Big recognition for Odisha: Tribal girl Archana makes it to UN body

By Swagatika Bhutia

BHUBANESWAR, JULY 29: Archana Soreng, a tribal girl from Odisha, has been selected as one of the seven members of the Youth Advisory Group on Climate Change of the United Nations. Her name was announced by Secretary General of the United Nations, António Guterres, as a part of the UN Youth Strategy.

Ms Soreng and other members will regularly advise the UN Secretary General regularly on accelerating global action and ambition to tackle the worsening climate crisis.

Archana Soreng belongs to the Khadia tribe of Sundergarh district. She has done her Masters degree in arts in Regulatory Governance from Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai. She is currently working as a research officer in the country’s leading development organisation Vasundhara.

“It is because of the struggles and sacrifice of our ancestors, family that I have been able to get education and come so far. I feel youths of tribal and forest dweller communities are important stakeholders and have a significant role to play in combating climate crisis. We youths have to assert collectively our voice to protect the mother earth. Having got the opportunity to be part of the UN process, I will put forward the voice of youths on climate,” said Archana.

Sharing details about the 24-year-old tribal girl, Y Giri Rao, director of Vasundhara, said; “Archana is carrying with her experiences of participation and interactions at national global platforms on issues pertaining to natural resource governance and climate crisis.”

“Archana’s writings have been published in many reputed journals. She is actively involved in the indigenous youth groups to preserve, document and promote the traditional Knowledge and practices of tribal communities. She is keen on learning tribal dance and music and enjoys ethnic delicacies,” said Mr Rao.

The other selected members of the Youth Advisory Group are Nisreen Elsaim (Sudan), Ernest Gibson (Fiji), Vlaidslav Kaim (Moldova), Sophia Kianni (United States), Nathan Metenier (France) and Paloma Costa (Brazil).