In a resounding testament to Ghana’s growing leadership in global environmental governance, Prince A. A. Sadat, President & Country Director of Future Leaders Model United Nations, Ghana, has completed the prestigious Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) course on Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) of Development Projects at the Environmental Protection Training & Research Institute (EPTRI) in Hyderabad, India.

Nominated by the High Commission of India in Accra through Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Prince Sadat joined a distinguished cohort of 37 professionals from 24 countries across three continents.

His leadership was quickly recognised as he was elected Cohort Leader during the opening ceremony, presided over by Shri. Ahmad Nadeem, IAS, the Principal Secretary to the Government on Environment Forest Science & Technology (EFS & T) & Director General EPTRI, Gov't of Telangana.

In his leadership role, the African Education Awards’ 2022 Best Student in Law and 2021 Best African Student & Student Leader of the Year, presented a compelling academic paper titled “Mainstreaming Climate Justice in Environmental Impact Assessments: A Case for Vulnerable Communities in West Africa”, which was adopted for discussion.

He also delivered the cohort’s official closing remarks, which advocated for inclusive and context-sensitive environmental assessment models that protect marginalised populations from climate-induced vulnerabilities.

Notably, Prince A. A. Sadat is currently pursuing a PhD in Justice, Law, and Criminology at American University in Washington, DC.

His doctoral research examines the impact of global climate financing mechanisms on Indigenous governance structures, with broader interests in human rights, environmental law, intersectional justice, technology, and the governance of marginalised communities.

His academic interests span climate action, hate crime prevention, gender justice, Indigenous rights, and comparative governance in both global and local contexts.

The EPTRI training aligns strongly with his PhD research and deepens his practical and scholarly engagement in climate governance and justice.

The two-week program, organised by the Ministry of External Affairs of the Government of India under its South-South Cooperation framework, provided rigorous training on a broad spectrum of sustainability and governance issues, including pollution control, environmental health, resettlement and rehabilitation, ESG frameworks, water resource management, and the gender impacts of development planning.

Participants also took part in technical field visits, cultural immersion activities, and hands-on lab sessions. Speaking about the experience, the 2023 Akufo-Addo Youth Inspiration Icon of the Year winner commended the “exceptional hospitality, academic excellence, and holistic program design,” and expressed particular gratitude to Dr. J. Rajeshwar, ITEC Programme Coordinator, for his commitment to the initiative's success.

In a Facebook post, Prince Sadat underscored the importance of regional cooperation and called for stronger integration of climate justice in development policies.

“This training has reaffirmed my resolve to advocate for policies where the planet and people are protected together. As young leaders, we have a responsibility to move from ambition to action, and I am returning to Ghana ready to do just that,” he stated.

As part of his closing recommendations, he proposed that future editions of the program include enhanced fieldwork and thematic focus tracks such as urban resilience, biodiversity, and social justice.

He also expressed his profound gratitude to the High Commission of India in Ghana, particularly, H. E. Mr. Manish Gupta, High Commissioner, Mr. Sunil Kumar, the Second Secretary, and Mr. Coujo Feighan Stephen.

Prince Sadat’s participation in the ITEC program adds to his already growing influence as a climate advocate, legal scholar, and youth leader.

Under his leadership, the Future Leaders Model United Nations-Ghana continues to promote global citizenship, youth diplomacy, and sustainable development.

His successful participation in this high-level training affirms Ghana’s standing as a critical voice in Africa’s sustainability agenda and highlights the importance of empowering youth in shaping global environmental governance.