Odisha: Emerging Climate Leaders Share Insights from COP29 

By Subrat Sarangi

Bhubaneswar, Dec 20: A dissemination meeting was organized today by Youth4Water Plus, with support from UNICEF Odisha, to share key takeaways and experiences from the recently concluded Conference of Parties 29 (COP29) held in Baku. The event took place at the Press Club in Bhubaneswar. 

In his address, William Hanlon Jr., Chief of UNICEF Odisha, underscored the pivotal role of youth in tackling climate challenges and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs. He stated, “Youth participation in global platforms like COP29 is vital for driving meaningful progress on climate resilience and sustainable development. UNICEF is proud to support initiatives like Youth4Water Plus, which empower young people to lead innovative climate actions. Their passion and creativity inspire hope for a brighter and more inclusive future.” 

The event spotlighted inspiring presentations by four young climate leaders from Youth4Water Plus—Stalin Nayak, Indumati Nanda, Punyasloka Panda, and Pritish Nayak—who represented the organization at COP29. They shared insights from the conference, emphasizing their innovative approaches to building climate resilience and promoting sustainable development. 

Youth advocate Punyasloka Panda remarked, “Attending COP29 was a powerful reminder that young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow but also change-makers of today. Through Youth4Water Plus, we demonstrated that local solutions can drive global impact.” 

Shipra Saxena, WASH-CCES Specialist at UNICEF Odisha, highlighted the significance of youth-driven initiatives, saying, “The journey of Youth4Water Plus exemplifies the transformative power of young leaders.” 

The meeting marked a milestone in youth-led climate action and advocacy for Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) in Odisha, reinforcing the vital role of youth engagement in addressing pressing global challenges. 

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