Youth4water Plus has achieved a significant milestone with the successful organization of the Odisha Conference of Youth (OCOY) 2023. This remarkable event brought together 150 young participants from all corners of Odisha, India, uniting their efforts to tackle urgent climate and environmental issues. In partnership with esteemed collaborators such as the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, UNICEF, UN India, Y20, G20 and the Animal Climate Health Save Movement, the conference gained paramount importance as it elevated awareness and spurred action on these critical concerns. What truly sets this conference apart is its distinctive emphasis on embracing a vegan lifestyle, a pioneering initiative that stands as the first of its kind in the State.
Distinguished figures graced the conference, including UNICEF Odisha Chief William Hanlon Jr, Dr. Lenin Mohanty, Chairperson of OTDC, Rtn. Jayashree Mohanty, District Governor, Rotary International 3262. The presence of prominent personalities from the Ollywood industry, namely Anu Choudhury, Naina Das, and Pritiraj Satapathy, added a touch of glamour and influence to the proceedings. The grand finale of the conference, the closing ceremony, was truly a momentous affair graced by the distinguished presence of Dr. Amar Patnaik, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha and Sh. Akash Das Nayak, Mo College Chairperson. This event undoubtedly marks a pivotal juncture in the pursuit of addressing climate and environmental challenges through collaborative youth engagement.
Day 1 of OCOY featured dynamic panel discussions led by youth champions with focus on diverse facets of climate and environmental concerns. Archana Soreng, Former Member of United Nations Secretary General’s Youth Advisory Group on Climate Change highlighting the symbiotic relationship between nature and humanity. She conveyed a pivotal message: Indigenous youth hold the potential to intertwine cultural resurgence with climate action. By preserving ancestral practices and synergizing them with modern approaches, they can devise holistic solutions that tackle climate change impacts while safeguarding their cultural heritage.
The session on “Storytelling for Change: Leveraging the Power of Youth Narratives to Influence Policy and Action in Odisha” unearthed the transformative power of narratives, bridging gaps, evoking emotions, and triggering resolute action.
The panel discussion on “Integrating Youth Action for Climate Empowerment into Nationally Determined Contributions” commenced with an overview of NDCs’ significance in global climate action, emphasized on the urgency of involving youth in their formulation and implementation and delved into ways to seamlessly infuse youth participation into NDC processes.
Screening of the documentary “Maa Ka Doodh” by award winning director Dr. Harsha Atmakauri provided a platform to the youth for engaging in discussions about the ethical, cultural, environmental, and societal dimensions of dairy production and consumption, offering potential solutions for a sustainable industry.
This was followed by a panel discussion on “UN/Government Processes on Climate Action – Global Context on Youth and Climate Action and Roadmap to COP” which delved into the significance of involving youth in international climate processes, youth-driven initiatives that have helped in bringing tangible changes in policy, and public discourse, strategies for effective partnerships, knowledge exchange, and youth-led initiatives that complement global climate action efforts.
A thought-provoking panel discussion on “Green Jobs and Skilling – Climate Change Policies at the National Level” was held to explore the symbiotic relationship between economic progress, environmental stewardship, and the transition towards a low-carbon economy. Each panelist provided a holistic perspective on the subject, ensuring a comprehensive exploration of its various dimensions. The discourse further explored avenues for engaging and empowering youth to take the reins of leadership within the green economy. Nuggets of wisdom regarding mentorship, youth-driven initiatives, and the pivotal role of education in inspiring forthcoming generations to spearhead climate-conscious economic shifts were generously shared.
The stage was then set for Thematic group discussions on the themes of- Extreme weather events, Biodiversity conservation and Water scarcity. Guided by seasoned experts from these fields, the youth came together to exchange their discoveries, insights, and recommendations. An interactive dialogue unfolded among the participants and experts and as the discussion unfolded, it became apparent how addressing one challenge often ripples positively across others. The participants were encouraged to carry the garnered wisdom forward, fostering collaboration that paves the path to a more sustainable future. Notably, this event heralds the commencement of the OCOY Youth Statement drafting process. The final statement was then read out in English, Odiya and Hindi that statement encompassed the perspectives, concerns, and proposed solutions of the young participants regarding the identified themes. The statement aimed to be a powerful call for action and change
