Sincere thanks for your nomination to SERD Sustainability Award – 2024 !
It was really mesmerizing to know that a lot of people are working very hard for the Sustainability and these innovative projects have proved a key for the development across the world. Large number of people have been directly benefited by the projects being run by you people and they will enormous impact in near future. Jury had a tough time to decide upon the award winners and finally the Awards for 2024 are being given in the following six categories:
| S.No. | Award Category | Awardee | Present Organisation | Country |
| 1 | Economic Growth (SDG 8- Decent work and economic growth & SDG 12- Responsible consumption and production) | Gabriel Ayodeji Ogunmola | Sharda University Uzbekistan | Uzbekistan |
| 2 | Equality and Women Empowerment (SDG 5- Gender Equality & SDG 10- Reduced Inequalities) | Hetal Sarkhedi | Welspun Living Limited | India |
| 3 | Industrial Development (SDG 9- Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure & SDG 11- Sustainable cities and communities) | Ali Rehman | University of Central Asia, Bishkek – Kyrgyzstan | Kyrgyzstan |
| 4 | Natural Resources Management (SDG 7- Affordable and clean energy & SDG 14- Life below water & SDG 15- Life on Land) | Ajay Kumar Bansal | Central University of Haryana | India |
| 5 | People Well-being (SDG 1- No Poverty & SDG 2- Zero Hunger & SDG 3- Good Health and Well-Being) | Rania Mohamed Hassan Baleela | University of Khartoum, Sudan | Sudan |
| 6 | Sustainable Environment (SDG 6- Clean water and Sanitation & SDG 13- Climate action) | Elizabeth Minton | University of Wyoming | USA |
Award Winners Profile
Gabriel Ayodeji Ogunmola
Associate Professor
Sharda University Uzbekistan
The nominee has significantly contributed to sustainable economic growth and responsible consumption through the development of innovative business models in the e-retail sector. By implementing these models, the nominee has improved local employment rates, ensuring decent work conditions and fostering economic growth. Additionally, their strategies have successfully reduced the environmental impact of e-retail operations by promoting responsible consumption and production practices, such as eco-friendly packaging, efficient supply chain management, and the integration of renewable energy sources. These efforts have not only driven economic prosperity but also advanced sustainability goals, making a profound impact on both the community and the environment.
Hetal Sarkhedi
General Manager
Welspun Living Limited
This is the Pilot Project of the Mission Mangalam Scheme initiated by Gujarat Government by Hon.PM. Shri Narendra Damodardas Modi Ji. WELSPUN become the pioneer in initializing the “” Shree Sakhi Swarnim Talim Kendra”” training program in different villages.
The women’s of conservative societies of Kutch(Gujarat) are bound by social and family traditions to step out and work in factories/fields So Welspun has let the unprivileged women group of age 18-65 to work locally and provide supplement income to their families. Welspun -SPUN have collaboratively worked with District Rural Development Agency(DRDA) to inaugurate 12 centers(6 centers for Stitching Work and 6 canters for Embroidery Work)located at different villages within the radius of 100 kms.
SPUN products are created at the local village centers with the objective to create a global brand identity which is influenced by handcrafted traditions of India and is contemporary at the same time. These all women’s are with customers like IKEA,JLP and providing Hand Crafted Products such as Ikea Towels, Throw, Embroidered Cushions, Napkins, Pillows, Cat Pouch, Bed Runner, Table Runner, Rugs etc.
Ali Rehman
Internal Audit Director
University of Central Asia
Dr. Ali Rehman’s groundbreaking research explores the intersection of AI, Industry 5.0, and sustainable corporate governance. Through thorough investigation, Dr. Ali Rehman has shed light on how AI can revolutionize fraud risk assessment and internal audit processes, enhancing overall corporate governance maturity. Dr. Ali Rehman’s work emphasizes the critical role of technology in promoting sustainable business practices, aligning with the principles of Industry 5.0. By integrating these innovative concepts, Dr. Ali Rehman has established a robust framework for industrial development that prioritizes sustainability and ethical governance.
Ajay Kumar Bansal
Professor
Central University of Haryana, India
Dr. Bansal contributions hold significant potential impact on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) relevant to the award category. His expertise in power electronics drives and hybrid energy systems is widely recognized, and he has received several accolades for outstanding work in the field, including: SDG 7- Affordable and clean energy. Dr. Bansal has published 30 research paper and one patent on the area of affordable and clean energy. Given the increasing importance of renewable energy in addressing global energy challenges, Bansal’s work has likely encompassed research and development in this domain. This includes the integration of renewable energy sources into the power grid, optimization of renewable energy systems, and addressing challenges related to their variability and intermittency.
Rania Mohamed Hassan Baleela
Associate Professor at the Faculty of Science and Founding Director of the Toxic Organisms Research Centre
University of Khartoum, Sudan
Dr. Rania Baleela’s most significant contribution lies in her groundbreaking research on the molecular epidemiology and population genetics of visceral leishmaniasis, a devastating neglected tropical disease. Her investigations have provided critical insights into the transmission dynamics and genetic diversity of the Leishmania donovani parasite, elucidating key factors influencing disease spread and persistence. Research on these organisms stopped since the colonial time. She founded the first research centre dedicated to systematic studies of venomous and poisonous organisms. Dr. Baleela’s contributions to the field of molecular epidemiology have earned her national recognition and acclaim. Her research exemplifies the highest standards of scientific excellence and has made a tangible difference in the fight against neglected tropical diseases in Sudan.
Elizabeth Minton
Associate Professor of Marketing
University of Wyoming
The nominee’s most significant contribution is identifying and detailing religion’s influence on sustainability and how consumers’ religious values can be harnessed to encourage greater environmental sustainability. She has extensively published articles in the highly reputed journals over the years. These research articles examining the relationship between religion (both religiosity and religious affiliation) on sustainability lend insight into how to encourage environmental sustainability.