Punjab Launches Climate Leadership Development Internship Program to Empower Youth for Sustainable Future

The Government of Punjab, through its Environment Protection & Climate Change Department (EPCCD), has launched the Chief Minister’s Climate Leadership Development Internship Program (CLDIP), a province-wide initiative aimed at empowering youth to actively participate in climate action and sustainable development. This innovative program offers graduates hands-on experience in environmental leadership, community engagement, and policy implementation across Punjab.

The program, branded as a platform to “Become a Climate Warrior for a Green Punjab,” combines supervised field deployments, structured learning, and practical assignments. It targets graduates across disciplines including environmental sciences, engineering, business, IT, social sciences, and humanities. By integrating practical work with measurable outputs, CLDIP provides a credible pathway for youth to contribute meaningfully to Punjab’s climate priorities.

Program Vision and Mission

The vision of CLDIP is to inspire youth to build a climate-resilient Punjab, while its mission is to mobilize and train young professionals through a paid, merit-based internship program. The program aims to develop climate-literate, work-ready graduates with equitable representation from all districts and balanced gender participation.

Interns will gain exposure to real-world climate projects, contributing to initiatives such as environmental awareness campaigns, social media engagement, and the Punjab Green School Certification Program, which assigns interns to adopt a school per district to implement climate-friendly practices. Each intern will also participate in a capstone project that links local actions to visible public outcomes.

Eligibility and Selection Criteria

The CLDIP is open to graduates between the ages of 20 and 27 years, holding a bachelor’s degree with at least 75% marks or equivalent CGPA. Candidates must not be employed or enrolled in another study program during the internship period and will provide a legal affidavit confirming availability.

The program emphasizes multidisciplinary recruitment:

• Environmental Sciences & Engineering: 60% of seats
• Business, Computer Science & GIS: 20% of seats
• Social Sciences, Arts & Humanities: 20% of seats

Applicants are selected through a transparent merit-based process, with district-wise and gender-wise merit lists, ensuring fair representation across Punjab.

Program Structure and Benefits

Interns will participate in five batches, each onboarding 250 interns with defined timelines and a competitive monthly stipend. The structured program includes:

• Field assignments and district-level deployment
• Supervised mentorship by environmental teams and designated officers
• Daily participation in a Learning Management System (LMS) with attendance verification
• Workshops and skill development sessions aligned with UNFCCC standards

Participants will also receive an official certificate of completion, enhancing their professional credentials while gaining practical skills in climate governance, policy implementation, and community engagement.

Real-World Impact and Alumni Network

The program is designed to produce tangible outcomes at the district level, linking local interventions to measurable environmental improvements. By combining training with actionable projects, the CLDIP aims to foster a new generation of climate leaders equipped to drive sustainable initiatives across Punjab.

An Alumni Network will be established to facilitate mentorship, knowledge sharing, and continued engagement in climate projects, ensuring lasting impact beyond the internship period.

How to Apply

Interested candidates can register through the official EPCCD portal, complete their profiles, upload required documents (CNIC, degrees, domicile), and submit their applications before the deadline. The program encourages youth from all academic backgrounds to step forward and contribute to building a green, sustainable Punjab.

By launching the CLDIP, Punjab sets a benchmark for youth empowerment in climate action, providing graduates a unique opportunity to translate education into real-world solutions while advancing the province’s environmental goals.