governments to scale these initiatives.
RCM Reddy, MD & CEO of Schoolnet India Limited, highlighted the alignment of these initiatives with the National Education Policy and Schoolnet’s broader vision. He remarked, “An initiative of this nature aligns with our vision to democratize education by leveraging advanced technologies. We strongly believe in creating an ecosystem of ‘glocal’ partnerships to impact 10 million students over the next five years.” Mr. Reddy reiterated Schoolnet’s commitment to working with GLC-VI, the Government of India, and other partners to promote impactful educational innovations.
