Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Conference of Youth (OCOY) on climate change, a three-day event accredited by the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change and UN India, was inaugurated today at KT Global School in Khurda. Organized by the Youth4Water Plus campaign with support from UNICEF Odisha, the conference aims to equip young leaders with the knowledge, tools, and networks needed to drive impactful climate action.
OCOY 2024 is dedicated to amplifying the voices of Odisha’s most vulnerable youth, including those from tribal communities, fishing communities, poor farming families, and regions impacted by sea erosion, cyclones, and other climate-related challenges. The event is a platform for these young leaders to share their experiences, innovations, and ideas to inspire a broader movement toward sustainability.
In her address, Karina Malczewska, WASH Specialist at UNICEF India, emphasized the importance of youth involvement in climate dialogues. “As UNICEF, we strive to facilitate discussions on climate change and sustainability, amplify youth voices, and foster collaboration with various stakeholders. Our efforts have yielded tangible successes, with guidelines influenced by youth perspectives. Count on us to continue supporting your dialogues with authorities,” she said.
“As we gather for OCOY 2024, let us celebrate the achievements of young climate champions and reinforce our collective commitment to nurturing their potential,” she added. “UNICEF’s initiatives empower young people with the resources and platforms to make a significant impact.”
Sourav Bhattacharjee, Nutrition Specialist and Officer-in-Charge of the UNICEF Field Office in Bhubaneswar, highlighted the critical role of youth in addressing climate change. “The energy and passion of Odisha’s youth are our greatest assets in the fight against climate change. OCOY 2024 provides a platform for these young leaders to voice their ideas, share their innovations, and inspire a global movement towards sustainability,” Bhattacharjee said.
The three-day conference will feature discussions and dialogues on climate change and action, focusing on the key themes of OCOY 2024—Heatwaves, Coastal Economy, Pond Conservation, and Green Skilling. The event has drawn 150 youths from across the state, along with 15 to 20 experts and trainers from India and abroad. These participants, representing diverse backgrounds across gender, socio-economic status, and regions, will collaborate to develop grassroots climate action strategies and influence national policy.
Special emphasis has been placed on including participants from tribal indigenous communities, particularly the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), ensuring a broad spectrum of perspectives is represented. Seasoned professionals will offer guidance and mentorship, fostering an environment where voices from all corners of society contribute to meaningful dialogue and action.