3-Day OCOY On Climate Change Kicks Off In Odisha Capital

Bhubaneswar: A three-day Odisha Conference of Youth (OCOY) on climate change was inaugurated in Bhubaneswar on Wednesday. The event has been organised by the Youth4Water Plus platform with support from the Union Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Ministry, Y20, G20, the Animal Climate Health Save Movement, and UN agencies.

Addressing the participants, William Hanlon Jr, Chief of the UNICEF Odisha Field Office emphasised the role of young people in climate action.

“UNICEF is involved in advancing intergenerational climate action. UNICEF has an unwavering commitment to fostering the active engagement of young individuals as vital contributors to finding solutions for climate change. By recognising the pivotal role of empowering children and youth, UNICEF underscores their crucial involvement in driving climate action,” he said.

“Climate action is not a burden, but an opportunity, it is a chance to redefine how we live and to carve a new path, one that leads to a sustainable and resilient future for all,” he said.

Joining the event virtually, climate activist Archana Soren said, “Climate action is intrinsically linked to the participation and leadership of indigenous communities in decision-making processes locally, nationally, and globally. I believe that indigenous people should be leaders in climate action”.

Anmol Sovit, Chairperson of Y20, conveyed his excitement regarding the collaboration with Youth4Water Plus. He remarked, “The conference’s resonance with our values underscores the youth’s resolute commitment toa sustainable planet.”

OCOY has set a remarkable precedent as the first-ever vegan conference in the State. This unique approach not only aligns with the conference’s central theme of environmental sustainability but also underscores the pivotal role dietary choices play in mitigating climate change.

Over 150 youths from across Odisha participated in the 3-day  conference