Environmental, Social, Governance and Sustainability.
Leveraging the power of youth!
The GELA is a 501(c)3 non-for-profit organization dedicated to addressing global sustainable challenges by leveraging the insights and expertise of our community. Our focus encompasses sustainable annual forums, sustainability risk management and impact investing, career development, fostering intercollegiate relationships, and producing student-driven research.
We assist student clubs in universities globally in raising awareness about sustainability concepts. Our aim is to inspire and empower students to take the initiative and actively participate in sustainability actions. By providing resources, guidance, and support, we help foster a culture of environmental responsibility and sustainable practices within academic communities.
What is GELA?
GELA Group and Global alliance
University Chapters Outlook
Core Platform
Highlight Events
2025 Columbia University Gloabl Sustainability Summit
New York, April 13, 2025 — The 2025 Global Sustainability Summit, hosted by the Columbia University Global ESG Leadership Association (CGELA), convened at Columbia’s iconic Low Memorial Library…
November 23, 2024
The First Gathering of the CGELA, PGELA, and GELC at NYU Alliance
On November 23, the management teams of CGELA, PGELA, and GELC at NYU, the strategic partner organizations of the Global ESG Leadership Association, gathered on the Columbia University campus for their first in-person meeting….
Apri 13rd, 2025
November 2, 2024
CGELA TALK Event Recap: Philanthropy, Impact Investing, and Youth Responsibility
On November 2, 2024, the Columbia Global ESG Leadership Association (CGELA) hosted an impactful discussion at Columbia University’s Lerner Hall on “Philanthropy, Impact Investing, and the Responsibility of Youth on the Path to …
Chairman Hu Zhirong of Kaixinrong Group Holds Dialogue with Ivy League Student Leaders
Sep 23rd, 2025
New York, September 23, 2025 — At the invitation of the Global ESG Leadership Association (GELA), Mr. Hu Zhirong, Chairman of Kaixinrong Group, visited Columbia University in New York and attended a closed-door dialogue themed “Strengthening International Youth Exchanges and Cooperation to Jointly Promote Global Economic Development.”…
GELA Delegates Shine Youth Voices on the Global Stage at the 2025 UN High-Level Political Forum (HLPF)
Jul 21-23rd, 2025
New York, July 21–23, 2025 — At the 2025 UN High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development in New York, GELA youth delegates Wang Yizun and Yuan Tianshu joined global leaders to highlight youth voices and contribute to advancing the 2030 Agenda and its 17 SDGs…
Beijing, July 13, 2025 — WAOSD and CGELA joined global youth and scholars to explore how education, action, and cooperation can empower young leaders to drive sustainable development…
GELA Partners with the World Academy of Sustainable Development to Advance Global Youth Action
Jul 13th, 2025
September 21, 2024
On September 21-22, under the leadership of GELA's founder and board members, Dazhong Wu and Ace Pai, along with University Chapter CGELA members Guanbiao Li, Yafeng Zhu, Ranqiu Xu, Zhulin Li, Peisen Han, and Xinyue Wang, the group participated in the United Nations' Summit of the Future 2024 series of events…
The Summit of the Future Action Days
On April 7, 2024, the Columbia Global ESG Sustainability Leadership Summit successfully hosted its inaugural ESG and Sustainability Leadership Summit in the grand and historic Low Library at Columbia University. The evening culminated with the CGELA's social dinner at the same venue, perfectly rounding off this festival of sustainability…
Global ESG Sustainability Leadership Summit
April 7, 2024
March 14, 2024
Hu Xiaofang discusses "The Spread of Chinese Culture through Digital Technology," highlighting how digital platforms and social media have revolutionized the way Chinese culture is shared and perceived globally…
Columbia University New York, NY
February 28, 2024
This Monday afternoon at 4 p.m., Mrs Nancy Chen, well-known as “New York Bamboo”, delivered an engaging hybrid lecture at Columbia University. During the session…
Columbia University New York, NY
March 7, 2024
Today marks Girls' Day, and CGELA has prepared 50 complimentary cups of milk tea along with an abundance of fresh flowers for the girls. We wish girls everywhere to embrace vitality, health, and happiness…
Columbia University New York, NY
February 26, 2024
Yesterday, members of our CGELA group had the opportunity to visit the United Nations, where we gained invaluable insights into the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)…
United Nations New York, NY
March 2, 2024
Despite the challenge of a torrential downpour, the seminar hosted by Joy from New Land Capital on the practice and application of ESG and sustainable development in the private real estate sector...
Columbia University New York, NY
February 4, 2024
On this day, CGELA held its first general meeting for the spring semester. We are thrilled to welcome many outstanding new members to our team in the new year. We look forward to...
Campus, Columbia University…
February 28, 2024
This event sounds extremely valuable and meaningful, especially for students facing visa issues and planning their futures. Lawyers Ran and Yu were able to answer students' questions in...
Columbia University New York, NY
“The best way to predict the future is to create it.”