Become active champions for climate action: UNICEF MP Chief calls upon youth

Correspondent

NewsBits.in

BHOPAL:William Hanlon, Chief of Field Office, UNICEF Madhya Pradesh, has called upon youth to move beyond awareness and become active champions for climate action through innovation, sustainable lifestyles, and community engagement.

Delivering a keynote address at a event titled ‘Youth for Climate Action’, Hanlon said, “Climate change is no longer a distant threat- it is our daily reality. We must hold ourselves and one another accountable and act now to protect our shared future.”

The event was a youth-driven dialogue organised by the Environmental Planning & Coordination Organisation (EPCO), in collaboration with UNICEF Madhya Pradesh to mark World Environment Day 2026. The theme of the dialogue was   "Inspired by Nature, for Climate, for Future."

The dialogue brought together young people, students which included young people from Dhar, Dewas, Indore and Betul, change makers on child protection from Bhopal, and Bharat Scouts and Guides, and climate advocates to discuss environmental challenges and solutions for a sustainable future.

The programme featured interactive activities, discussions, and presentations focused on climate change, environmental conservation, and youth-led action. Participants reflected on the impacts of rising temperatures, water stress, and changing weather patterns across Madhya Pradesh, while exploring nature-based solutions and sustainable practices.

Addressing the gathering, Lokendra Thakkar, Head of Knowledge Centre, EPCO, highlighted the importance of collective responsibility in protecting the environment.

He said, “Nature and the environment are not merely a heritage we inherit; they are a trust placed in our hands. We have a responsibility to protect and preserve them for future generations, not simply exploit them for our own benefit.”

Anil Gulati, Communication Specialist, UNICEF Madhya Pradesh, emphasized the need to create platforms that empower young people to lead climate action and drive positive change in their communities.

He urged participants to adopt simple yet impactful habits, saying, “Let us begin with two resolutions today- say no to plastic and save water. Small actions, when taken together, can create lasting change.”

During a presentation on World Environment Day, Ananya Ghoshal, WASH Specialist, UNICEF Madhya Pradesh, spoke about the links between climate change, environmental sustainability, and the well-being of children and young people.

The event concluded with an open discussion during which participants shared ideas and personal commitments related to climate action, biodiversity conservation, waste reduction, and water conservation. A young volunteer from Dhar spoke about conserving water at home, while another participant from Bhopal highlighted the environmental footprint of digital technologies and the importance of responsible consumption.

Narendra Singh Chouhan WASH officer, UNICEF, RJ Anadi, Purwa Rai, Jyoti Dubey, Ojaswini Tripathi, Shambhavi Shukla and Saswat Nayak were also part of the meeting. The meeting concluded with the plantation of saplings at the EPCO Knowledge Centre, reinforcing the vital role of youth leadership in building a greener, more climate-resilient future.