- Vagmi V S represents India at UN ECOSOC Youth Forum 2026 in New York
- Only industrial designer among India’s five delegates, spotlighting design as a global policy force
- Calls for shift from “climate anxiety” to “agency of change” resonate at United Nations headquarters
- Anant National University reinforces global impact through design-led education and SDG engagement
NE EDUCATION BUREAU
AHMEDABAD, APR 25
In a defining global moment for Indian design education, Vagmi V S, a product design student from Anant National University, represented the country at the prestigious UN ECOSOC Youth Forum 2026 held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. Selected by the Government of India, he was among just five national delegates—and notably the only industrial designer—underscoring the rising relevance of design in shaping global discourse.
Vagmi’s journey reflects a new-age trajectory where design intersects with sustainability, policy, and community impact. With years of work in water conservation, sustainability, and grassroots engagement, he brought a grounded perspective to high-level discussions on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), demonstrating how design thinking can transform policy into actionable solutions.
Addressing global delegates and policymakers, Vagmi delivered a compelling message:
“Moving beyond narratives of ‘climate anxiety’ towards fostering the ‘agency of change’ is critical—empowering youth with the tools and responsibility to actively shape sustainable futures.”
His intervention highlighted how design bridges the gap between intent and implementation, translating complex frameworks into tangible, real-world impact.
From early engagements in Model United Nations and the National Youth Parliament to speaking at the UN, Vagmi’s journey mirrors the expanding horizons of design education—where careers now span innovation, sustainability, governance, and global leadership.
The achievement also reflects Anant National University’s vision of nurturing globally aware, socially responsible, and future-ready professionals. With its DesignX pedagogy, the university integrates design with liberal arts, emerging technologies, and community immersion—enabling students to tackle complex global challenges with practical solutions.
Recognised as a Centre of Excellence by the Government of Gujarat and rated highly under the GSIRF 2023–24, Anant continues to position itself as a hub for design-led innovation and global engagement.
