New Delhi: How can food, textiles, language, art and music inspire innovation and sustainable living? These questions will take centre stage at RISE 2026 (Re-Imagining School Education), a two-day thought exchange festival on Oct 23 and 24 at Alliance Française de Delhi.Curated by author and educationist Vaishali Gupta, RISE is a collaborative initiative of Alliance Française de Delhi and One Teacher One Scientist, aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Following previous editions exploring neuroscience, artificial intelligence, and arts and design, this year’s festival focuses on Cultures for Innovation under the theme of global citizenship.The festival will be inaugurated Thursday at 4:30 pm by France’s Ambassador to India, Thierry Mathou, and UN Resident Coordinator in India Stefan Priesner, during the official inauguration of Science Day and RISE 2026.A key highlight is the RISE Innovation Cup, envisioned by Gupta and supported by Microsoft. Students will work in teams to identify urban challenges in Delhi-NCR and develop sustainable city solutions through research, physical models and prototypes. A Microsoft expert jury will assess their ideas, with winning teams receiving mentorship from the company.The programme will feature hands-on workshops, panel discussions, performances and interactive activities. These include Grandma’s Kitchen, exploring Indian millets through French cuisine, herb gardening, upcycling, sustainable fashion, and making useful objects from waste. Teachers will also participate in training on the Innovation Cycle and integrating SDGs into classroom learning and curriculum design.Other attractions include a French-language Model United Nations guided by Alliance Française teachers, NGOs Got Talent for children from disadvantaged communities to showcase their abilities through poster-making and performing arts, and Frindi, pairing students to perform songs blending French and Hindi. An inter-school SDG Treasure Hunt and film screenings will offer further learning opportunities.Workshops and discussions will involve Microsoft, UNICEF, INTACH, the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art, Institut français en Inde and the National Institute of Immunology.RISE aims to foster critical thinking, creativity and inclusion, connecting cultural expression with scientific inquiry to prepare young people for a more sustainable future.
