changeadmin1M1B Green Skills Academy, an initiative of 1M1B (One Million for One Billion), a United Nations–accredited organisation driving large-scale environmental and social impact, formally launched “1.5 Matters” at the UN House, New Delhi.
1.5 Matters is a ground-up global movement to accelerate net zero and keep global warming below 1.5°C, turning the Paris Agreement into a youth-powered mission.
Curated by Manav Subodh, the 1.5 Matters initiative aims to reshape India’s climate leadership by uniting governments, corporations, academia and innovative changemakers. Under the Paris Agreement, countries have committed to limiting global temperature within 1.5°C to mitigate the most severe impacts of climate change.
The initiative marks a significant milestone in India’s youth-led climate action movement and sets the stage for the upcoming 1M1B Summit at the United Nations, Geneva, on 7 November 2025.
A key component of the initiative, Youth Climate Diplomacy for 1.5 °C, positions India’s youth as global ambassadors for climate action. It provides young Indians with a platform to represent the country at the prestigious national and international forums, including the United Nations, showcasing India’s climate leadership, soft diplomacy and commitment to sustainable development.
At the heart of the initiatives lies India’s soft power, the ability to influence global narratives through values, ideas, and youth-led innovations.
The 1.5 Matters initiative builds on pilots launched in Hyderabad in November 2024 and later presented at the Annual 1M1B Summit at the UN Headquarters in New York in December 2024.
With programs running in 5,000+ schools and colleges, 1M1B is building India’s future-ready AI and green skills talent with a strong focus on tier 3 towns and rural India.
Speaking at the launch, Manav Subodh, founder of 1M1B and curator of 1.5 Matters, said, “Through 1.5 Matters and our 1M1B Green Skills Academy, we are creating pathways for youth to participate directly in shaping global climate policy and solutions. Through Youth Climate Diplomacy, we will spotlight how India’s youth are addressing global challenges and UN SDGs like climate change, environmental issues and not just local concerns. By turning India’s youth dividend into a climate dividend, the initiative will help shape international opinion, influence policy debates, and build a new generation of leaders who can act, innovate, and advocate for keeping global warming below 1.5°C.”
The event featured a keynote address by Shombi Sharp, UN Resident Coordinator in India. It was attended by dignitaries including Mona K. Khandar, IAS (Principal Secretary, Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs Department, State Government of Gujarat), Srinivasulu, IAS (Principal Secretary to Government, Forest, Environment & Ecology Department, State Government of Karnataka), Vijay Kumar Mantri, IAS, Commissioner & Secretary, Govt. of Meghalaya, Shrikant Sinha, CEO, TASK, Darrin Farrant (Communications Director, United Nations) along with Manav Subodh, Founder of 1M1B and 1M1B Green Skills Academy.
Other senior dignitaries from the Government of India and state governments, policymakers, corporate leaders and industry leaders, educators, and 1M1B Changemakers representing India’s growing green talent force were also present.
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