British Council and HSBC India Launch the ‘Climate Skills – Seeds for Transition’ Project in India

New Delhi, 12 July 2024: British Council, the UK’s international organisation for educational opportunities and cultural exchange, in partnership with HSBC India, 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.

(L to R)_Hitendra Dave_CEO, HSBC India_ Scott McDonald_Chief Executive, British Council_ Lindy Cameron CB OBE, British High Commissioner to India_Alison Barrett MBE_Director India, British Council

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’s 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 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’s international connectivity aims to deliver locally led interventions and connects them with a global network across five countries.

The launch event 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.

British Council launches Women in STEM Scholarships for 2024-25

Pune: British Council, the UK’s international organisation for educational opportunities and cultural relations, in partnership with UK universities, has announced the launch of British Council Scholarships for Women in STEM programme. This prestigious scholarship is designed for female STEM graduates wanting to pursue their Masters’ in the UK.

The presence of women in STEM fields is essential for promoting diversity, ensuring a range of perspectives, and driving innovation. Their presence not only addresses gender disparities but also enriches the workforce with unique skills, ultimately advancing scientific and technological progress for the benefit of society. According to the Global Gender Gap Report 2023 by the World Economic Forum, women account for 27% of India’s STEM workforce. This represents a small fraction considering that women make up nearly 43% of STEM graduates in India.

25 scholarships are reserved for women STEM scholars from India and other South Asian countries. These are across five UK higher education institutions – Queen Mary University of London, Anglia Ruskin University, Greenwich University, The University of Southampton and Coventry University. The scholarships will empower the beneficiaries to advance their careers in STEM and facilitate their ability to drive research and innovation in their home country by immersing them in the expertise of the UK’s esteemed STEM fields. The UK is currently ranked third in the world for citable research, with 55.2% of all UK publications the product of international research collaborations.

The scholarship will cover tuition fees, stipend, travel costs, visa, health coverage fees, and English language support. The scholars can pursue courses like Data Science, Computer Science, Pharmaceutical Science, Electronic and Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Management, Civil Engineering Management, Intelligent Healthcare, Actuarial Science, among others.

Rittika Chanda Parruck MBE, Director Education India, British Council, said, “Almost half of the world’s population is female and represents half the potential brain power of researchers and innovators. The global challenges facing the world can only be addressed through science and research and we cannot solve these problems with one hand tied behind our backs, with only one half of the population working towards the solutions. Gender equity is not just a nice idea, it is essential for the progress of mankind. Through programmes like the Women in STEM Scholarships, we aim to provide the financial assistance needed for women to pursue their education and unleash their full potential in STEM fields, thereby driving transformative change and contributing to the sustainable development goals in a more meaningful way.”

Since 2020, the programme has awarded over 300 scholarships. In the 2023-24 global cohorts, 92 scholars were enrolled in their selected courses. So far, 52 Indian women have been awarded the scholarships and pursued their one-year postgraduate studies in the UK. Through these scholarships, British Council maintains its commitment to creating opportunities for women to succeed in a globalised world and gain global credentials in STEM fields.

The scholarship aims to inspire young women to remain in STEM fields by supporting their progression towards leadership roles and fostering networking opportunities with peers both in their region and in the UK. The scholarship also welcomes applications from women with dependents, offering additional support. The application deadlines vary depending on the university, typically between March and April 2024.