In a groundbreaking collaboration between 1M1B (One Million for One Billion), an esteemed UN-accredited youth-focused organisation, and Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Limited (ABFRL), India’s largest green workforce initiative has been unveiled. The Sustainability Accelerator Programme 2024 marks the second edition of this impactful initiative for climate, officially launched during the Sustainability Policy Roundtable: Empowering Youth for Net Zero, held in New Delhi.
This innovative program is set to permeate all schools across India, with a distinct emphasis on social welfare and tribal schools. Its primary objective? To heighten awareness and foster active engagement among young minds in the urgent battle against climate change. Through a series of action-oriented missions, students will receive invaluable skill-building opportunities, culminating in the development of sustainable solutions through prototypes and immersive internship experiences within rural communities.
Building upon the success of its inaugural edition in 2023, which boasted participation from over 6,000 students and 800+ CBSE schools spanning 28 States and 5 Union Territories, the Sustainability Accelerator Programme 2024 promises to further empower the next generation of climate change champions. The top 20 students will be granted coveted workplace experiences and internships at ABFRL facilities, along with a transformative 6-day immersion visit to Bengaluru.
At its core, this initiative seeks to institutionalize a comprehensive ecosystem dedicated to Climate Action. By nurturing youth as vital contributors to this cause, the Sustainability Accelerator will not only instil an understanding of technology’s pivotal role in shaping a greener planet but also provide students with hands-on workplace experiences and mentorship opportunities from global leaders. Through the development of innovative prototypes, these young innovators will spearhead the transition towards a sustainable future.
To ensure maximum impact, the curriculum has been meticulously crafted to provide students with a holistic learning experience, emphasizing Climate Action while equipping them with invaluable perspectives and skills applicable in the professional realm.
A notable aspect of the Sustainability Accelerator Programme 2024 is its targeted implementation in Tribal and Social Welfare schools nationwide. Collaborating with various industry partners, the program will offer students internships, workplace experiences, and project opportunities within the sustainability sector.
Looking ahead, the program harbours an ambitious vision: to mobilize 1 million youth by 2030, empowering them to become invaluable contributors to climate change action. This vision closely aligns with the overarching mission of 1M1B to activate 1 million youth who will, in turn, impact 1 billion people, fostering a world of balanced prosperity.
In essence, the Sustainability Accelerator Programme 2024 represents a beacon of hope in the fight against climate change, harnessing the collective power of youth to drive meaningful change. Through education, hands-on experiences, and collaboration, this initiative aspires to cultivate a generation of leaders committed to safeguarding our planet for generations to come.
