The Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Forum, a pioneering initiative dedicated to advancing sustainable development across Africa, has officially announced the launch of its Young Professional Forum (YPF) Mentorship Programme.
This pioneering initiative reflects a collective commitment to nurturing Nigeria’s future leaders in sustainability.
The ESG Forum was established in direct response to the urgent need for coordinated efforts to address the complex social, environmental, and governance challenges confronting businesses and communities across Africa.
By fostering collaboration among industry leaders, policymakers, and academic institutions, the Forum aims to enhance understanding of sustainability and underscore its vital role in securing a prosperous future for the continent.
Set to commence in March 2025, the YPF Mentorship Programme represents a significant step forward in the Forum’s mission to empower young professionals.
This transformative six-month programme will be conducted entirely online, targeting participants aged 21 to 35 who reside in Nigeria. Designed to deliver an immersive experience, the programme will offer hands-on training, expert mentorship, and exposure to global best practices in sustainability.
To be eligible for this prestigious programme, applicants must be pursuing or hold a degree in relevant fields such as Environmental Science, Engineering, Policy, Sustainable Development, Social Sciences, and Sciences and must demonstrate a sincere commitment to sustainability issues.
The launch of this initiative marks a significant milestone for the ESG Forum, reaffirming its commitment to empowering emerging leaders and fostering lasting positive impact within their communities. The YPF Mentorship Programme is poised to enhance Africa’s role in the global sustainability dialogue, ensuring that the future is guided by a knowledgeable and passionate cohort of sustainability champions.
Odiri Erewa-Meggison, Chairman of the ESG Forum Technical Committee and Director of Corporate and Regulatory Affairs at BAT emphasised the significance of this collaboration, stating,
“The YPF Mentorship Programme underscores our commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders who are prepared to address the pressing sustainability challenges of our time. We are investing in young professionals who will lead our continent toward a more sustainable future.
“Participants will engage in one-on-one mentorship sessions, receive tailored career guidance, and gain insights from distinguished industry leaders. The programme will also feature workshops aimed at developing essential soft skills, alongside opportunities for internship placements, site visits, and networking events, all intended to enrich the learning experience”.
Through strategic partnerships with leading organisations, the Forum has broadened its reach and impact. Its annual conference has evolved into key events where stakeholders converge to share innovative practices and success stories related to sustainable development, further solidifying the ESG Forum’s role as a catalyst for change in Africa’s sustainability landscape.
The Young Professional Sub Committee comprising leaders across the globe and industries have designed the program to create a multinational mentorship platform that exposes mentees to mentors from across the globe.
“Young professionals are the future of sustainable development and infusing this early will enable them embed these principles as they move along in their careers”, Otome Afiegbe, Chair Young Professionals Subcommittee Private Sector ESG Forum & Global Business Development Director, Modern West Advisory Group.
“This programme will be a game changer for young professionals in the region”, Tosin Leye-Odeyemi Chair Finance Subcommittee Private Sector ESG Forum & Head, Financial Risk, Capital Management & Sustainability, Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc.
