Youth leaders from India will take center stage at the 8th annual 1M1B Activate Impact Summit at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on December 12, 2024. This year’s summit by UN-accredited youth-focused organisation 1M1B (One Billion for One Billion), will be held in collaboration with the UN DGC Civil Society Unit. The summit will spotlight bold youth-led projects that address critical global challenges and contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

With a strong focus on AI innovation and climate talent, the summit aims to accelerate India’s Net Zero Goals while fostering global collaboration. Among the participants, 25 changemakers across India will showcase transformative projects on topics such as clean water, quality education, health, and inequality. 

The 1M1B Activate Impact Summit, now in its eighth edition, has become a highly recognized platform, empowering over 200 changemakers to present their initiatives on a global stage. This year’s summit is especially significant as it celebrates 1M1B’s 10th anniversary. Set to take place in the iconic ECOSOC Chamber at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, the event will bring together over 400 attendees, including global leaders, corporate executives, and young innovators.

Spotlight on India’s Innovators

For the first time, the State Government of Telangana has partnered with 1M1B, supporting three young changemakers who will present their projects to an international audience of UN officials, corporate leaders, and global dignitaries. Youth from Delhi NCR, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Mumbai make up the delegation, highlighting the breadth of innovation across India.

The summit will feature discussions on key themes, including Technology for Social Impact, Sustainability, and Green Skills, showcasing how young leaders are leveraging innovation to create sustainable solutions. Since its inception in 2014, the event has grown into a powerful platform for Indian youth, with over 200 participants advocating for their work at the UN.

Manav Subodh, Founder and Chief Mentor of 1M1B, emphasised the growing importance of AI and climate-related initiatives said, “Over the last eight years, the 1M1B Activate Impact Summit has provided Indian youth with an unparalleled opportunity to showcase their work on a global stage. AI and climate talent are now at the forefront of accelerating India’s Net Zero Goals. We are excited to spotlight projects that demonstrate how local action can create global impact.”

Examples of Changemaker Projects

Some of the groundbreaking initiatives being presented this year include:

• Eco-Clean by Fateh Bachher (SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation) – A solution addressing water scarcity and cleanliness in urban areas.
• INTech by Siddhanth Gubbi and Suhani Prakash and (SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities) – Tackling social and economic disparities through innovative tools.
• Naatya Shiksha by Mridula Sriram (SDG 4 & 10: Quality Education and Reduced Inequalities –Making the classical art form of Bharatanatyam accessible to enable income opportunities, confidence, and community among participants.
• EduTech by Siddharth Mannepalli (SDG 4: Quality Education) – Leveraging technology to improve access to education in underserved communities.
• Vibhaag Foundation by Ashmit Tainwala (SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being) – A healthcare initiative designed to enhance community well-being. 

The eighth edition of the summit is expected to witness the presence of global diplomats, ambassadors, senior leaders from large corporations, entrepreneurs, creators, youth, UN Staff, and leaders from civil society, engaging them in important conversations on how to collaborate and accelerate the achievement of the SDGs through community action