In a transformative stride towards fostering sustainable education, EY Global Delivery Services (EY GDS), in collaboration with the Learning Links Foundation (LLF), has unveiled its first Green Skills Centre of Excellence (CoE) at a government high school in Bengaluru. A second centre is slated for launch in New Delhi later this year, marking a concerted effort to impart environmental and technological skills to over 1,200 students from underserved communities.
The Bengaluru centre was inaugurated by Rajasekar Rajagopal, Assurance and Climate Change and Sustainability Services (CCaSS) leader, EY GDS. The ceremony was attended by Rumi Mallick Mitra, Director, Corporate Responsibility, EY GDS, Nuriya Ansari, President, Learning Links Foundation, and Sudha Priyadarshan, Senior Vice President, LLF.
Targeting students from Grades 6 to 12, the Green Skills Centres are designed to deliver hands-on, project-based learning. Core topics include climate change, biodiversity, waste management, renewable energy, and advanced digital innovations such as artificial intelligence and data analytics. This initiative seeks to cultivate both digital fluency and environmental stewardship, key attributes essential for India’s evolving workforce.
A dedicated laboratory powered by green technology forms the heart of the Green Skills CoE, supporting an innovative curriculum aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, notably SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). By embedding real-world sustainability challenges into education, the programme aims to make sustainability accessible and engaging for young learners.
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Situated within government schools to promote inclusivity, the project also incorporates professional development for teachers in sustainability-focused pedagogy, alongside the integration of AI tools within environmental education.
Rajasekar Rajagopal emphasised the significance of the initiative, stating, “Sustainability and education must go hand in hand to create long-term impact. The launch of EY GDS Green Skills Centre of Excellence is not just about upskilling students—it’s about enabling a generation to think differently, act responsibly, and lead with purpose. Through this initiative, we’re embedding green thinking at the grassroots level, equipping students from underserved communities with practical, future-focused skills that align with India’s sustainability ambitions.”
Echoing this sentiment, Nuriya Ansari remarked, “Our collaboration with EY GDS is a powerful step toward reimagining the role of schools as catalysts for change. By integrating green and digital skills into education, we are not only enhancing classroom learning but also planting the seeds for a more sustainable society. The Green Skills CoE is not just a lab; it’s a platform for these young minds to explore, create, and innovate for a sustainable future. Together, we are shaping a generation that is fully conscious of its responsibility to the planet and society.”
Rumi Mallick Mitra highlighted the broader vision of the project, saying, “At EY GDS, we are committed to empowering the next generation with the skills and mindset to drive a more sustainable future. Through strong collaboration with government and on-ground partners, we’re enabling real-world learning that inspires students to become responsible, future-ready leaders of change—starting at the community level.”
This initiative extends EY GDS’s existing Green Skills Passport programme, developed in partnership with Microsoft. With over 70,000 learners enrolled, the online platform offers individuals aged 16 and above foundational learning in sustainability, artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship, and employability skills.
The Green Skills CoE, launched in partnership with the LLF, underscores EY GDS’s commitment to advancing sustainable and inclusive education in India. LLF, a non-governmental organisation working across India, collaborates with the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Skills Development, and various state governments to promote educational advancement and skills training among Indian youth.
Collectively, these initiatives reflect EY GDS’s commitment to shaping a future-ready, environmentally conscious generation by blending digital accessibility with tangible, on-the-ground community impact.
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