The National Institute of Technology Calicut (NITC) inaugurated a major global event  the International Conference on “Towards Lifelong Learning Ecosystems for a Sustainable Future”  bringing together global leaders in education, policy, research, and innovation to explore pathways for lifelong learning and sustainable development.
The three-day conference, organized in conjunction with the 3rd ASEM Lifelong Learning (LLL) Hub Regional Centre for South Asia Annual Conference and the 19th PASCAL International Observatory Conference, marks a significant milestone in NITC’s ongoing efforts to foster international collaboration and knowledge exchange.
The inaugural ceremony was graced by Shri Gokulam Gopalan, Chairman and Managing Director of Sree Gokulam Group of Companies, who served as the Chief Guest, and Prof. T.P. Sethumadhavan, Former Vice Chancellor, Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, and Professor at the Transdisciplinary University of Health, who was the Guest of Honour.
 The event was presided over by Prof.Prasad Krishna, Director, NIT Calicut.
The inaugural panel also included distinguished international guests  Prof. Séamus O' Tuama (Chair, ASEM LLL, Ireland), Prof. Michael Osborne (PASCAL, UK), and Shri K. Anand (Trustee, Adi Shankara Institute)  reflecting the global scope and collaborative spirit of the conference.
In his inaugural address, Prof.Prasad Krishna, Director, NIT Calicut, emphasized the importance of integrating lifelong learning into the fabric of higher education institutions.
“At NIT Calicut, we believe that education is not confined to the classroom but continues throughout one’s life. This conference provides a unique platform to exchange ideas that can shape inclusive, flexible, and sustainable learning ecosystems for the future,” he remarked.
Shri Gokulam Gopalan, in his address as the Chief Guest, highlighted the need for education systems to align with societal and technological transformations.
“True education extends beyond degrees; it empowers individuals to adapt, innovate, and contribute meaningfully to society. Platforms like this conference are vital in building an educational culture rooted in lifelong learning,” he noted.
The conference will feature keynote sessions, panel discussions, and collaborative workshops addressing themes such as digital transformation in learning, community-based education models, sustainability and inclusivity in lifelong learning, and policy frameworks for equitable education.
With participants representing universities, research bodies, industries, and international organizations, the conclave is expected to pave the way for new partnerships and frameworks aimed at realizing the vision of a sustainable and inclusive learning future.