Environmental, Social, Governance and Sustainability.

The Global ESG Leadership Association (GELA) is a New York–registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to empowering youth and advancing global sustainable development. With its headquarters in New York, GELA connects students, universities, industry leaders, and cross-boarder institutions to drive meaningful action toward the SDGs.

GELA traces its origins to CGELA, its predecessor and a core component of the broader GELA ecosystem. CGELA was conceived in December 2022, when a small group of graduate students from Columbia University came together late one night in New York, united by a shared conviction that young people must play a more active role in shaping global sustainability solutions. Building on this initial vision, GELA was formally registered in the State of New York in June 2023, and in December 2023, it was officially recognized as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization, marking its transition from a student-led initiative into an independent, institutionally governed nonprofit platform.

GELA operates through three core pillars: the University Chapters Alliance, the AC Accelerator, and the SustainX Institute. Our university chapters across leading global campuses foster sustainability awareness, leadership development, and cross-campus collaboration. The AC Accelerator supports early-stage, impact-driven ventures through incubation, mentorship, and global investor networks. The SustainX Institute serves as GELA’s research arm, producing insights on cutting-edge technology, climate resilience, and sustainable innovation.

Through global forums, UN-affiliated dialogues, student-led projects, and research initiatives, GELA provides platforms that unite young leaders with experts and decision-makers. We work to equip students with the knowledge, networks, and opportunities needed to contribute to a more sustainable and equitable future.

GELA’s vision is to build a connected global ecosystem where youth play a central role in shaping sustainability solutions. By integrating education, research, and innovation, we aim to nurture responsible leadership and accelerate progress toward a more resilient world.