Youth-Led Climate Action Movement Gains Momentum with Launch of OCOY 2026 in Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar: Marking World Environment Day with a strong focus on youth engagement in climate action, the Odisha Conference of Youth (OCOY) 2026 was officially launched at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Friday. The initiative aims to create a platform for young leaders, policymakers, climate experts, development partners and changemakers to collaborate on building a sustainable and climate-resilient future for Odisha.

Organised by Youth4Water Plus, a youth platform supported by UNICEF, the event unveiled the official logo, theme and application portal for OCOY 2026, setting the stage for one of the state’s largest youth-led climate movements.

Addressing the gathering, UNICEF Odisha Chief of Field Office Prasanta Dash highlighted the critical role of young people in tackling climate challenges. He said youth are not merely participants in climate action but powerful drivers of change whose ideas, innovation and leadership are essential for creating resilient communities and safeguarding the future.

A major highlight of the programme was the announcement of the OCOY 2026 Youth Committee and the recognition of Youth Climate Champions, who will lead awareness campaigns, advocacy efforts and community-driven climate initiatives across Odisha.

Padma Shri awardee and Hockey India President Dr. Dilip Kumar Tirkey urged young people to take leadership in environmental protection and sustainable development. Emphasising discipline, teamwork and collective responsibility, he called upon the youth to actively contribute towards building a greener and more environmentally conscious Odisha.

The event also featured addresses by noted Odia actor Anu Choudhury and Dr. Ramesh Chandra Behera, Deputy Secretary, National Service Scheme (NSS), Higher Education Department. Both speakers stressed the need for greater youth participation in environmental governance and climate-related decision-making.

A video presentation showcased the evolution of OCOY from 2023 to 2025, highlighting its growth into a vibrant platform nurturing young climate leaders across the state.

Organisers noted that Youth4Water Plus has emerged as one of Odisha’s most dynamic youth movements, engaging nearly five lakh young people across diverse communities. Against the backdrop of increasing climate risks, OCOY 2026 seeks to provide a forum for young people to exchange ideas, showcase innovations, influence policy discussions and develop practical solutions for climate resilience.

The programme concluded with a collective call to action, encouraging young citizens to become ambassadors of sustainability and work together towards a greener, healthier and more climate-resilient Odisha.