On July 11, 2024, the British Council, in partnership with HSBC India, launched the Climate Skills: Seeds for Transition India project in New Delhi. This global initiative aims to nurture essential climate skills among India's youth, creating over 2,000 youth leaders from marginalised communities and training 300 educators in India over the next two years. The project will also engage young people aged 18-30 in Brazil, Indonesia, Mexico, and Vietnam.
The programme is a part of the British Council’s long-term international effort to establish a global climate skills approach. It seeks to empower youth, inform decision-makers about alternative climate education strategies, and address climate challenges at grassroots, national, and global levels. By partnering with governments, communities, and institutions, the initiative aims to create tangible solutions to better understand the impact of climate change and equip the next generation with necessary skills needed in the wake of climate change.
Scott McDonald, Chief Executive of the British Council, emphasised the importance of equipping youth with essential climate resilience skills, stating, "At the British Council, we are committed to empowering young people with the skills and knowledge necessary to tackle the pressing challenges of climate change. Our partnership with HSBC on the ‘Climate Skills: Seeds for Transition India’ project reflects our shared vision of a more sustainable future. By equipping youth with essential climate resilience skills, they can lead the transition to greener economies and drive positive change in their communities. These skills are increasingly critical as we consider projections for the life of our planet and its natural resources.”
Running from July 2024 to February 2026, the project aims to raise awareness among key stakeholders, including government institutions, policymakers, and higher educational institutions. The initiative highlights the British Council's leadership in climate action and its commitment to providing alternative climate education approaches. It focuses on empowering both urban and rural youth by integrating youth-led social action with climate education, aiming to deliver locally led interventions connected to a global network across five countries.
The launch event featured key stakeholders and discussions on climate action, highlighting the programme's dedication to improving climate literacy and empowering marginalised youth. The event included a screening of the climate film "Songs of the Earth" and a Leadership Dialogue on the importance of leaders demonstrating action and spearheading initiatives to raise awareness and address the impacts of climate change within their organisations and the wider community. This dialogue was facilitated by Alison Barrett MBE, Director of the British Council in India, with panellists Lindy Cameron CB OBE, British High Commissioner to India, Scott McDonald, Chief Executive of the British Council, and Hitendra Dave, Chief Executive Officer of HSBC India.
A panel discussion on "The Role of Youth in Driving Sustainable Economic Growth" was chaired by Monomita Nag-Chowdhury, Programme Lead of The Climate Connection from the British Council. The panellists included Prof. Vasanthi Rajendran from the Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development, Yusuf Kabir from UNICEF, Rishika Das Roy from the India Climate Collaborative, and Achintya Ghosal, Youth Advisor, Climate Skills India.
At the end of the event, prizes were awarded, with young Krishank being recognised as the winner of the British Council Sustainable Environment Video Competition. Video is available here.
About Climate Skills: Seeds for Transition India
Climate Skills equips young people around the world with the fundamental skills they need to be part of the transition from high carbon to low carbon economies. Through a collaborative effort between the British Council and HSBC India, the programme trains local community organisations to better support young people who are disproportionately affected by climate change.
Participants come from communities that encounter major systemic challenges in contributing to the growth of their country's green economy. The programme will delve into climate literacy, helping to foster a deeper understanding of shared environmental challenges and solutions, and nurture core skills and leadership abilities, providing a strong foundation for personal and professional growth.