Introduction:

More than 10 % of the global population lives in extreme poverty today; they struggle to fulfil the most basic needs like health needs, educational desires, and access to healthy water, sanitation, and clothing. Most people living on less than the minimum daily financial needs are common in rural areas. Worldwide, the poverty rate in rural areas is 17.2 %—more than three times higher than in urban areas. One child amongst five lives in extreme poverty. Ensuring social protection for all children, especially girls and other vulnerable groups, is critical to reducing poverty. It shows up as starvation and malnutrition, restricted access to healthcare and other necessities.

About SDG 16

Sustainable Development Goal 16 is a crucial component of the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, focusing on promoting peaceful and inclusive societies, ensuring access to justice for all, and building effective, accountable institutions at all levels. Recognizing that peace and justice are essential for sustainable development, SDG 16 aims to address the root causes of conflict, support good governance, and foster societal resilience.

Key Targets

SDG 16 includes several specific targets aimed at achieving its overarching goals:

1. Reducing Violence: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates worldwide.
2. Access to Justice: Ensure equal access to justice for all and promote the rule of law at national and international levels.
3. Legitimacy of Institutions: Develop effective, accountable, and transparent institutions at all levels.
4. Participation in Decision-Making: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory, and representative decision-making at all levels.
5. Strengthening the Participation of Youth: Promote the establishment of peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all, and build effective, accountable institutions.

Importance

Peace and justice are fundamental to the well-being of individuals and communities. Instability, conflict, and injustice undermine development efforts, exacerbating poverty, inequality, and social exclusion. By fostering inclusive societies and effective governance, SDG 16 aims to create environments where individuals can thrive, thereby contributing to economic growth and social stability.

Global Initiatives

To support the goals of SDG 16, various global initiatives and frameworks are in place, including:

• The Global Agenda for Sustainable Development: This framework encourages cooperation between governments, civil society, and the private sector to achieve peace and justice.
• United Nations Peacekeeping Missions: These missions aim to stabilize conflict zones and support the rebuilding of institutions.
• International Treaties and Conventions: Various international legal instruments promote human rights and the rule of law, providing frameworks for accountability.

Conclusion :

• SDG 16 emphasizes that sustainable development cannot occur without peace, justice, and strong institutions. By addressing the interconnections between these elements, the goal aims to foster environments where individuals feel safe, valued, and empowered. As nations work towards achieving this goal, collaboration and commitment are essential to creating a more just, peaceful, and resilient world for all.
• Academia and universities (and other higher education institutions) have a crucial role to play in today’s rapidly changing global world which is increasingly driven by knowledge, information, innovation, and ideas. However, as noted by several higher education leaders, it would be shortsighted to limit the scope of higher education’s role to being important only for economic development and a source for innovative, sustainable ideas to resolve today’s problems. Instead, higher education institutions need to be supported and recognized as places where the next generation will be empowered to become the leaders that are needed for Equally important to prosperity and innovation are leaders who understand the rule of law, good governance, and how organized crime, terrorism and corruption can be countered effectively.

Institutional Policies towards SDG 16

All the programs offered in these Constituent Units of the Vidyapeeth are duly recognized by the respective Councils such as NMC / DCI / INC / NCISM / NCH / AICTE / UGC, etc. All our hospitals viz Medical, Dental, Ayurved and Homeopathy are NABH accredited and laboratories are NABL accredited. Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune has been Accredited (3 Cycle) by NAAC with a CGPA of 3.64 on Four point scale at ‘A++’ Grade. The Vidyapeeth is also an ISO 9001: 2015, ISO 14001:2015 and Green Education Campus Certified University.

DPU has been categorized as “Category-I Deemed to be University” by University Grants Commission (UGC) as per the provision of Categorization of Deemed to be University under UGC [Categorization of Universities (only) for Grant of Graded Autonomy] Regulations, 2018 vide its Letter dated 20th April, 2018.

Under National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2023, conducted by Ministry of Education, New Delhi, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune has achieved rank 3rd in Dental Category, 15th in Medical Category, 46th in University Category and 81st in Overall Category in India.

Constituent Units of DPU

• Medical College
• Dental College & Hospital
• Biotechnology & Bioinformatics
• Global Business School
• Centre for Online Learning
• Nursing College
• Physiotherapy College
• Optometry & Visual Sciences
• Ayurved College
• Homoeopathic College
• School of Design
• School of Liberal Arts
• School of Science & Technology
• School of Allied Health Sciences
• Centre for Skill Development

Capacity Building:

• Universities can provide capacity building support to organizations and communities that are working towards the This might include training programs, workshops, and knowledge sharing.
• DPU offers courses, workshops, and training programs related to sustainable development, SDGs, and partnership building.
• The institutes under DPU regularly conduct awareness campaigns on a large variety of health, hygiene, National Govt led initiatives such as Swacch Bharat Abhiyan, Unnat Bharat Abhiyan and also promote sustainable practices on All students have actively participated in tree-plantation drives, cleanliness drives, and other programmes that add to their overall knowledge and social responsibility.
• Outcome: The coming generations of students are well-informed and committed to driving sustainable development, both within the University community and beyond.

• D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune (DPU) had a humble beginning with one institution under its fold. Over the last 19 years it has grown by leaps and bounds with the addition of 9 more professional institutions. Today the nine institutions of Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune have created a brand name “DPU” in the field of Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing, Physiotherapy, Optometry, Biotechnology, Management including the Institute of Distance Learning, Centre for Online Learning, Ayurved and Homoeopathy. These nine institutions are providing quality education to over 5200 students. Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune has state-of the-art infrastructure & dedicated faculty over & above the respective council norms.
• The DPU Ethics Committee is registered by the Drug Controller General of India in 2013 and has been reregistered in 2016 for three years and renewed in 2019 for further period of 5 The Vidyapeeth is registered in 2013 with FCRA (Reg. No. 083930601) and re-registered in 2018 for further five year.
• The Anti Ragging committee, Vidyapeeth Student Council, Grievance Redressal Cell, Research Advisory Board, Internal Complaint Committee, Internal Quality Assurance Cell and Parent-Teacher associations are fully functional here.
• DPU has also been recognized as a Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (SIRO) by the of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) in 2014 for a period of 3 years (30/04/2014 to 31/03/2017) and the said recognition is renewed for a further period of 3 years (01/04/2017 to 31/03/2020). The said renewal is renewed for a further period of next 3 years (2020-23)
• Under Swachh Campus Ranking 2019 of Higher Educational Institutions, conducted by Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD), New Delhi, the Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune has achieved as 9th rank amongst the Cleanest Higher Educational Institutions in the Country in the category ‘Residential Universities – UGC’. Also DPU has received ‘One District One Champion 2021-22’ Award for Swachata Action plan conducted by MGNCRE under Ministry of Education, of India.
• D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth mainly focuses on health care related courses such as Medicine, Dentistry, Physiotherapy, Nursing, Optometry, allied integrated healthcare teaching, learning and research between modern medicines with alternative medicine, development of education and research in Yoga and Naturopathy, Innovation in Teaching & Learning and Research, Bioethics, Oral Implantology, Oral Oncology, Dental Material Testing, Biomarkers, Advance Centre for Molecular Diagnostics for human Diseases, etc.
• The Vidyapeeth has state-of-the-art library facilities in each constituent college and has a total of about 77,425 books along with journals, e-books, and e-journals. DPU has been subscribed the standard databases that include, Scopus, Elsevier Clinical Key, Elsevier Clinical Flex, EBSCO - Host, I-Gate, Knowledge - Hub, Web of Science and many more. The library of the Medical College is aesthetically built with spacious reading rooms for students and faculty members.

Har Ghar Tiranga Campaign

• To celebrate “Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav”, Dr. D.Y. Patil Biotechnology & Bioinformatics Institute (DYPBBI), under the aegis of Dr. D.Y.Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune participated in Har Ghar Tiranga campaign.
• The campaign begun on 13th August, 2022 by flag hoisting on the terrace of DYPBBI building, The National Flag was hoisted by Dr. Minal Wani, Professor, and Academic Coordinator. Flag hoisting was followed by National Anthem.

National Unity Day

On occasion of birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhai Patel, National Unity Day is observed on 31^st October, 2022 with the theme for this year being Paanch Pran. Dr. D. Y. Patil College of Physiotherapy under Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune organized an event comprising of introductory speech about the Iron Man of India, a small video on the life of Sardar Patel displayed in the waiting arena of Physiotherapy OPD for public viewing and was also shown to the Physiotherapy students in the classrooms. As a part of the endeavor, Dr. Tushar J. Palekar, Principal, staff and students took a pledge for maintaining the National Unity/ Rashtriya Ekta. This was followed by Unity march from our college campus to Vidyapeeth building with banner and placard to spread the message of Unity. The event was coordinated by Dr. Preeti Gazbare along with Students Council.

Student Engagement:

Engaging students in SDG-related activities, such as service learning, internships, and research projects, can raise awareness and empower the next generation to be change- makers in their communities and future careers.

Tree Plantation Activity

Blood Donation Camp 2022

Interdisciplinary Research and Education:

Dr D. Y. Patil University promotes interdisciplinary research and education to address complex global challenges. By encouraging collaboration between different departments and faculties, universities can foster a holistic approach to SDGs.

Students are encouraged to take active participate in interdisciplinary conferences, workshops, and also undertake independent research projects. These projects are funded by National bodies such as ICMR and many students are also granted Funding for their projects by DPU.

Unmesh 2022

Collaboration with Johns Hopkins University

Collaboration with Gulf medical University, Ajman, UAE

Collaboration with VISTA Institute for Therapeutic Innovations, USA

Collaboration with Nord University, Norway

Collaboration with Ayurveda Institute of Canada

Collaboration with Andijan State Medical Institute, Uzbekistan

Collaboration with Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs):

The students of the Vidyapeeth are encouraged to understand the local realities of life as well as the importance of having a global view of healthcare, environmental, and developmental issues. The University encourages students, faculty, and staff to engage in community service, internships, and study abroad programs focusing on sustainable development and partnership building.

MoU with Joint Director of Health Services, Pune

Impact: By improving the accuracy and speed of diagnosis, this partnership has significantly reduced the time between diagnosis and treatment, leading to better management of diseases and a reduction in disease transmission. The collaboration has resulted in the implementation of advanced diagnostic techniques, training of healthcare professionals, and improvements in public health management through faster disease detection.

MoU with Genetic Diagnostics, Pune

• Impact: By leveraging advanced genetic testing, this collaboration has enabled the development of personalized treatment plans, improving patient outcomes for those with genetic disorders. Faculty and students have gained exposure to state-of-the-art genetic diagnostic tools, enabling more precise diagnoses and facilitating better patient care.

MoU with PGI & YCM Hospital, Pune

• Impact: Through this partnership, DPU has strengthened its capacity to conduct HPV screenings, which has led to a reduction in cervical cancer cases by enabling earlier intervention.

Baby Friendly Hospital According to WHO

Corporate Partnerships:

Building relationships with businesses and corporations can lead to opportunities for joint research, funding, and internships for students. This collaboration can help address the economic and business aspects of sustainability.

Corporate Guest Session

Opportunities for higher studies with, World class Universities.

Speaker:Mr. Shreyas Pardesi, Program Associate, Global Collaborations John Hopkins Carey Business School

Industrial visit at Cottonking Pvt. Ltd. for MBA-I year students (Monday, Feb 20, 2023)

Community Engagement:

The institutes under DPU regularly conduct awareness campaigns on a large variety of health, hygiene, National Govt led initiatives such as Swacch Bharat Abhiyan, Unnat Bharat Abhiyan and also promote sustainable practices on campus. All students have actively participated in tree-plantation drives, cleanliness drives, and other programmes that add to their overall knowledge and social responsibility.

The coming generations of students are well-informed and committed to driving sustainable development, both within the University community and beyond.

Gender Equality and Equity

The Vidyapeeth has conducted Gender Audit in light of the following objectives:

Gender Balance Among Teaching Faculty

Details of Dean / Director / Principal

Details of Professors / HODs :

Details of Associate Professors / Readers :

Details of Assistant Professors / Lecturers

Grand Total Details of All Teaching Staff

Details of Tutors / Demonstrator / Clinical Instructor

Details of Adjunct / Visiting Professor

Details of Senior Resident

Grand total of Other Teaching Staff

Gender Distribution of Non-Teaching Faculty

Details of Group A :

The employees who are in the pay scale as per UGC norms / Council norms. Class I employees like “Registrar, Finance Officer, Controller of Examinations, Deputy Registrar, Assistant Registrar and equivalent rank”.

Details of Group B

The employees who are in the pay scale as per UGC norms / Council norms. Class II employees Section Officer, Account Officer, Superintendent and equivalent.

Details of Group C

The Employees who are in the pay scale as per UGC norms / Council norms. Class III employees in the rank of Senior Assistant, Junior Assistant, Senior Clerk, Junior Clerk, Accountant, Assistant Accountant and equivalent.

Details of Group D

The Employees who are in the pay scale as per UGC norms /Council norms. Class IV employees, “Peons /attendants/sweepers and equivalent”.

Grand Total Details of All Non-Teaching Staff

Details of Vigilance and Security Guards

Institution	All Security Guards
	Male	Female	Total
Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune	9	2	11
Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, Pimpri, Pune	121	113	234
Dr. D. Y. Patil Dental College & Hospital, Pimpri, Pune	20	8	28
Dr. D. Y. Patil Biotechnology and Bioinformatics Institute, Tathawade, Pune	10	6	16
Global Business School & Research Centre, Tathawade, Pune	11	2	13
Dr. D. Y. Patil College of Physiotherapy, Pimpri, Pune	2	1	3
Dr. D. Y. Patil College of Ayurved and Research Centre, Pimpri, Pune	8	6	14
Dr. D. Y. Patil Homoeopathy Medical College & Research Centre, Pimpri, Pune	8	6	14
Dr. D. Y. Patil College of Nursing, Pimpri, Pune	2	2	4
Dr. D. Y. Patil Institute of Optometry and Visual Sciences, Pimpri, Pune	3	2	5
Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth’s Centre for Online Learning, Pune	1	0	1
Dr. D. Y. Patil School of Science and Technology, Tathawade, Pune	1	0	1
Dr. D. Y. Patil School of Design, Tathawade, Pune	4	26	30
Dr. D. Y. Patil School of Liberal Arts, Pimpri, Pune	1	0	1
Dr. D. Y. Patil School of Allied Health Sciences, Pimpri, Pune	1	0	1
Grand Total	202	174	376