In a transformative move towards a greener future, a coalition of public and private sector organisations and foundations has joined forces to champion Sustainable Development for Youth
Spearheaded by UNICEF and its global partnerships platform, Generation Unlimited (YuWaah in India), an initiative oriented to delivering a greener future, has taken shape under the banner of the Green Rising India Alliance (GRIA).
Comprising key players such as Capgemini, the Children's Investment Fund Foundation, Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies, ReNew Foundation, The Rockefeller Foundation, and SAP, GRIA aims to empower 50 million children and young people to become climate-conscious, adaptable, and resilient by 2030.
This collaborative effort unites private organisations, foundations, youth networks, multilaterals, and the Government of India under a shared commitment to exchange knowledge, efforts, and innovative solutions.
The primary objective is to provide young people with opportunities to embrace a climate-conscious mindset and foster resilience, allowing them to realise their full potential. The alliance seeks to synergise investments, strategic priorities, and portfolios of work to unlock unprecedented opportunities, complementing national efforts with government initiatives and young people's aspirations.
Dhuwarakha Sriram, Chief of Generation Unlimited in India (YuWaah) at UNICEF, highlighted the impact of strategic collaboration on climate action. "Through this strategic collaboration, we commit to co-creating sustainable and impactful contributions to the urgent cause of climate action.
Together, we will nurture youth-led action in India, fostering innovative and inclusive solutions at scale to multiply our impact. We recognise the power of young people as change-makers in combating Climate Change and supporting Environmental Sustainability," Sriram stated.
Manjula Singh, Executive Director-India, Children's Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF), commended the Government of India for its leadership in climate initiatives and its commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. She expressed excitement about the Green Rising India Alliance, emphasising the significance of collective efforts in building a climate-safe future characterised by cleaner air, energy security, and sustainable jobs.
Deepali Khanna, Vice President, Asia, The Rockefeller Foundation, underscored the importance of India's climate-conscious actions in fostering resilience and innovation. "We are proud to join the Green Rising India Alliance to empower youth, especially those living in frontline communities, to lead the charge towards a sustainable planet," Khanna remarked.
The GRIA pledges to enable, empower, and engage young people, especially the most vulnerable, with the tools they need to become stewards of the planet. The alliance aims to co-design and scale transformative environmental projects in partnership with youth through initiatives focused on green skills, social impact, and economic opportunities.