Youth4Water Plus Launches OCOY 3.0 to Mobilize Odisha’s Youth for Climate Leadership

Bhubaneswar: In a strong move to strengthen youth-led environmental action, UNICEF-led Youth4Water Plus announced the launch of the third edition of the Odisha Conference of Youth (OCOY 3.0) and the Young Climate Leaders Action Project (YCLAP 3.0) in Bhubaneswar on World Environment Day. The event marks a significant stride towards nurturing young changemakers to tackle climate challenges at both local and global levels.

The announcement was made in the presence of Karthick V., IFS, CEO of the State Medicinal Plants Board and PD of the Odisha Bamboo Development Programme, and renowned Odia film actress Anu Choudhury, who jointly inaugurated the event. The gathering brought together a cross-section of environmental experts, youth leaders, development practitioners, and public figures who echoed a shared commitment to climate resilience and sustainable development.

Set to be held from August 9–11, 2025, in Bhubaneswar, OCOY 3.0 promises to be a landmark event that aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The conference will provide a platform for young voices from across Odisha to engage in meaningful dialogue, contribute actionable climate recommendations, and participate in local solutions to global problems. Through a blend of workshops, field visits, and youth-led presentations, the initiative will build capacity on issues related to water, sanitation, hygiene (WASH), and climate change.

Speaking at the event, Karthick V. emphasized the critical role of youth in environmental stewardship. “Youth have a crucial role in advocacy, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Whether it’s addressing human-wildlife conflict or developing bamboo-based livelihoods, we need their energy, creativity, and commitment to drive sustainable solutions,” he said, encouraging young participants to actively engage in research and fieldwork.

Highlighting UNICEF’s efforts to elevate youth participation, Shipra Saxena, Specialist, WASH & CCES, UNICEF Odisha, said, “Youth4Water Plus continues to provide young leaders with the space to contribute to climate policy discourse. Through OCOY, we are not only shaping grassroots leadership but creating pathways for these voices to reach global platforms like COP (Conference of the Parties).”

Actress Anu Choudhury, known for her advocacy on social issues, urged the youth to lead by example, starting with eco-conscious practices in their daily lives. “Young people must rise to the occasion—not only in conversations but also in actions. Their involvement in environmental decisions and leadership at the community level is vital to the future we all share,” she remarked.

During the launch, the 20-member OCOY 3.0 Committee was officially introduced. These youth representatives from diverse districts will be at the forefront of planning and executing the conference, facilitating discussions, coordinating field activities, and presenting final recommendations to key stakeholders.

The event also featured remarks by Sujit Mahapatra, director of the Bakul Foundation, and youth leader Stalin Nayak, a former COP participant, both of whom praised the growing momentum of youth climate activism in Odisha.

With OCOY 3.0 and YCLAP 3.0, Odisha continues to take bold steps to empower the next generation of climate leaders, ensuring that young voices shape the narrative of environmental sustainability for years to come.