Global Learning Council Partners with Schoolnet India to Empower Future Leaders

By leveraging Schoolnet’s extensive network of 100,000 schools, the partnership targets an ambitious goal of impacting 50,000 students and teachers in its first year, with the aim of reaching 10 million students over the next five years.

The Global Learning Council (GLC), based at the Villars Institute (VI) in Switzerland, is setting the stage for a transformative shift in global education. With a focus on democratizing education, particularly in emerging economies such as India, Brazil, Rwanda, and Kenya, GLC aims to foster the next generation of leaders through systemic changes and intergenerational collaboration. The partnership with Schoolnet India, a leader in enhancing educational outcomes through technology, is a key milestone in realizing this vision.

Reaching Millions of Students Through Technology and Collaboration

In India, the collaboration between GLC, VI, and Schoolnet India is poised to impact the educational landscape significantly. By leveraging Schoolnet’s extensive network of 100,000 schools, the partnership targets an ambitious goal of impacting 50,000 students and teachers in its first year, with the aim of reaching 10 million students over the next five years.

Over the past six months, GLC and Schoolnet have launched three groundbreaking initiatives:

1. A pan-India Ideathon for students
2. Capacity-building programs for affordable private schools in collaboration with the International Baccalaureate (IB)
3. The development of a Climate Leadership course for school students.

EcoInnovators Ideathon: Fostering Environmental Solutions with Technology

One of the standout initiatives, the EcoInnovators Ideathon, culminated in a grand finale at the India Habitat Centre in New Delhi on January 24, 2025. This competition encouraged students to address critical environmental issues such as air and water pollution and waste management, using innovative technologies like AI, IoT, and robotics. The Ideathon saw participation from over 800 schools, with 100 teams receiving expert mentorship through masterclasses before presenting their projects at the Grand Finale.

The event, sponsored by HP, featured creative, tech-driven solutions from students across a range of educational boards (IB, CBSE, and state boards). Team Vanguard, from Delhi Public School Electronic City in Bengaluru, emerged as the winners with a groundbreaking project. Their victory secured them an invitation to present their work at the Villars Symposium in Switzerland in June 2025, gaining international recognition.

Aiding Educators and Students with Global Programs

Another highlight of the GLC-Schoolnet collaboration is its partnership with the International Baccalaureate (IB) to introduce IB programs to private schools across India. This initiative aims to empower educators by hosting seminars, offering professional learning opportunities, and providing access to world-class international education programs that emphasize critical thinking and lifelong learning.

In addition to this, GLC and Schoolnet have co-developed a hands-on course on Climate Leadership for students in Grades 6-8. The course emphasizes environmental stewardship, planetary boundary principles, and systems leadership, nurturing a new generation of climate leaders.

Government and Industry Support for Education Innovations

The event saw esteemed dignitaries such as Mr. Sanjay Kumar, IAS, Secretary, Department of School Education & Literacy, Government of India, who lauded the innovative initiatives and the role of emerging technologies in tackling global challenges. He reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting these initiatives and scaling them across the country.

Dr. Tariq Al Gurg, CEO and Vice Chairman of Dubai Cares, also delivered a keynote address, sharing his vision for global education reforms and his excitement to extend these initiatives to the MENA region in collaboration with GLC/VI and Schoolnet.

Leadership and Commitment to Impactful Education

Dr. Subra Suresh, Founder and President of the Global Learning Council, expressed his appreciation for Schoolnet India’s role in driving GLC’s mission in India. “This partnership embodies our vision of fostering planetary health through intergenerational collaboration,” he stated. “The Ideathon aligns perfectly with GLC and Villars Institute’s goal to instill a mindset of sustainability and tech-driven problem-solving among students.”

RCM Reddy, MD & CEO of Schoolnet India, emphasized how the initiatives align with India’s National Education Policy and Schoolnet’s broader mission to democratize education using technology. He highlighted Schoolnet’s commitment to impacting 10 million students within five years by building "glocal" partnerships with organizations like GLC and the Government of India.

Looking Ahead: A Commitment to Scale

The collaboration between GLC, VI, and Schoolnet India marks a significant step forward in transforming education through technology and collaboration. As these initiatives continue to grow and evolve, they hold the potential to create lasting positive change in the educational landscape, empowering students with the skills and knowledge needed to address global challenges.

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