Coca Cola ties up with AIESEC for sustainability initiatives

Coca-Cola India has announced its partnership with the global student body, AIESEC, which will bring together corporate and students in developing a joint roadmap for sustainable development. As part of this partnership on sustainability, 4,500 youth volunteers will engage with Coca-Cola on its sustainability initiatives.

Student leaders from AIESEC will be holding over 100 Youth Empowerment Sessions in 21 cities, reaching out students across the country. These sessions will revolve around practical leadership lessons and will work towards garnering support amongst students for pioneering Support My School campaign.

The Coca-Cola NDTV Support My School initiative aims to create happy and healthy learning environments in schools for children across rural and semi-urban areas, by providing basic amenities such as access to water and proper toilets for girls and boys. The Telethon aims to raise funds for the second season of the campaign to revitalise another 250 schools across the country. The partnership will also see induction of international students from around the world, who will participate and work on sustainability initiatives over 2013.

Deepak Jolly, Vice President, Public affairs and Communication, Coca-Cola India and South West Asia said, "With this partnership, we hope to further cement this connect with the youth through a series of Youth Empowerment sessions which will hold discussions on leadership skills. This is a crucial trait for youngsters from all walks of life to grow and prosper in today's highly competitive world."

The Coca-Cola NDTV Support My School campaign will visit another 250 schools over the next year, with pledges amounting to Rs 13 crore ($ 2.5 million). The Coca-Cola foundation has already made a contribution of Rs 2.6 crore ($ 500,000), which is being matched by campaign partners World Vision India and Plan International, taking the funds already raised to Rs 5.2 crore ($ 1 million).

Present in over 110 countries and territories and with over 60,000 members, AIESEC is one of the world's largest youth-run organization with a focus on leadership development amongst youngsters. It offers opportunities for youngsters to develop leadership skills on a global platform through international internships and experience as well as their internal programs.