The inauguration of UNESCO course took place on 9 August 2017Cardinal Oswald Gracias was the Chief Guest at the Inauguration programme. The welcome address was given by Dr. Gracy Fernandes Programme Convener and Vice President, Nirmala Niketan Institute. Dr. Marie Fernandes, Principal, St. Andrews College, explained the genesis of the Cardinal Paul Poupard and UNESCO Chair and the various Conferences and activities that are organized under its banner. The introduction to the programme was given by Dr. Fr. S.M. Michael. His Eminence, Cardinal Oswald Gracias delivered the Inaugural Address and the Vote of Thanks was done by Dr. Lidwin Dias, Principal, College of Social Work, Nirmala Niketan.

 Dr. Ronald Yesudhas was the main teacher for the paper titled “Sustainable Development and Alternative Energy”. Classes for this paper were held from 13 October to 15 December 2017. The topics covered in this paper included Environment, Conservation Science, Environmental Law and Policy, Theories on Development, Concepts in Ecological Economics, Climate Change, Renewable Energy and Sustainable Future. Resource persons invited for this paper were Sabeena Gonsalves, Nikhil Chavan, Maryam Agarbattiwala, and Albin Thomas. Students submitted their assignment on 28 February 2018. Assessment of the completed assignments of students was done by Ronald Yesudhas. Mark sheet of this paper was submitted to Mr. Elvis Thomas, Coordinator of the Course. 

Report of Water, Governance and Development was handled by Ms Roshni Louis Alphanso an Assistant Professor at College of Social work, the following subtopics were dealt with in detail.

1. Introduction to Water
2. Gender and Water 
3. Environmental Hazards and Water
4. Laws and Schemes related to Water 
5. Role of NGOs in the issue of water 6. Water and urban crisis 
6. Agriculture, water resources and suicides 
7. Water management practice

Seventeen students registered for the session. The objective of the facilitator was to orient the students to the reality about water, Governance and Development and to understand the magnitude of the issue. It also encouraged them to think of alternatives to remedy the situation. The facilitator tried to bring in the rural as well as the urban perspective. 

The group seemed to be very enthusiastic and interested in the subject. Various interactive methods were used to create better learning situations than classic lectures. The session was a mixture of different methods such as case study discussion, short films, powerpoint presentations and lecture methods. An attempt was also made to analyze some acts and regulations of the government pertaining to water and ecology.

The group seemed to be very enthusiastic and interested in the subject. Various interactive methods were used to create better learning situations than classic lectures. The session was a mixture of different methods such as case study discussion, short films, powerpoint presentations and lecture methods. An attempt was also made to analyze some acts and regulations of the government pertaining to water and ecology.

After the end of the first batch the College would like to continue the Course, this could later be developed into a self-financing course with accreditation by the University of Mumbai. The Course Coordinator, Prof. Elvis Thomas, Associate Professor, College of Social Work, Nirmala Niketan, is in charge of the course.