It is a known maxim that for any nation to develop and progress, its youth citizenry has to stand strong and prosper. Equipped with the modern education and technological knowhow, today's youth has the utmost ability and potential to compete with any individual of any age group. They have the potential and charisma to effect change in the status quo of the society. And for this reason precisely, maximum engagement of youth is being sought through thematic projects, aimed at providing the youth with tools to influence and catalyze the environment improvement through effective resource management initiatives, both at the local and global levels. With this view in mind ‘LEADearthSHIP’, a joint initiative of The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) and Genpact, was conceived. It is a youth program for undergraduate and post graduate students from universities and institutions of repute in India and focuses on business and sustainability and aims to be the spring-board for future youth leaders in India who have their world views deeply rooted in sustainability, ethics and innovation. Through EADearthSHIP, we try to provide the participants with tools to influence and catalyze the improvement of rural and urban environment through effective resource allocation and management in the most judicious ways. This programme is based on the belief that it is not only important but also critical that young people of the country are engaged in ideation, innovation and action that would ensure holistic development of the nation. The key idea of LEADearthSHIP is to develop competencies in young people that are relevant for creating an empowered workforce which would work towards building low carbon societies. This includes creating learning opportunities for students that complements and builds on the knowledge, skills and values acquired through education.

The primary focus of LEADearthSHIP is on strengthening the following three dimensions:

•             Emphasis on the ‘individual’ by imparting 21st century relevant skills

•             Enhancing domain knowledge and competencies on leadership

•             Sustainable development and exposure to real life examples of sustainability initiatives by businesses as well as civil society organizations through field visits. 

To take the message of LEADearthSHIP forward, RCE Delhi organized a thematic track titled, ‘Youth Ecopreneurs’ during the WSDS (World sustainable Developement Summit) on October 8, 2016 at New Delhi. This session was also a befitting conclusion of the journey of LEADearthSHIP 2015-16. It  stimulated thoughts that encouraged open dialogue and mutually enriching discussions.