British Council, the UK's international organisation for educational opportunities and cultural exchange, in partnership with HSBC, launched a Climate Skills – Seeds for Transition India cross-partner facilitator training this week, bringing together over 55 educators from three leading Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) – The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), HSNC University, and the University of Mumbai. This initiative is part of the British Council's global Climate Skills programme, which aims to equip young people with essential climate skills, enabling them to contribute to the transition towards a more sustainable and equitable future.
UK expert trainers led the five-day training programme (22-26 March) alongside seven co-facilitators from the participating HEIs. The participating 55 educators have been empowered to deliver innovative climate literacy training to young people, focusing on shared environmental challenges, solutions, and leadership development. The initiative aligns with the British Council's Climate Strategy and Youth Connect programme, supporting inclusive and transformative action on global challenges.
The British Council aims to train 290 trainers and 2000 young people across the three HEIs under this programme in the next year.
Alison Barrett MBE, Country Director India, British Council, stated, "The British Council is proud to collaborate with HSBC and our higher education partners in India to drive meaningful climate education. Investing in educator training lays the foundation for a skilled and climate-conscious generation that can support the transition to a greener future. This initiative not only strengthens the capacity of educators but also provides the tools and knowledge to young people to take climate action in their communities. This partnership fosters global connections, enables shared learning, and empowers young leaders to create a more sustainable world. By equipping educators to train the next generation, we are taking a step forward in making climate action inclusive, impactful, and sustainable."
The programme ensures that marginalised youth, particularly those from urban poor communities aged 18-30, gain access to critical skills and knowledge. This training approach has been delivered worldwide as part of a global initiative in Brazil, Mexico, Indonesia, Vietnam, and India; the programme reinforces HSBC and the British Council's long-standing commitment to youth skilling and inclusion.
Aloka Majumdar, Global Head of Sustainability and Head of Sustainability – India, HSBC, said, "HSBC and British Council have a track record of co-creating programmes striving to achieve a larger social impact. The Climate Skills programme is our new joint endeavour to improve climate literacy amongst youth in India. Supporting the global transition to net zero requires collaboration across multiple sectors, geographies and age groups. We are therefore pleased to be involved in a philanthropic programme that will engage young people on their education journey, to help them understand and respond to the future opportunities and challenges linked to climate change."
In addition to professors, young people selected for the programme will partner with local administrations, NGOs and other stakeholders to initiate region-specific climate action projects. These may include creating public biodiversity registers, conducting wetland conservation programs, and performing energy audits to promote sustainable development and reduce climate change vulnerabilities in local communities.
