One of the key goals of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is gender equality and women empowerment, which makes complete sense, considering these phenomenons are of vital importance to accelerating progress in our world. Hot on the heels of India’s #MeToo movement, which is raising awareness about the problems women face in the workplace and shining the spotlight on the perpetrators of sexual harassment, comes another piece of good news for Indian women.

Manasi Kirloskar, executive director and CEO, Kirloskar Systems Limited, has just been appointed as the first United Nations in India Young Business Champion for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As part of her new role, the emerging young business leader will be responsible for focusing on the role of business in development, and will also work with the UN on issues such as climate change, plastic and waste management, and women empowerment.

A graduate from The Rhode Island School of Design, she worked with Toyota Kirloskar Motor for three years before launching Toyota Material Handling Private Limited. One of her first projects after graduation was to set up as a 300-bed multi-specialty hospital in a joint venture arrangement with a Japanese hospital chain—she worked with specialised materials to build a vibrant environment to aid the healing process at Sakra World Hospital in Bengaluru. And today, one of her latest initiatives is a residential complex, and she has a commercial project in the planning stages too. Kirloskar is also the managing trustee and CEO of Caring with Colour, a non-profit initiative that promotes classroom learning through the arts and activities focused on exploration and innovation.

When asked about her new role, Kirloskar said, “With privilege comes responsibility and social accountability. I am honoured and inspired by this opportunity to work with the UN as their first Young Business Champion. The SDGs present a unique opportunity for [the] industry to participate in India’s growth story for generations to come. Businesses have the potential to become catalysts and accelerators of sustainable development. Through my work here, I look forward to amplifying this message amongst all young business leaders, whether employed, or employers in start-ups themselves.” Kirloskar will now not only help in driving the objectives of the UN India Business Forum, but is also expected to inspire other young leaders and garner their support to achieve the SDGs.