SDG Sprints: Technical session on SDG 12
July 24, 2026 · 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM @ Online event
Description
This technical session webinar explores actionable pathways toward UN Sustainable Development Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by bridging advanced global engineering frameworks with practical, localized implementation strategies in Sri Lanka. Featuring insights from esteemed experts Prof. Wahidul and Dr. Manoj, the session provides a comprehensive look at modern resource efficiency, circular economy models, and sustainable management practices from both international and national perspectives. Designed for engineers, researchers, policymakers, and industry practitioners, this interactive session highlights how global technological innovations can be effectively aligned with local policies and industrial practices to drive measurable, long-term impact. 05:00 PM – 05:05 PM (IST): Introduction & Welcome by the Moderator. 05:05 PM – 05:35 PM (IST): Session by Dr. Wahidul Biswas (30 mins) – Focus on global technical frameworks, policies, and industrial tracking of SDG 12. 05:35 PM – 06:05 PM (IST): Session by Dr. Manoj Ranaweera (30 mins) – Focus on bridging these technical frameworks to Sri Lanka’s current industrial landscape and local challenges. 06:05 PM – 06:25 PM (IST): Moderated Q&A Session (20 mins) – Open floor for audience questions. 06:25 PM – 06:30 PM (IST): Vote of Thanks & Wrap-up. Professor Wahidul Biswas is the Deputy Director of the Sustainable Engineering Group in the School of Civil and Mechanical Engineering at Curtin University. Wahidul trained as a Mechanical Engineer, researching the performance of diesel engine using biogas fuel. Then, he has gradually diversified his research to engineering for sustainable development, an interdisciplinary field. He has a Masters in Environmental Technology from Imperial College London and a PhD in Sustainable Futures from the University of Technology, Sydney. Prof Biswas has carried out extensive life cycle assessment (LCA) and industrial symbiosis research projects for the Australian agricultural, alternative fuels, building and construction, manufacturing, mining and water sectors. He recently completed projects on the LCA of iron ore/steel, alumina, cement, green steel and green certification with the Australian National University, Queensland University of Technology and the University of Adelaide for South32, Fortescue, Rio Tinto, Alcoa, GFG, and Adbri Cement. Dr. Manoj Ranaweera is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Moratuwa and serves as the Director of the Engineering Faculty Quality Assurance Cell. He is an experienced researcher and educator with nearly 15 years of academic and research experience in Sri Lanka and the UK. His research expertise focuses on hydrogen fuel cells, renewable energy, and advanced sensor technologies, including patented work on in-situ temperature monitoring of solid oxide fuel cells. He has published research in high-impact international journals and conferences and has received several awards, including the President’s Award for Scientific Research in Sri Lanka. He also has extensive experience in engineering education quality assurance, curriculum development, accreditation, academic leadership, and national-level policy and consultancy work related to renewable energy, sustainable development, climate action, and Sri Lanka's NDC implementation.
Agenda
05:00 PM – 05:05 PM (IST): Introduction & Welcome by the Moderator. 05:05 PM – 05:35 PM (IST): Session by Dr. Wahidul Biswas (30 mins) – Focus on global technical frameworks, policies, and industrial tracking of SDG 12. 05:35 PM – 06:05 PM (IST): Session by Dr. Manoj Ranaweera (30 mins) – Focus on bridging these technical frameworks to Sri Lanka’s current industrial landscape and local challenges. 06:05 PM – 06:25 PM (IST): Moderated Q&A Session (20 mins) – Open floor for audience questions. 06:25 PM – 06:30 PM (IST): Vote of Thanks & Wrap-up.