Keynote Address by Secretary (East) at the East Asia Summit related events at Nalanda University (September 17, 2025)

Vice Chancellor Nalanda University, Prof. Sachin Chaturvedi,

Director General RIS, Prof. Sachin Sharma,

Distinguished guests from East Asia Summit Participating Countries,

Speakers and Representatives of the ASEAN Centre for Energy, academic institutions and Thinks Tanks from various parts of India and from EAS Participating Countries,

Students and Faculty of Nalanda University,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am delighted to be amongst you at Nalanda University. 'Nalanda' is not just a name. It is a civilisational brand. Every Indian takes great pride in the glorious history of the ancient Nalanda University.

The 4th East Asia Summit, in October 2009, called for the revival of the legacy of Nalanda University, the first residential university of the world, which flourished for over 800 years till the end of the 12th century CE. Students from across Asia and elsewhere used to study here, as it was connected to the shared heritage of many countries in the world, especially in Asia.

Many partner countries present over here have participated in the development of this modern Nalanda University. Students from more than 20 countries are studying here now, and a majority of them are from ASEAN. This is also the nodal University from India for the ASEAN-India Network of Universities.

The subjects of both the EAS events being organised here for the next two days flow from the announcements made by our Prime Minister at the last East Asia Summit. They are very relevant for strengthening cooperation under the EAS mechanism, as well as for implementation of the EAS Plan of Action and the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific, and align well with the theme of the Malaysian Chairmanship.

Firstly,it is an honor to join this gathering of minds dedicated to shaping our shared future on education, both in the region and beyond. Education is more than a national priority; it is the bridge that connects our societies, our economies, and our aspirations.

We meet at a time of profound transformation. Universities are expected to prepare young people for jobs that do not yet exist, to lead the digital revolution while protecting human values, and to expand access to learning in ways that leave no one behind. Across the region, we also share the challenge of sustainability, ensuring that growth today does not compromise the well-being of generations tomorrow.

These challenges, however, are also opportunities. We welcome enhanced student and faculty exchanges, and joint research focusing on issues that matter most to us, such as climate resilience, biodiversity, public health, maritime security, and AI ethics. By pooling talent and resources, we can create innovation ecosystems that serve not just our nations, but humanity at large.

From India's perspective, we see ASEAN as a natural partner in this journey. Our National Education Policy emphasizes multidisciplinary learning, digital universities, and global collaboration. We welcome students and faculty from EAS countries, and we are eager to collaborate on scholarships, joint degree programs, and research partnerships that also align with your priorities.

Ultimately, universities are more than centers of learning; they are incubators of peace, dialogue, and mutual understanding. If the 21st century is to be the Asian century, it will be because our universities light the way - producing not only skilled graduates, but also responsible citizens of the world.

Secondly,it is a delight to for India to host the knowledge-exchange workshop on energy efficiency, where we gather to learn from each other's experiences in shaping the future of energy. East Asia is home to some of the world's most dynamic economies and fastest-growing cities. With that comes a rising demand for energy - but also a responsibility to pursue growth in a way that is efficient, sustainable, and inclusive.

We often say that the cleanest energy is the energy we never need to use. Energy efficiency is, in many ways, the first fuel. It reduces costs, enhances energy security, cuts emissions, and improves the quality of life for our citizens.

Across our region, we already see some impressive examples of what works. These include India's Mission LIFE, Japan's Top Runner Programme, South Korea's push for smart grids and hydrogen technologies, China's large investments in renewables, and within ASEAN, countries like Singapore and Thailand having advanced building codes and energy conservation initiatives.

The Prime Minister of India, Shri. Narendra Modi, at the COP26 in Glasgow in November 2021, called upon the global community of individuals and institutions to drive Mission LiFE as an international mass movement towards "mindful and deliberate utilisation, instead of mindless and destructive consumption", to protect and preserve the environment. It seeks to promote sustainable consumption patterns and energy-saving behaviors, reinforcing the role of individuals in achieving climate goals.

This Nalanda University campus also advances this spirit. It is India's first campus to operate on the model of Net Zero Energy, Net Zero Emissions, Net Zero Water, and Net Zero Waste.

India has made impressive progress in clean and affordable energy. Our solar energy generation capacity has increased thirty-two times in the last ten years, making it the third-largest solar power generating nation in the world. Renewables now make up more than 50% of India's total installed power capacity. We are the first G-20 country to have fulfilled the commitments we made under the Paris agreement, ahead of time. We are also cooperating with EAS Participating countries through the International Solar Alliance, the initiative to link our electricity grids, and the Global Biofuel Alliance.

These experiences remind us that energy efficiency policies work best when they are integrated into broader national strategies - in transport, housing, industry, and urban planning.

But technology and policy alone are not enough. We must also focus on people. Citizens and businesses need incentives, financing options, and awareness to make sustainable choices. From household energy-saving campaigns to support for small enterprises, efficiency must be accessible to all - not just a privileged few.

Looking ahead, we have an opportunity to strengthen regional cooperation. This could be in the form of a shared platform for energy efficiency - where countries could align standards, co-develop technologies, and share lessons more systematically. Such collaboration would not only accelerate progress, but also build resilience in the face of global energy volatility. Together, these principles can help us become not only an engine of growth, but also a model of sustainable energy leadership.

Distinguished participants,

I declare the 'Conclave of Heads of Higher Educational Institutions' and 'EAS Knowledge Exchange Workshop on Energy Efficiency Policies and Programmes - Lifestyle for Environment' open.

I wish you all productive discussions over the course of the next two days, and a comfortable stay at Nalanda, and hope that you will also be able to take time out and see the glorious heritage of the region around the campus.

Thank You.

Rajgir
September 17, 2025