More than 850 youth leaders with a fervent commitment to advancing gender equality and nurturing girl leadership convened at the inaugural “Girl Up India Leadership Summit: Future 2030” in New Delhi. Marking a significant milestone for Girl Up, a global initiative fostering inclusive leadership, the event spurred meaningful discussions on empowering young leaders and promoting a gender-just future.
The summit, held in New Delhi, witnessed the presence of notable figures such as UN Resident Coordinator in India Shombi Sharp, Bollywood actress Dia Mirza, and Miss Universe 2021 Harnaaz Kaur Sandhu, who delivered the closing address. The gathering, which served as Girl Up’s premier event globally since 2012, facilitated critical dialogues on key topics including sexual reproductive health, storytelling, entrepreneurship, mental health, gender-based violence, disability rights, and STEM for social good.
Preceding the summit were two impactful pre-events, setting the stage for the enthusiastic participation of over 850 youth leaders. With over 700+ clubs spanning 26 states and union territories, Girl Up India has engaged more than 25,000 young individuals across the country, emphasizing the importance of inclusive leadership development.
The theme of the Girl Up India Leadership Summit 2023, “Future 2030,” fostered intergenerational conversations aimed at empowering, educating, and activating the potential of emerging young leaders. Speaking about the initiative, Girl Up India Country Director Aditi Arora emphasized the importance of a collective commitment to the movement for gender equality.
Addressing the audience, UN Secretary-General’s Advocate for Sustainable Development Goals and prominent actress-producer Dia Mirza underscored the need to eliminate barriers hindering the growth and aspirations of millions of adolescents in India. UN Resident Coordinator Shombi Sharp commended India’s strides in women’s engagement across various sectors, applauding the country’s dedication to tackling gender inequality.
The Girl Up India Leadership Summit served as a platform for equipping young leaders with the necessary tools, skills, and knowledge to emerge as influential change-makers within their communities and beyond.
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