British Council and HSBC India Launch the “Climate Skills: Seeds for Transition India” project in India

British Council, the UK’s international organisation for educational
opportunities and cultural exchange, in partnership with HSBC India, today launched the
Climate Skills: Seeds for Transition India project. This initiative aims to equip young people and communities in India with the skills needed to be resilient to the impending impact of climate change and to contribute to the opportunities of the transition to net zero.

The programme is part of British Council’s long-term international effort to establish a global
climate skills approach that empowers youth, informs decision-makers about alternative climate
education strategies, and addresses grassroots, national, and global climate challenges. It seeks
to go beyond discussion and partner with governments, communities, and institutions to create
tangible solutions for the future generation to better understand the impact of climate change
across all aspects of life and equip them with the necessary skills needed in the wake of climate
change.

The project works with young people aged 18-30 in five countries including India, Brazil,
Indonesia, Mexico and Vietnam. Scott McDonald, Chief Executive, British Council said, 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.”

Speaking on the partnership, Hitendra Dave, Chief Executive Officer, HSBC India, said, “We
have a long history of collaboration with the British Council and the co-creation of programmes
that help achieve a larger social purpose. Our partnership on the Climate Skills programme will
focus on youth and education, reflecting our joint commitment in equipping the younger
generation to understand and adapt to climate change. Together, we aim to improve climate
literacy and employability among marginalized youth communities in India.

Running from July 2024 to February 2026, the project aims to raise awareness among key
stakeholders, including government institutions, policymakers, higher educational institutions, and
young people, encouraging participation and engagement. It seeks to directly engage 2,000 youth
and train 300 master trainers in India/in each delivery country.

The initiative highlights the British Council leadership in climate action and its upcoming global
climate change strategy. This UK-led international collaboration aims to resource local
organisations, empower youth to take climate action, and provide alternative climate education

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approaches. A unique aspect of the programme is its focus on empowering both urban and rural
youth by integrating youth-led social action with climate education. The programme international connectivity aims to deliver locally led interventions and connects them with a global network across five countries.

The launch event, scheduled for July 11, 2024 featured a climate film screening, an official launch
by Scott McDonald, Chief Executive, British Council and Hitendra Dave, Chief Executive Officer of
HSBC India. Lindy Cameron CB OBE, British High Commissioner to India, Alison Barrett, Director
India, Monomita Nag-Chowdhury, Programme Lead of The Climate Connection from the British
Council; Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development; Yusuf Kabir, WASH Specialist I
Focal Point for Climate, Environment & DRR, UNICEF; and Rishika Das Roy, Lead-Sectoral
Strategy and Investment at India Climate Collaborative will be part of the discussions.