The two-day regional workshop under the ‘Climate Skills – Seeds for a Transition India’ initiative on Oct 9-10 at the TERI School of Advanced Studies (T-SAS), New Delhi, brought together youth from across northern India for hands-on learning, collaboration, and climate leadership development.
Supported by the British Council and HSBC, the India chapter of this global programme—also active in Brazil, Indonesia, Mexico, and Vietnam—is being implemented by TERI with academic partners such as the University of Mumbai and HSNC University. Following successful workshops in Goa and Bengaluru, the Delhi edition marks the halfway point of the series before it moves to Bhopal and Guwahati.
The initiative will culminate in a five-day Sustainability and Leadership Camp in Mukteshwar, Uttarakhand, where participants from across India will be mentored to design and implement social action projects within their institutions and communities—thereby strengthening a national network of young leaders driving India’s green transition.
Jointly organized by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) and the TERI School of Advanced Studies (T-SAS) in partnership with the British Council, HSBC and with Vishwa Yuvak Kendra as the outreach partner, the Delhi workshop engaged over 130 students and young changemakers from Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Uttarakhand, and Uttar Pradesh. Through interactive sessions, creative group activities, and reflective exercises, participants explored pressing local climate issues, sustainable living practices, and community-driven solutions that can be scaled for wider impact.
From energizers such as ‘Speed Networking’ and ‘Gender Box’ to introspective modules like ‘Vision Meditation’ and ‘Youth-led Actions: World Café’, the agenda encouraged participants to connect climate knowledge with personal experience and design practical, actionable, community-based responses to environmental challenges. The sessions emphasized critical thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving—key skills for steering the transition to a low-carbon, climate-resilient future.
In his Special Address, Prof. Suman K Dhar, Vice Chancellor, TERI School of Advanced Studies, said, “The presence of youth in such huge numbers is a powerful reminder of how real and urgent climate change is. From innovations to grassroots actions, every step counts. Tackling these challenges can only be done by blending technical skills and soft skills for climate action.”
Speaking on the role of partnerships in strengthening youth leadership, Mr Uday Shankar Singh, CEO, Vishwa Yuvak Kendra, emphasized, “Sustainability is no longer optional, it is existential.
The youth must be the torchbearers of this movement, forging partnerships across sectors — local, regional, and global — to champion conservation and secure the needs of future generations. This can only be achieved through collaboration and commitment.”
Highlighting the importance of partnerships in youth empowerment, Ms Rashi Jain, Area Director, West India and Country Business Development Lead, British Council, remarked, “We are thrilled to support the ‘Climate Skills – Seeds for a Transition India’ initiative, delivered in collaboration with HSBC, which empowers young people to become active climate leaders. By equipping students with practical knowledge, global perspectives, and the tools to drive change in their communities, this programme exemplifies how partnerships and education can shape a sustainable future. The enthusiasm and commitment we have seen in New Delhi are truly inspiring, and we at the British Council look forward to witnessing these young changemakers lead India’s transition to a greener, more resilient tomorrow.”
Underscoring the urgency of climate action and the pivotal role of youth, Dr Dipankar Saharia, Senior Director, TERI, highlighted, “Climate change is no longer a chapter in a geography book – it is a lived reality. From floods to heatwaves, we are experiencing its impact every day, and the youth must be prepared to respond.”
