As part of the Climate Skills - Seeds for Transition India project, we recently concluded a transformative training programme for 55 master facilitators (educators). This initiative is a key step in equipping educators with the skills to empower young people in climate literacy and action.
This is part of the global Climate Skills programme, led by British Council and funded by HSBC, delivering in 5 countries. In India, we selected three Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) as delivery partners through an open call: The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), University of Mumbai (UoM), and Hyderabad Sind National Collegiate (HSNC) University. These institutions will lead the delivery of climate skills across various locations in India, ensuring that marginalised youth aged 18-30 gain the knowledge and tools necessary to drive social action in their communities.
Training Overview
The five-day intensive training programme took place at HSNC University, Mumbai, from 22 to 26 March 2025, preceded by preparatory sessions on the 20 and 21 March between the UK expert trainers and the co-facilitators. The training was delivered by UK expert trainers, supported by seven co-facilitators (faculty members) from the partner HEIs who are integral to shaping and delivering the Climate Skills programme.
A total of 55 educators participated in the training, gaining hands-on experience in innovative climate education methodologies, facilitation skills, and leadership development. The educators comprised a dynamic mix of experienced faculty, project experts, and young research scholars from Maharashtra, New Delhi, Assam, Goa, and Karnataka, each bringing fresh perspectives, energy, and expertise to the programme. Through interactive workshops, participants explored climate change challenges, mitigation strategies, and the role of systems thinking in addressing environmental issues.
Key highlights of the training
• Facilitators experienced the Climate Skills programme first-hand, engaging in modules covering cultural relations approach to youth leadership skill development as well as climate fundamentals, local environmental challenges, and sustainable solutions.
• Participants explored local communities, observing climate challenges, engaging with residents, and identifying existing solutions. This hands-on approach provided real-world insights into environmental issues and locally led solutions, fostering practical understanding and community-driven climate action.
• Participants practiced facilitation techniques, explored adaptation and contextualisation of the programme, and developed delivery strategies tailored to their respective institutions.
• Interactive Knowledge Sharing: The training featured peer-to-peer learning, hands-on activities like the 'Climate Impact Bingo', visioning exercises, and an interactive marketplace where participants showcased their social action plans.
By strengthening the educators' capacity, the programme ensures that young people, especially from underprivileged and urban poor communities can develop core skills for the future, apply these skills through community action and gain crucial climate skills.
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. By investing in educator training, we are laying 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. Through this partnership, we are fostering global connections, enabling shared learning, and empowering 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.”
Beyond Training: Driving Social Action Locally
With their newfound expertise, the trained facilitators will now train more educators in their HEIs, creating a pool of trainers to cascade climate literacy sessions to 2000 young people. Additionally, young participants will collaborate with local administrations, NGOs, and other stakeholders to initiate region-specific social action projects. These initiatives may include biodiversity registers, wetland conservation efforts, energy audits, etc. aimed at fostering sustainable communities.
The Climate Skills-Seeds for Transition India project is part of a global initiative spanning Brazil, Mexico, Indonesia, Vietnam, and India. The global programme brings experts, educators and youth together globally, to share knowledge and build global networks. One example is a global research piece into the skills young people need for a greener society, led by over 20 young people from 15 countries, including 2 Indian youth-leaders. This research campaign will be shared at COP30 in Belem, Brazil. By investing in youth education and sustainability, HSBC and the British Council reaffirm their commitment to empowering the next generation and ensuring no one is left behind in a changing world.