August 10th 2024.
The city of Bhubaneswar was abuzz with excitement as the three-day Odisha Conference of Youth on climate change kicked off. Organized by the Youth4Water Plus campaign and with support from the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) Odisha, the event was inaugurated at the KT Global School in Khurda on a sunny Friday morning.
The main focus of the OCOY-2024 conference was to give a platform to the voices of the state's most vulnerable youths. This included young individuals from tribal, fishing, and farming communities, as well as those living in areas impacted by sea erosion, cyclones, and other climate challenges. The goal was to amplify their voices and bring attention to the issues they face on a daily basis.
During the opening ceremony, Karina Malczewska, the WASH specialist for UNICEF India, spoke about the organization's efforts to promote dialogues on climate change and sustainability. She emphasized the importance of collaborating with various stakeholders and giving youth a platform to share their ideas and solutions.
As OCOY-2024 commenced, Malczewska urged everyone to celebrate the achievements of young climate champions and to reaffirm their commitment to supporting and nurturing their potential. The conference was attended by around 150 young individuals from different parts of the state, as well as 20 experts and trainers from both India and abroad.
The participants came from diverse backgrounds, representing various districts, genders, socio-economic statuses, and rural and urban regions. Together, they would work towards developing grassroots climate action strategies and influencing national policies. Special attention was given to including individuals from tribal indigenous communities, particularly those who are considered to be the most vulnerable.
OCOY-2024 was not just a conference, but a platform for young individuals to come together, share their experiences, and collaborate towards creating a better future for themselves and their communities. With their voices amplified and their potential nurtured, these young climate champions would surely make a significant impact on the world.
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