Gauhati University joins British Council, TERI, HSBC to empower youth with climate skills

 

Guwahati, October 23: In the wake of escalating climate challenges and the growing need for sustainable development, it has become imperative to nurture an aware and skilled youth community capable of driving sustainable practices and leading community-based climate action. With this vision, Gauhati University today hosted the inaugural session of the Regional Climate Skills Workshop for Youth, organised by the Centre for Himalayan Studies in collaboration with The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), the British Council, HSBC, and Vishva Yuvak Kendra.

The two-day programme marks the fifth and final regional workshop under the Climate Skills: Seeds for Transition India initiative. It aims to equip young people with knowledge, practical skills and leadership tools to tackle climate change through sustainable and inclusive approaches.

Delivering the opening address, Dr Debanjan Chakrabarti, Director, East and Northeast India, British Council, said, “If you run, you reach somewhere quicker; but if you walk with your friends, you reach much farther.” His remarks underscored the importance of collaboration and collective responsibility in building climate resilience.

Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nani Gopal Mahanta, in his address, emphasized the importance of integrating climate education into higher learning. “Universities must serve as catalysts for change by nurturing informed, responsible and action-oriented youth who can lead the transition towards a more sustainable future, particularly in ecologically sensitive regions like the Northeast,” he said.

The inaugural session also featured insights from Dr Dipankar Saharia, Senior Director, Social Transformation and Strategic Alliance Programme, TERI, and Dr Livleen K. Kahlon, Director, Environment Education and Awareness Division, TERI, who highlighted the crucial role of education and partnerships in shaping climate-ready societies.

More than 130 research scholars and students from Assam, Odisha, and other Indian states, along with participants from countries such as South Africa and Thailand, are attending the workshop. Over two days, participants will undergo interactive training on climate change mitigation, adaptation strategies, sustainable community practices and project-based learning.

The workshop will conclude with participants presenting their project ideas, from which ten students will be shortlisted for the National Climate Skills Workshop based on innovation, feasibility, and potential impact.

Funded by the British Council and jointly implemented by TERI and the Centre for Himalayan Studies, the initiative represents a concerted effort to build a generation of climate leaders who can combine science, policy and community engagement to drive transformative change.