Challenges in Sustainability 2024
November 9, 2024 – H 0104 (Elinor-Ostrom-Hörsaal), TU Berlin Campus Charlottenburg & On-line
The presentation “Challenges for Education in a World in Transformation” by the former Vice President of TU Berlin explores the evolving role of universities in addressing societal and global challenges. It emphasizes the importance of education as a lifelong value rather than mere knowledge retention, echoing Albert Einstein’s words: “Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in school.”
The talk contrasts two key objectives of higher education: academic freedom and employability, advocating for a balanced approach that fosters both personal growth and career readiness. It delves into the impact of globalization, digital transformation, and the rise of Generation Z on education, underscoring the need for universities to move beyond traditional growth-oriented paradigms. Instead, they must prioritize long-term human and planetary well-being.
Prof. Hans-Ulrich Heiss calls for a reimagining of educational systems to nurture global citizens equipped to navigate complex, interconnected challenges. Quoting inspiring figures like Nelson Mandela, he highlights the transformative power of education as a tool for societal change.
Mr. Steffen Hartge, CEO of GE Vernova, explores the critical challenges and opportunities for education and universities in navigating global transformations from a corporate perspective. He emphasizes the urgent need for education systems to adapt to rapid technological advancements, globalization, and environmental crises. Universities, he asserts, must balance academic freedom with employability, equipping graduates for lifelong learning and addressing pressing global challenges such as climate change, digital transformation, and geopolitical shifts.
To align with sustainable development goals, universities should prioritize interdisciplinary research, sustainability-focused education, and reducing carbon footprints. Graduates require “T-shaped” education, which combines deep expertise in specific fields with broader competencies like critical thinking, creativity, ethics, intercultural communication, and digital literacy. However, progress is often hindered by bureaucratic inertia, rigid accreditation systems, and the dominance of traditional ranking criteria. To overcome these obstacles, Mr. Hartge advocates for innovative educational practices such as problem- and project-based learning, which foster adaptability, curiosity, and critical thinking.
Concluding his address, Mr. Hartge calls for a transformative approach to education—one that inspires responsible global citizens. He emphasizes the need for universities to lead by reimagining their roles, integrating sustainability, and preparing graduates to tackle complex global challenges while fostering creativity, integrity, and collaboration.
Asha Saldani, an MBA graduate in Energy Management from TU Berlin, highlights the program’s unique sustainable approach, multicultural environment, and industry networking opportunities. She leveraged her MBA to advance her career by attending conferences, building industry connections, and specializing in the energy sector, with a focus on EU regulations. After completing her MBA, she joined Vattenfall’s Credit Risk team in Hamburg, contributing to projects like Nordlicht I & II.
David Fuchs, Program Director at GIZ GmbH, shares his MBA Energy Management journey, highlighting leadership, career progression, and personal growth. His Chilean project management (2018-2022) and current IKI Small Grants program work (budget: €92.8M) demonstrate his leadership impact, focus on sustainability, and self-realization through resilience and purpose-driven growth.
Mohammad Khalifeh, a Business Development and Bid Manager with seven years of experience, specializes in market entry strategies, leadership in public infrastructure tendering, and sustainable mobility. He holds an MBA in Sustainable Mobility Management. His career includes roles in Deutsche Bahn, Bombardier, and PSA Groupe, focusing on mobility technologies like battery-electric trains and emissions analysis. Khalifeh combines technical expertise with strategic insights, driving innovations in smart cities and sustainable transport.
Anirban Guharoy, another SuMo (Sustainable Mobility Management) graduate (2021-2023), transitioned from transportation engineering in India to working with a German team managing eMobility operations. His journey highlights resilience, overcoming setbacks, and adapting to a dynamic environment. He focuses on resolving customer issues, enhancing operational efficiency, and leveraging data for cost and productivity improvements. Anirban is committed to personal growth through language acquisition, maintaining a positive mindset, and striving for his professional goals.
Several accomplished alumni recently shared their inspiring career journeys, encouraging current students to aim high and pursue their dreams. Rima Qwaider, now a Senior Manager at Zalando SE, and Gwenyd Pereira, a Senior Operations Coordinator, spoke about their professional growth and achievements. An-Chi Huang, a Market Operator, and Ahmed Samir Elbermbali, along with Andres Gavilan, also shared their success stories, offering invaluable insights into career development and innovation. Additionally, Gabriela Marcano discussed her motivation behind creating the blog Science to Inspire, which serves as a platform to motivate others through the wonders of science.
At the conclusion of the event, outstanding achievements were recognized with awards for the best master theses. Siddharth Rudolph D’Souza from the Energy Management MBA programme, Venura Adhikari Mudiyanselage from the Sustainable Mobility Management programme, and Florencia Fabik from the Building Sustainability Management programme were honored for their exceptional academic work.
Special award mentions were also presented to Min Jiang and Sara Anadolli from the Energy Law programme; Xia Yang and Daniela Ester Solver Lavin from the Energy Management programme; Dhanya Rachel Mathew and Shanaya Mulen Dsouza from the Building Sustainability Management programme; and Komeil Motaghia Monazam and Laura Peisker from the Sustainable Mobility Management programme. These awards celebrate their dedication, innovation, and excellence in their respective fields of study.
After a day filled with inspiring industry insights, educational breakthroughs, and engaging alumni stories, the evening unfolds in a vibrant atmosphere of music, delightful beverages, and meaningful connections. As the event draws to a close, students and alumni alike part with a shared sense of camaraderie and the hope of reuniting at next year’s gathering.
