KATHMANDU, OCTOBER 25

Sustainability Solutions, a leading advisory firm in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) and sustainable business practices, has officially launched its Sustainability Mentorship Program 2024.

"This program is designed to empower youths and students by bridging their connections with industry champions and through capacity building, equipping them to become future leaders in sustainability, press release by the organisation said.

This initiative is a key component of the organization's "Future of Sustainability" project, designed to address the growing demand for skilled ESG professionals by fostering partnerships between academia and industry.

The program pairs 13 selected mentees with 11 industry mentors for a four-month mentorship, featuring mentor-mentee sessions, six workshops on sustainability, and professional networking events.

Speaking on the need for the program, Sandeep Shrestha, Founder and ESG Director of Sustainability Solutions, highlighted the gap in academic resources covering sustainability challenges and the need for practical learning platforms that prepare future leaders in sustainability.

Upendra Poudyal, Chairman of Nabil Bank, delivered the keynote address, emphasizing the critical importance of ESG principles for sustainable and resilient business practices in Nepal. He underscored the framework of "People, Planet, and Prosperity" and shared insights on integrating ESG for organizational success. Following his address, a panel discussion moderated by Srichchha Pradhan, Miss Nepal World 2023, brought together experts from academia, non-profits, and industry, including Dr. Bal Chandra Luitel of Kathmandu University and Dr. Ghana Shyam Gurung of WWF Nepal, who shared perspectives on mentorship, community-driven sustainability, and leadership development.

In addition to the mentorship program, Sustainability Solutions announced three new initiatives: the Sustainability Fellowship, the Sustainable Business Bootcamp, and the Sustainability Forum. The Forum, organized in collaboration with the US Green Chamber of Commerce, will begin in November 2024, offering students and researchers immersive learning opportunities and guidance from industry experts.

This mentorship program and the associated initiatives aim to prepare participants with the skills and knowledge essential for leadership in Nepal's evolving sustainability sector. Sustainability Solutions is partnering with prominent institutions including Nabil Bank, Kathmandu University, and Fair-Trade Group Nepal to support Nepal's journey toward a sustainable and resilient future, the release further states.