In the rapidly changing world of today, it’s no longer enough for students to simply master academic subjects. The youth of today need to be equipped with a wide range of contemporary skills—leadership, public speaking, critical thinking, and problem-solving—skills that will make them future-ready. City One Initiative, a national upskilling organization, was founded with this very purpose: to bridge the gap in learning essential 21st-century skills.
A Vision for Transforming Education
Founded in 2016 by Shivansh, the organization began as the City MUN Project, a platform that aimed to bring the Model United Nations (MUN) experience to students across India. With a vision to expand beyond MUNs and offer a wider variety of skills development opportunities, the organization rebranded in June 2021 as City One Initiative. The name change reflected its broader goals of upskilling youth for national and international representation.
Shivansh, a Computer Science engineering graduate and postgraduate in management from Nottingham University Business School, has always been deeply passionate about education and skill development. His entrepreneurial journey started with the belief that students need more than just academic knowledge—they need the kind of soft skills that empower them to excel in leadership, public speaking, and global communication. Through City One Initiative, Shivansh has curated a platform that offers young minds the opportunity to hone these critical skills and become confident, future-ready leaders.
The Core Offerings of City One Initiative
City One Initiative’s core focus lies in providing students with a variety of upskilling simulations, aimed at nurturing essential skills that are often neglected in traditional educational curricula. These simulations are designed to foster teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and leadership. The key events offered by City One Initiative include:
- Model UN Training and Conferences: These events provide students with a chance to experience the dynamics of international diplomacy and develop critical thinking, negotiation, and public speaking skills. Students engage in simulated UN sessions, representing different countries, and debating global issues. This experience helps them understand international relations, public policy, and global leadership.
- Bal Panchayat: An innovative initiative, the Bal Panchayat simulates the working of local governance by involving students in decision-making processes. It introduces them to leadership in a democratic context and encourages the development of governance skills, debate, and policy formulation.
- Youth Parliaments: In these events, students get a taste of parliamentary proceedings and gain a deeper understanding of government functioning. They engage in debates, make speeches, and present solutions to societal challenges, all while developing essential public speaking skills.
- Public Speaking and Leadership Camps: City One Initiative offers specialized camps designed to improve students’ speaking abilities, leadership skills, and self-confidence. These camps are meant to push students outside their comfort zones, allowing them to refine their communication skills and prepare them to take on leadership roles in their communities and future workplaces.
Through these programs, students are not only able to improve their skills but also gain the confidence to showcase their talents on national and international platforms. City One Initiative believes in providing students with a stage to shine and prepare for the global challenges they will face in the years ahead.
Impact on Students Nationwide
City One Initiative has had a remarkable impact on students across India. Since its inception, the organization has curated over 80 simulations at some of the most prestigious academic institutions in the country. More than 25,000 students have participated in these events, gaining valuable skills that will serve them throughout their careers.
Some of the most renowned educational institutions and organizations have partnered with City One Initiative, making its programs accessible to thousands of students. These include MGD Girls’ School in Jaipur, Maharana Mewar Public School in Udaipur, CHRIST University in Bengaluru, FDDI Kolkata (an Institute of National Importance), and Child Rights and You (CRY), one of India’s top NGOs focused on child rights.
By offering opportunities to a wide range of students from diverse educational backgrounds, City One Initiative has leveled the playing field, allowing more young people to gain skills that might have otherwise been out of reach. The organization’s work is truly national, impacting students across various states and helping them become leaders in their respective fields.
Aiming for Larger Goals: Upskilling 1 Lakh Students by 2024
The vision for City One Initiative extends far beyond the current scope. With a goal of upskilling 1 lakh students by 2024, the organization is committed to expanding its reach and increasing the number of students who benefit from its training. This ambitious goal is driven by the belief that equipping students with essential skills will not only help them thrive but will also play a crucial role in shaping India’s future.
Through its innovative simulations and programs, City One Initiative is addressing the critical gap in 21st-century skills that many students face. The skills fostered through its programs—critical thinking, problem-solving, leadership, and effective communication—are what will set students apart in the workforce, making them highly employable and ready to take on the challenges of a globalized economy.
The Path Forward: Innovation and Growth
City One Initiative continues to evolve as it works towards its larger vision. The organization is constantly innovating to provide new and engaging ways for students to learn and develop the skills they need to succeed. Whether it’s through creating new simulations or expanding into new regions, City One Initiative is committed to adapting to the changing needs of students and the job market.
The work done by City One Initiative goes far beyond just academic achievement. It’s about creating a generation of students who are well-rounded, confident, and ready to make an impact in the world. By providing a platform for young minds to grow, City One Initiative is playing a crucial role in shaping the future of India.
Some more stories
Wrapping up
City One Initiative is a beacon of change in the educational landscape. By offering upskilling opportunities and leadership development programs, the organization is helping students gain the skills they need to succeed in the global arena. With a vision to upskill 1 lakh students by 2024, City One Initiative is making strides toward a brighter, more capable future for India’s youth.
To learn more about City One Initiative and its upcoming events and opportunities, visit City One Initiative’s About Us Page.
Note:- Want to publish your Startup Stories, do contact us today.
What is City One Initiative?
City One Initiative is a national upskilling organization founded by Shivansh in 2016, which aims to enhance the contemporary skills of students across India. The organization provides a wide range of skill-building programs such as Model UN Training, Youth Parliaments, Bal Panchayat, and Leadership & Public Speaking Camps to prepare students for national and international platforms.
What kind of programs does City One Initiative offer?
City One Initiative offers various programs focused on skill development, including:
Model UN Training & Conferences: Helping students develop debating, negotiation, and public speaking skills.
Bal Panchayat: A simulation of local governance to teach leadership and policy formulation.
Youth Parliaments: Providing students with the opportunity to engage in parliamentary proceedings.
Public Speaking & Leadership Camps: Programs aimed at improving communication skills and leadership abilities.
Who can participate in City One Initiative’s programs?
City One Initiative’s programs are designed for students in schools and colleges across India. The organization works with a wide range of institutions to make skill development accessible to students from various educational backgrounds.
What is the impact of City One Initiative?
Since its inception, City One Initiative has impacted over 25,000 students by curating over 80 upskilling simulations. The organization has partnered with prestigious institutions like MGD Girls’ School, Maharana Mewar Public School, CHRIST University, FDDI Kolkata, and others to offer its programs to students across India.
What are City One Initiative’s goals for the future?
City One Initiative aims to upskill 1 lakh students by 2024. The organization is focused on expanding its reach and providing more opportunities for students to develop essential 21st-century skills such as leadership, public speaking, critical thinking, and problem-solving, which are key to their future success.