UNICEF MP Chief calls for empowering young people to lead climate-resilient initiatives

Senior Correspondent

NewsBits.in

BHOPAL: A workshop on youth engagement on climate action was held at Water and land Management Institute (WALMI), Bhopal, in partnership with UNICEF. It underscored the critical role young people play as change-makers.

Delivering the keynote address, William Hanlon, Chief of Field Office, UNICEF Madhya Pradesh, highlighted the urgency of collective climate action and the importance of empowering young people to lead climate-resilient initiatives.

In his address to young people at the meeting Hanlon said that “Youth are change makers for climate action. We have one earth and there is no plan B, we need to act now and take actions to save earth”

Sarita Bala Om (IAS), Director, WALMI, also addressed the participants and contextualized the climate crisis as a governance and development challenge, stressing the need for informed youth engagement in shaping sustainable futures.

Speaking on youth as torchbearers of climate advocacy, Anil Gulati, Communication Specialist, UNICEF Madhya Pradesh emphasised the power of youth voices in influencing change and climate action.

He engaged with youth on steps they can take by refusing and reducing things which impact on climate and spoke on repurposing materials which become waste.

Setting the broader context for climate change and youth engagement, Narendra Singh Chouhan, WASH Officer, UNICEF, encouraged students to move beyond awareness and actively participate in climate-positive actions at institutional and community levels.

Vivek Bhatt, Associate Professor, WALMI Bhopal, highlighted the interconnectedness of climate change with water security, livelihoods, and social equity, and encouraged students to adopt an interdisciplinary and solution-oriented approach

A dedicated session on water conservation, sustainable use, and safety was led by Ravindra Pare, Rural Water Supply Consultant, PHED, while Saswat Nayak, Consultant with UNICEF facilitated the session. 

Throughout the day, students engaged enthusiastically, raising thoughtful questions such as how youth can be involved in curbing climate change, influencing policy, adopting sustainable lifestyles, and mobilising communities. 

Interactive activities, quizzes, and group work further strengthened participation and peer learning. The workshop concluded with group discussions, feedback, and a climate pledge, outlining post-training engagement and encouraging participants to carry forward learnings through environment clubs, advocacy initiatives, and community action plans.