SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT
14 November 2024, India International Center (IIC), New Delhi
Dear Friends,
We’re thrilled to invite you to a special event at the India International Center in New Delhi, where we’ll be formally launching Global Challenges Forum (GCF) India as a Charitable Trust. This new branch of our Swiss-based Foundation will be led by Peer Sumit Chandler. Together, we’re setting out to inspire and empower young people across India to lead in sustainable development.
The Trust will pave the way to fund our One Million Youth Leaders for Sustainable Development Beyond 2030 (1M2030) initiative, launched at the United Nations in Geneva in honor of Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy.
With 1M2030 (www.1M2030.org) as our cornerstone, we’re starting to enroll stakeholders and financial sponsors for three initial pilot programs designed to help youth thrive at different stages of their journey:
Youth Skills Development Program (Ages 10-17):
This introductory program equips young participants with essential skills for employability and leadership, covering technology, health and wellness, financial literacy, environmental awareness, and vocational training. Designed to foster personal growth and community impact, this stage provides youth with a strong foundation to lead in creating a sustainable future.
Global Citizenship Certificate (Ages 15-20):
This intermediate program offers a deep dive into global citizenship, leadership, and resilience. Through curriculum modules focused on cultural understanding, environmental stewardship, and socio-political awareness, participants develop critical thinking skills to promote unity and cooperation. This stage emphasizes the importance of shared responsibility in fostering global understanding and collaboration.
Global Resilience University (Ages 18-25):
The capstone of the 1M2030 initiative, the Global Resilience University brings together institutions worldwide, including those in India, to provide advanced education in sustainability and resilience. Through a rigorous curriculum on strategic impact, innovation, and leadership, this program prepares youth for roles in global health, environmental sustainability, social equity, and peacebuilding. Managed by a Swiss-chartered association, the University reinforces our commitment to building resilient, empowered leaders.
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT
16 November 2024, Mumbai, India
BOOK LAUNCH
Global Resilience Publishing
on the United Nations designated “International Day for Tolerance”
16 November 2024 in Delhi, India
Authored by DR. WALTER CHRISTMAN
Founding Chairman, GLOBAL CHALLENGES FORUM FOUNDATION
and presented with DR. BEATRICE BRESSAN, Chief Executive Officer
“Building Global Resilience: A Call to Action”
and Facilitation Guide to Empower “1M2030”
Supported by plans for a “Global Citizenship Certificate” (2024-2027)
and “Global Resilience University” by 2028
Inspired by the courage and conviction of young leaders like Greta Thunberg, Walter Leslie Christman has made it his life’s mission to empower the next generation to take bold steps toward reshaping global resilience.
As co-founder of the “One Million Youth Leaders for Sustainable Development Beyond 2030” (1M2030) initiative in collaboration with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), he has already ignited a movement of young changemakers who are not waiting for a better world—they are creating it.
However, this mission faces urgent challenges. With his background in the U.S. Army Special Forces and his work as a global advocate for international partnerships, peace and security, Christman has witnessed the barriers to progress—climate change, social fragmentation, and economic inequality. These critical issues demand immediate attention. Despite the efforts of activists like Thunberg, outdated systems and narratives still hinder meaningful change. Christman confronts these barriers with a robust new framework for global cooperation that blends the strength of top-down alliances with the passion of grassroots movements.
Christman's groundbreaking book presents a transformative vision for a sustainable and equitable future aligned with the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Accompanied by a Facilitation Guide and 25 examples of real-world applications, the book is more than a call to action—it’s a practical toolkit for anyone ready to join the movement for resilient change. His message is clear: the future hinges on the courage we show today. Just as Greta Thunberg’s unwavering resolve has demonstrated, we can rise to meet these challenges and build the future we aspire to see. This book is a manifesto for youth-led global change crucial for the rest of the 21st century.
“So, we can’t save the world by playing by the rules because the rules have to be changed. Everything needs to change, and it has to start today.”
Greta Thunberg
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“Next Generation — Coming Up Next”
“Coming Up Next” was a 1M2030 Learning Podcast featuring conversations with the next generation of global leaders during the COVID lockdown in 2021-2022. The Guests were accomplished young leaders (12-32 years old) worldwide, selected for their outstanding achievements and unique stories.
The Facts
1.7
billion
people are aged between 15-24 years
90
percent
of youth live in developing countries
One
third
of SDG targets reference young people
1M2030 launch event.
The 1M2030 launch-event at the United Nations in Geneva brought together renowned international experts and inspiring youth speakers to get the latest thinking on how capacity-building can be leveraged to mobilize a new generation of young leaders for the SDGs and beyond.
Trailer for the 1M2030 Sportlight.
What we do.
1M2030 is a unique initiative that aims to enhance youth-led social ventures. We do this by building necessary practical skills of youth, by connecting them with global experts, by enhancing their visibility, facilitating access to micro-financing, and by connecting them to a global movement.
1M2030 enables young people around the world to
You have a vision to improve your community, your country, your world? We teach you how to implement it.
Whether you are working on the individual, community, or any other level. Your idea will benefit from global outreach.
Not sure how to proceed? No problem, get in touch with our global experts and benefit from their insights.
Bold ideas need resources. We help you to access micro-credits to get you started.
News
Our Projects.
Change the world #beyond2030
Sign up to 1M2030 and be one in a million.
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