Deloitte launches ‘WorldClass’ initiative in India to support 10 million girls and women through skills and education

Deloitte’s global initiative ‘WorldClass’ has been launched by Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Hon. Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship with Deloitte’s Global CEO, Punit Renjen on 22^nd February 2019 at New Delhi.The initiative aims to support 10 million girls and women by 2030 through education and skills development. It also aims to prepare 50 million people for the future of work, in-line with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Commending the initiative, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Hon’ble Minister of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship said, “The vision of new India places women in the centre of our quest for economic growth. In success of women, lies the country’s success. The onus is on us to ensure women become self-reliant, and active participants in our economy. Providing quality education and skill development, and facilitating access to opportunities, are key stepping stones. I congratulate Deloitte for launching the WorldClass initiative in India today which aims to support 10 million girls and women by 2030 through education and skills development. I am enthused to see that this initiative shares the vision of New India which is fueled by women led development,”

Punit Renjen, Global CEO, Deloitte, said, “Our goal with WorldClass is to empower 50 million people globally by 2030, by providing them access to the education and skills required to find meaningful work in the new economy. Across India, almost 40% of girls aged 15-18 years drop out of school and college, and only 26% of women are employed. There is a tremendous opportunity to make a meaningful impact and create pathways for women of all ages to fulfil their aspirations.With our investments in the community, we aim to support the economic empowerment of women which is often a catalyst for long-term sustainable change,”

The launch of this initiative was pursuant to the discussion Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan had with the Deloitte leadership team at World Economic Forum, Davos last year in which he had advised them to launch impact oriented large-scale initiative in India.