New Delhi, November 21, 2023: Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Limited (ABFRL) announced the culmination of Sustainability Accelerator Program 2023, a collaborative project with 1 Million for 1 Billion (1M 1B). The program focused on building green skills and empowering Indian students while nurturing the talents required to carry the collective sustainability mission forward.
All participants were presented with co-branded ‘Certificates of Participation’ from ABFRL and 1M. The top 20 students chosen for industry engagement at an ABFRL campus were also awarded diplomas for their performance during the 5-day internship.
The Sustainability Accelerator Program 2023 was conceptualised to cultivate a new generation of environmentally conscious leaders. For beginnings, the initiative enabled youngsters to become proactive climate change champions and to act in their communities. Participants acquired insights into cutting-edge technology and applied their knowledge through hands-on activities connected to sustainable technology. Furthermore, the program provided a platform for mentorship by global experts, allowing students to integrate their original ideas into real solutions.
Dr Naresh Tyagi, Chief Sustainability Officer, Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd and Co-Chair of the Green Jobs and Sustainability Accelerator Program, highlighted the program’s significance stating, "The Sustainability Accelerator Program 2023 embodies our commitment to nurturing a sustainability mindset in India’s youth & students and empowering them to drive our collective green mission forward. Through this program, we aim to create a new generation of sustainability champions who will lead the way in shaping a greener future for all. This program provided school students with hands-on experience, moulding them into responsible, people-centred corporate leaders who prioritise the well-being of our society and its inhabitants.”
Manav Subodh, Founder, 1M 1B, was proud to bring this collaboration to life, saying “This is an industry-first partnership, where a large corporation, ABFRL and a social venture, 1M 1B is coming together placing sustainability at the core of whatever you do. The internship aims to encourage students to be valuable contributors to climate change and introduce them to how technology can play a role in shaping a greener planet. The students will also be mentored by leaders of ABFRL.”
The internship program was designed to maximise learning and engagement. Six learning days were included in the curriculum, during which participants immersed themselves in instructor-led seminars that delved deep into sustainability concepts, innovations, and green skills. Following that, students demonstrated their newly gained knowledge in actual scenarios, exhibiting their skills in addressing real-world sustainability concerns. The program culminated with Industry Day, an interactive session in which students presented their ideas to industry executives. This forum enabled them to demonstrate their solutions and share vital insights obtained over the program, emphasising the breadth of their knowledge and the effect of their efforts on the sustainable future we seek to create.
