SAGE

SUSTAINABILITY AMBASSADORS GLOBAL EXCHANGE PROGRAM

“Communities of practice are groups of people who share a concern or a passion for something they do and learn how to do it better as they interact regularly.” – Wenger-Trayner & Wenger-Trayner, 2015

By 2100, up to 40% of our planet’s population could exist outside of a liveable climate zone, while demands for food & water will double. The challenge lies in advancing current methods for scoping, scaling, & implementing new knowledge & technologies to meet the needs of this changing demographic in a sustainable manner. Current STEMM leaders are neither trained nor equipped with models to quickly transform science & technology across different societies & sectors so that solutions are properly contextualized in communities when they are needed.

STUDENTS

INSTRUCTORS

NATIONALITIES

COMMUNITY INTERACTIONS

REPORTS

APPLY FOR SAGE 2026

The SAGE Senior Ambassadors program is a 12-week hybrid program starting in June 2026 for Indian and International Masters students from social, natural, physical, and engineering sciences, consisting of an immersive and interactive program to understand cross-sectoral and interdisciplinary research surrounding on-ground sustainability issues in India.

A REAL WORLD SUSTAINABILITY BOOT CAMP

the echo network has developed a global model uniting communities, academia, industry, NGOs, and governments to advance sustainable development in emerging economies. Central to this model is a three-tiered training program: Junior Ambassadors (Indian undergraduates), Senior Ambassadors (international graduate students), and SAGE Fellows (PhD students). These three training elements are designed to leverage existing knowledge, innovations, and community connections within the echo network through a deliberate, collaborative approach known as ‘Communities of Practice’ .

JUNIOR AMBASSADORS

Undergraduate changemakers who address sustainability on-ground through community outreach and science communication.

SENIOR AMBASSADORS

International postgraduates who combine interdisciplinary research with practical skills and global collaboration.

SAGE FELLOWS

Sustainability leaders who combine solution-oriented research with the latest innovations.

WHAT SAGE OFFERS

By connecting theoretical knowledge with practical application, participants develop essential skills in

The program’s blend of immersive fieldwork, interactive training, and community engagement enables participants to address real-world sustainability issues while fostering empathy and understanding. The diverse perspectives and networking opportunities of this lifelong program continue to offer participants vital tools for career success and professional growth. The SAGE program reinforces a commitment to sustainable development and collective impact across various sectors. It builds relationships that will last a lifetime, creating a network of passionate individuals committed to making a difference

I learnt immensely about one health, this was the first time I could practically see research going in effect in the field at a micro workable space. We were constantly motivated to not take a short research of three months lightly, and constantly reminded to streamline and search for workable outputs with complete conviction. I come from a research field and I have always been told to not view your research as something that can bring a change but rather to see it academically. SAGE really motivated me to bring action to work or the data discovered, that change can be brought. The program handpicks students from across disciplines, which gives us a holistic lens on all problems that we see. Making our network strong and more oriented towards our goal. I also learnt to be a good listener, be more conscious of the decisions that we make daily, but also to work with organizations, governance, institutions. It also taught me the importance of being kind and building rapport.

The SAGE Senior ambassador programme challenges you to work on cross-cultural, interdisciplinary challenges, together with other young minds. Ranging from biodiversity, to global health and agriculture, you will learn to build bridges you didn't know were needed. In the center of India, you will work on the problems of today for the people who need it the most.

Definitely, SAGE program has helped me in many ways. 25 different ambassadors altogether from different places, even from different countries. I have learnt from 25 beautiful journeys in just 4 weeks, that's hard to learn in any coursework. Teamwork, cooperation and coordination, Listening to the minds speaking from all walks of life. A huge network of academician, industrialist, policy makers, research institutes and government organizations. I am happy to share that I am taking forward my research topic here on Sustainable Biomaterials as my full time career in 3D printing industry. And the cherry on top is now I can visit any corner in India and different countries, knowing I have a SAGE friend there.

As a SAGE Junior Ambassador, I gained invaluable skills in leadership and collaboration while working on impactful community projects. The program empowered me to address real-world issues, fostering my confidence in public speaking and advocacy. Overall, it deepened my commitment to making a positive difference and inspired me to continue engaging with my community.

As a SAGE Senior Ambassador, my experience was a transformative blend of interdisciplinary learning and hands-on research, deepening my understanding of sustainability challenges. The program enhanced my skills in collaborative research, project management, and stakeholder engagement, which I continue to apply in my current work. I look forward to future engagements where I can contribute even more actively, using these insights to drive impactful sustainability projects and research.

The SAGE program made me realise that ” I can change,I can be a change” if there is an adequate guidance. Every little step matters -I was a chain between the SAGE program and the stakeholders which let me know how a small step taken can be so loud. The position Junior Ambassador made me know how the professional walk and talks are done ,how responsible you can be when a opportunity given!