India is entering a decisive phase in its national development journey. As the economy accelerates, global expectations have shifted sharply toward responsible growth. Sustainability is no longer an optional extension of business operations. It has become central to India’s long-term credibility, investment attractiveness and international competitiveness. Global reports increasingly highlight that nearly one third of worldwide investments now consider environmental, social and governance (ESG) parameters before capital allocation.

In this context, a Pune-based organisation, the Indo ASEAN Business Chamber, has introduced an ambitious nationwide effort titled the One Million ESG Young Ambassadors Program. After an extensive review of this initiative and its alignment with India’s strategic development priorities, it is clear that this national mission deserves widespread support from business participants and market players, educational institutions, and especially large corporations already demonstrating excellence in CSR and ESG initiatives.

India’s Urgent Need for ESG Skills

“Viksit Bharat 2047 envisions India becoming a developed, inclusive, innovative, resilient and globally competitive nation.” One of the most immediate challenges for Indian businesses is the shortage of professionals trained in sustainability-related functions. Studies by national skill development bodies indicate that fewer than fifteen percent of graduates receive structured training in climate risk, responsible finance, ethical governance, environmental compliance or sustainability reporting. At the same time, global hiring trends suggest that India may require nearly nine lakh ESG-skilled professionals by 2030 in areas such as carbon accounting, climate adaptation, green supply chain management, sustainability data analytics and social impact measurement.

Small and medium enterprises, which contribute almost forty five percent of India’s exports, feel this challenge strongly. Many now face mandatory sustainability questionnaires and compliance checks from international partners and buyers but lack the human resources to respond effectively.

The One Million ESG Young Ambassadors initiative aims to bridge this talent gap by building a nationwide pool of future-ready sustainability professionals. It aligns closely with India’s vision of becoming a technologically advanced, ethically grounded and globally competitive economy.

Why This Initiative Is Timely

Global conditions make this initiative not only timely but necessary. A recent study highlights that over seventy percent of global consumers prefer products that meet sustainability criteria. This means business participants and market players across India must understand ESG expectations if they wish to sustain and expand their market presence.

Moreover, global investors controlling nearly forty trillion dollars now incorporate sustainability metrics into investment decisions. Indian companies must demonstrate environmental responsibility, social impact and strong governance to attract stable, long-term capital.

Additionally, more than sixty countries have introduced mandatory sustainability reporting requirements. With India’s strong trade ties, domestic businesses will increasingly need to align with global standards.

Given these realities, preparing a strong pool of ESG-trained youth is essential for India’s economic security and progress.

Core Objectives of the Initiative

The One Million ESG Young Ambassadors Program is built on three major outcomes. First, it aims to train one million young Indians over a three-year period, equipping them with practical knowledge in global ESG frameworks, sustainable finance, community resilience, climate adaptation, ethical leadership and responsible governance.

Second, it seeks to deepen collaboration between industry and academia by integrating sustainability thinking into mainstream education, management programs and professional development courses.

Third, it aims to accelerate the adoption of internationally recognised ESG standards across all major sectors, including manufacturing, services, agriculture, retail, logistics and digital technologies.

Participants are encouraged to undertake projects within their communities and workplaces, ensuring that learning leads to real, measurable environmental and social improvements.

Supporting India’s Long-Term National Vision

India’s aspirations for long-term national development depend heavily on technological capability, environmental responsibility and skilled human capital. This initiative supports these national goals in several ways.

Youth Empowerment

India’s greatest strength is its large young population. The initiative equips them with future-focused competencies that improve employability in both domestic and global markets.

Improved Competitiveness

Businesses guided by ESG-trained teams are better able to meet global expectations, reduce inefficiencies, minimise risks and strengthen governance.

Environmental and Climate Commitments

India’s national commitments for reducing emissions intensity, expanding renewable energy and building climate resilience require skilled professionals who can translate policy into action.

Export Readiness

Sustainability compliance is becoming a gateway for entering and retaining access to international markets. ESG-trained talent enhances India’s export competitiveness.

Business Participants and Market Players 

Sustainability now influences pricing, buyer selection, access to credit, supply chain continuity and long-term competitiveness. It is not limited to large corporations. Business participants and market players across India including small, medium and emerging enterprises are increasingly evaluated on environmental performance, labour practices and responsible sourcing.

Those who understand ESG expectations can respond more effectively to international partners, secure favourable market opportunities and build long-term resilience. Supporting a national effort that develops ESG-skilled youth ultimately strengthens the competitiveness of India’s overall business ecosystem.

Important Role of Large Organizations

Many respected organisations in India have already achieved notable success in CSR and ESG initiatives. They lead impactful programs in renewable energy adoption, community health improvement, environmental protection, gender inclusion, education and ethical governance. Their experience and leadership are invaluable assets for the country.

These organisations can play a crucial role in strengthening the One Million ESG Young Ambassadors initiative. They can contribute by supporting training programs, creating internship pathways, mentoring youth, sponsoring sustainability research and expanding the reach of sustainability awareness into rural, peri-urban and industrial regions.

Supporting this initiative allows them to amplify their existing CSR and ESG commitments while shaping the next generation of responsible leaders.

How CSR Units Across India Can Contribute

CSR and ESG departments can support the initiative in several constructive ways. They can sponsor training for students from underserved communities, ensuring equitable access to sustainability education. They can organise on-ground programs, sustainability drives and youth leadership workshops that encourage responsible environmental and social behaviour.

They can integrate ESG ambassadors into existing CSR projects to strengthen monitoring, innovation and long-term impact.

They can fund research studies and data collection efforts on climate resilience, environmental health and sustainability challenges, contributing to stronger policy frameworks and business strategies.

This participation not only strengthens the initiative but also enhances the effectiveness of ongoing CSR and ESG programs across India.

National Opportunity With Far-Reaching Impact

If India successfully prepares one million ESG ambassadors, the transformation will be profound.

India will become a global hub for sustainability talent creation.

Industries will gain access to professionals who can guide them toward responsible governance, environmental stewardship and social inclusion.

India’s economy will become more resilient, better prepared for global trade and more aligned with international expectations.

Millions of young Indians will gain future-proof skills that open opportunities in global and domestic markets.

Communities across the country will benefit from improved environmental protection, social welfare and responsible development.

After reading and researching global sustainability trends and India’s long-term growth needs, it is clear that the One Million ESG Young Ambassadors initiative represents one of the new ways of forward-looking efforts. It addresses one of the  critical needs, can help to strengthen India’s economic credentials, prepare youth for global opportunities, make them global citizens as well and support the country’s commitments to environmental and social progress.

This is an important moment for business participants and market players, educational institutions, community organisations and especially large institutions already demonstrating excellence in CSR and ESG. Supporting this movement will help shape India’s future in ways that benefit all. Preparing a generation of environmentally conscious, socially responsible and ethically grounded young Indians is not only a national necessity. It is one of the most powerful investments we can make for India’s long-term prosperity.

References

1. United Nations Principles for Responsible Investment Global Sustainable Investment Review.

2. World Economic Forum – Future of Jobs Report, Climate and ESG Skills Outlook.

3. Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship – India Skills Report on Green Jobs and Sustainability Competencies.

 

(The author holds a dual masters degree from Europe and the US and is an ex-international corporate banker currently serving as Visiting Professor in international marketing at a university in Bengaluru, India. Views expressed are personal. He can be reached at rameshkumarn180@gmail.com )